AMERICAN HOT RODDER BOYD CODDINGTON TAPPED AS NATIONAL SPOKESPERSON FOR O\'REILLY AUTO PARTS

    /24-7PressRelease/ - LOS ANGELES, CA, July 12, 2005 - It was announced today that legendary hot rodder Boyd Coddington, who can be seen weekly in the hit television series, American Hot Rod, will be the new national spokesperson for O'Reilly Auto Parts to promote its retail chain in more than 80 U.S. markets. Radio spots begin airing Monday, July 11, 2005 in such cities as Atlanta, GA, Columbus, OH, Dallas, TX, Louisville, KY, New Orleans, LA, and Oklahoma City, OK.

"I'm thrilled to be representing an automotive retail chain offering quality products for auto enthusiasts," said Coddington. "We've used O'Reilly Auto Parts for years and have always been pleased with their products and service."

Television spots featuring Boyd Coddington and Duane Mayer, shop supervisor for Boyd Coddington's Garage, which began airing in April, can be seen in select markets on the USA Network, MTV, ABC, and of course, the Discovery Channel.

"We are very fortunate to be teaming up with Boyd Coddington for what we hope will be a long term partnership," says Ron Byerly, Vice President of Advertising, Marketing and Training for O'Reilly Auto Parts. "Boyd is a legend in the automotive industry and we are proud to have him as our company spokesperson. His originality and commitment to excellence in everything he does exemplifies the O'Reilly culture."

American Hot Rod, airing on Discovery Channel (Fridays 10:00 pm E/P) draws millions of fans each week to watch legendary hot rodder Boyd Coddington and his staff as they conceptualize, design, build and unveil a continuing lineup of cutting-edge hot rods.

American Hot Rod is produced by Pilgrim Films and Television with Craig Piligian as executive producer. For the Discovery Channel, Mark Finkelpearl is executive producer.

About Boyd Coddington Hot Rods and Collectibles
Based in La Habra, California, Boyd Coddington Hot Rods and Collectibles is home to legendary hot rodder, Boyd Coddington. Throughout the course of his career, Boyd has created cars for such luminaries as ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons and Van Halen Bassist, Michael Anthony. His most recent build was the Bud Light Roadster, which is currently touring the nation. He has won countless awards, including the Riddler Award, 7-time winner for America's Most Beautiful Roadster, and Builder of the Year at the annual Grand National Roadster Show. Additionally, the Smithsonian magazine featured the first car, hot rod or otherwise, on the cover. Boyd Coddington Hot Rods and Collectibles not only produces up to 15 hot rods each year, but also manufacturers more than 100,000 signature wheels per year. For more information please visit: www.boydcodington.com or www.billetgear.com.

About O'Reilly Auto Parts
O'Reilly Auto Parts is one of the largest specialty retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment and accessories in the United States, serving both the do-it-yourself and professional installer markets. Founded in 1957 by the O'Reilly family, the Company operated 1,286 stores within the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia as of March 31, 2005. For more information please visit: www.oreillyauto.com.

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