SEMA show 2007

My friend Remi and I went to the SEMA show il Las Vegas this november. We did'nt get the chance to talk to the Chip'ster but we spotted him every now and then. Of course we saw him at the Overhaulin' tent.


Here I am with this years Overhaulin' build!




Here's a picture of how the was when they started. It was kustomized in one week...



Here's Chip's rendering...




Here's Chip and the car after a few days...













Here I am with the pinstriper Chip use on Overhaulin'























Chip and Chris the host of Overhaulin' signing at SEMA! I was in line for getting autographs but all of a suden they stopped. that was a big bummer. Close but no sigar...






Remi and me with Charley Hutton! The great painter from Overhaulin' and ex Boyd....








Here's me and another big car builder! The one and only Troy Trepanier! Great guy!!

Foose interview on SEMA 2007

Jay Leno & Chip Foose Interview

Foose on FOOSE!

In a relatively short career, I have created a legacy of designs and accomplishments that are well beyond my years. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara California and automobiles were definitely in my blood. My first job was working for my father's company where I specialized in project design. By age twelve, I already had five years experience under my belt, and had also painted my first car; a Porsche 356. Early on, a chance meeting from Alex Tremulus, the designer of the "Tucker", was actually my motivation to attend Art Center, where I majored in automotive product design and graduated in 1990 with honors. My career profile is staggering; in 1986 I was Staff Designer/ Fabricator for the Asha Corporation, eventually becoming director of design in 1989. I was responsible for conceptualizing new proprietary ideas and fabrication of prototypes for the O.E.M.'s Other work has included: Stehrenberger Design as an automotive designer, creating colored illustrations and conceptual models, Baker Sportronics, as chief designer and fabricator of both models and prototypes of electric vehicles to be used in the NFL and NBL, and of course, going to work with my father and Project Design, designing and building street rods, customs, studio vehicles and show cars for films such as Blade Runner, Robo Cop, and Gone in 60 Seconds, which featured "Elinor". November 1990 brought about the beginning of a relationship with Boyd Coddington and Hot Rods by Boyd, becoming a full time position in 1993, which lead to Managing Director where I eventually became the President of Hot Rods by Boyd. Also i am widely acclaimed for my "Boyd Look" design and creative skills, was responsible for many internationally known vehicles such as: Roadster, Sportstar, Boydster I and II, and Boyd Air to name a few. My venture with Boyd however, ended in 1998. At this time me and my wife Lynne started our Huntington Beach, California based company Foose Design, an automotive and product design Development Company. My company specializes in illustration, graphics, ideation model making, surfacing and complete construction of automobiles and automotive related products. These products are available to private individuals, television, film and the automobile manufactures. In November of 1997, I was inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame at Peterson Publishing's 50th anniversary held at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada. This induction made history for me, being the youngest member ever inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame at the age of 31. In 1998, I was honored at the SMRA banquet and was the first recipient of the Good Guys Trendsetter Award, once again creating another historic moment in the Hot Rod industry. In 1999, I won the prestigious AMBR (America's Most Beautiful Roadster) Award at the 50th Anniversary of the Grand National Roadster Show with Fred Warren's "Shock Wave". Similarly, in 2000 I won the AMBR again with Chuck Svatos' "0032". Overall, I have been involved with six different AMBR winners, including the 1995 winner the "Smoothster", the 1996 winner "Boydster", the 2001 winner "Impact" (designed by me and finished by Barry White), and the 2003 winner "Boydster II' (designed by me and finished by Bobby Alloway). The new millennium also meant new endeavors for me. In January of 2000 I signed a licensing agreement with MHT Luxury Alloys, allowing me to start the production of Foose Wheels. The Millennium was proving to be quite prosperous. I won the coveted 2002 "Ridler" Award at the 50th Anniversary Show of the Detroit Autorama with Bob and Wes Rydell's 35 Chevy Master, otherwise known as the "Grand Master". The year of 2002 was very exciting for me as I was inducted into the Darryl Starbird Rod & Custom Car Museum Hall of Fame. The end of the year closed with a bang for me and my highly acclaimed staff at Foose Design when the Discovery Channel filmed a documentary, which aired repetitively on the TLC network in March of 2003. The documentary featured several of my award winning vehicles, but the show's focus was to give the viewers a chance to witness my visionary talents come to life with a re-design of the 2002 Thunderbird. The redesigned Thunderbird otherwise known as the "Speedbird" received another award for me, as it made its debut at the 2002 SEMA show in Las Vegas, where I was presented the "Best of Show" award from Ford Motor Company. The year 2003 was equally exciting for me. I was honored once again with an induction into the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame. This year was filled with enthusiasm, especially when I received a second "Ridler" award at the Detroit Autorama, which featured Ron Whitesides 34' Mercury Stallion. 2003 came to its pinnacle when I embarked upon a new venture, designing clothing and accessories featuring many of his award winning cars. Throughout the course of my career I have been honored to receive the Good Guys Street Rod of the Year Award seven times, and my cars include: 1990 a 32 two door sedan, 1991 a 29 two door sedan and 40 delivery for Dick Mattiolli, 1995 a three window coupe for Bud Simes, 1997 a 39 Chevy Coupe built by Troy Trepanior of "Rad Ride by Troy" named the "Predator", 1999 a 54 belvedere also built by troy at "Rad Ride by Troy" named the "Sniper", and last but not least, in 2001 I received the Good Guys Street Rod of the Year Award featuring the "Grand Master". 2004 proved to be as exhilarating as the past years, I have started a television series called "Overhaulin", which began airing on the TLC network late April of 2004, please check your local programming for details. 2005 opened with me being inducted into the San Francisco Rod and Custom Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Me and my wife Lynne reside in Southern California with our two children, son Brock; born September 1st 1999, and daughter Katie; born February 16th 2004.

The HemisFear sold!

The HeimisFear was sold a Barret-Jackson for $330.000,- !!




















INAUGURAL PUBLIC SALE OF THE HIGH-POWERED FOOSE COUPE TO TAKE PLACE AT THE BARRETT-JACKSON PALM BEACH AUCTION
Palm Beach, Fla. - March 13, 2007 - Rights to the first Foose Coupe available to the public will be sold at No Reserve during the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event from March 28-April 1, 2007, in Palm Beach, Fla. Penned by renowned designer Chip Foose, the Foose Coupe is the ultimate super car, muscle car and hot rod combination. On Wednesday, March 28, Barrett-Jackson and Unique Performance will unveil the Foose Coupe to the Palm Beach audience during the Opening Night Gala. The fifth annual Palm Beach event will feature over 600 of the world's most exclusive collector automobiles, approximately 100 lifestyle vendors and 17 hours of coverage on speed.
"Chip Foose has rocked the automotive industry with another groundbreaking design, and we're thrilled that he has chosen to unleash it at the Barrett-Jackson auction," said Craig Jackson, CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "From the outrageous carbon fiber body to its Indy car-like chassis, this hot rod is unmistakably Foose. And with only 50 of these open wheeled, hot rod-esque cars available to the public, the winning bidder is assured exclusivity."
The Foose Coupe's elite carbon fiber monocoque cabin is mated to a modular steel space frame and planted to the pavement with a suspension by Hotchkis, Koni coil-over shock absorbers and a 6-piston Baer Brake system. The mid-engined coupe is powered by a Mopar Hemi V8 engine, capable of an estimated 550 horsepower and 520 pounds of torque. All Foose Coupes will be constructed by MetalCrafters, Inc. and available through Unique Performance.
Additional standard accessories include air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote, illuminated push button start, tilt steering column, billet steering wheel, billet pedals, optional exposed carbon fiber interior trim, leather seats and interior surfaces. The car also features retractable door and rear quarter glass, optional glass roof, hidden exterior door release, LED exterior lighting, pistol grip shifter, side view mirror-mounted turn signals and custom 18-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) Pirelli tires.
"I've had this car in my sketch book for years," said Foose. "I originally designed it in 1990 when I was a student at Art Center College of Design, as a project to respond to a niche market; instead, it created a market of its own. People often ask me to describe my dream car, and the Foose Coupe is my answer. It's a 16-year dream that has become a reality."
The prototype, which debuted in October 2006 at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, will be prominently displayed throughout the event. The winning bidder will receive a personal consultation with Foose at his Huntington Beach, Calif., build shop to select specific interior and exterior schemes and colors. The final car will be delivered within 16 weeks of the sale.
"The winning bidder of the Foose Coupe will be buying an automotive masterpiece and an experience of a lifetime," added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. "Not only will he or she receive the first model available to the public, they will also get to interact with Chip and choose their modifications with the master himself."
Barrett-Jackson continually reaffirms its leadership position in the collector car market by elevating consignment standards, challenging annual records and serving as the barometer for market trends. Last year, more than 275,000 attendees and millions of television viewers from around the world witnessed over 1,600 cars being auctioned off for approximately $135 million at the two 2006 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Events held in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Palm Beach, Fla.


Oh I wish it was me...

Foose Coupe!!

I was there!!

Mothers Ad!

Courtney Hansen!!

Say no more...

Overhaulin' theme!

Cars That Tell a Story, by Design

Cars That Tell a Story, by Design

Each one of Chip Foose's vehicles has a unique inspiration. An exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum puts it all in context

People tend to look back on their lives as if composed of periods: my college years, my 20s in San Francisco, my first marriage. Chip Foose is no different, though he defines those periods by cars. "All of the cars that I have worked on represent a block of time in my life," says the 41-year-old custom car designer, hot rod fabricator, and creative force behind Foose Design. "There is a story or memory behind each of them."
Foose's stable of award-winning creations include modern interpretations of timeless classics, many hand-built from the ground up, all of which will be brought together for the first time at Chip Foose: From Pen to Pavement, an exhibition that opened at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles on Mar. 25.
Visitors will be able to see cars such as the Impression, a coupe inspired by the styling of a '36 Ford, and 1930s European models that won the 2006 America's Most Beautiful Roadster Award. "Almost every piece is hand made, fabricated from scratch", says Foose of the Impression, which has one-of-a-kind wheels and a skin of formed sheet metal.
AUTO ART. The fleet of cars will be displayed along with full-scale plywood frames, sketches, and clay models that break down Foose's creative process and fabrication methods. The effect is an exhibit that educates, entertains, and enlightens.
"I went digging through my archives and cleaned up the clay models and molds in order to show how a car is started and finished," says Foose. "I don't consider these relics of individual design steps to be art; they are tools that lead to the final product." It's the finished car, he says, that is the art.
Without a doubt, the vehicles that roll out of Foose's Huntington Beach, Calif., shop are a notch above most other customs. The Foose team -- which stars in the TLC reality television show Overhaulin' -- excels at illustration, graphics, ideation, modelmaking, surfacing, and the complete construction of automobiles and related products.
IN THE GENES. Foose cars can be compared to the classic autos shown at events like the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and indeed, Foose would like to see his creations displayed there. "My cars consist of all original fabrication, just like the coveted antique models did back then," he says. "And since most of the pristine examples at Concours d'Elegance shows are completely restored, there is almost no difference between what I make now and what the antiques have turned into after the restoration process."
Foose started drawing when he was just three years old, and at seven started going to work with his father, Sam Foose, a hot-rod legend in his own right. "All of my interest is based on my childhood experiences in the shop with my dad," recalls Foose. Years later, Foose attended Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Calif., studying alongside J Mays and Chris Bangle, now chief designers at Ford (F) and BMW, respectively.
At one time, Foose was almost lured to Ford himself. "It would have been a career, not a lifestyle," says the designer, who enjoys the personal side of creating cars for specific people and seeing those cars 5, 10, and even 20 years later at shows and industry events.
ACROSS ERAS. Foose is better off on his own, and not just because he believes cars should be made to last instead of conforming to the industry-standard five-year product lifecycle. Within the corporate world of the Big Three, a designer's creativity must co-exist with red tape, cost-cutting, and marketing trends. "I never really look at trends," says Foose. "Our cars take years to build, and if I worry about trends, I am not being true to myself."
What is impressive about the body of work on show at the Petersen Museum is its originality and breadth. Foose claims not to have a favorite era of car design, saying that "different elements of each time period are integrated into my designs." It's worth noting, of course, that Foose enjoys a high level of design freedom because he doesn't have to move 50,000 units. "A car needs to fit the individual who owns it," he says. "If they like what I have created for them, then I have done my job."
The designer wouldn't mind working more closely with the big auto makers, though. "I would like to see a brand like Lincoln or Cadillac collaborate with well-know coach builders to create and sell unique, high-end rolling chassis that sell without a body, like the French brands [Bugatti, Talbot-Lago, etc.] used to do," he says. "Let's bring some classy brands back into prominence, like the good old days."
Schwartzapfel, a certified car freak, writes BusinessWeek Online's "Concept of the Week" column. He has studied the automotive marketplace and worked as an advertising/marketing strategist for major manufacturers. He does not write about any car brands for which he currently works

Foose Design and Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters Shop Tour

Design and Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters Shop Tour

Chip Foose & Unique Performance Build Limited Edition HEMI-Powered ’70’s Plymouth Challengers















SO WHAT if gas prices are breaking one record after another, if people want muscle cars, then that’s what they’ll get. Just a few months after Chrysler’s Challenger Concept came to life, Chip Foose & Unique Performance announced their plans to unveil a limited edition run of a "Foosed up" 1970’s Plymouth Challenger. Equipped with the iconic Hemi V8 and a 5 speed Auto trans, the Foose (re)designed classic Challenger will be shown to public on June 15th, with production following next month.
Press Release: A new line of limited edition supercars based on the 1970 HEMI Challenger from Unique Performance and Foose Design will stoke the imaginations of MOPAR fans worldwide. The two companies will turn a limited number of the Plymouths into world-class performance machines with ultra-cool design and 21st century speed technology. The prototype will be completed by June 15, 2006, and production will begin in July. Unique Performance is the premier manufacturer of signature series American muscle cars, trucks and motorcycles.
“The response to our Foose ’69 Camaro was fantastic, which led to an outpouring of requests for a similar car from MOPAR fans,” said Unique Performance President and CEO Douglas Hasty. “Our 1970 Challenger program is designed to fulfill those wishes with a very, very small run of an even more exclusive MOPAR. Working with Chip, our team will turn a handful of these vintage muscle cars into pink slip winning, Z06 eating supercars.”
The team will transform 1970 and 1971 Challengers with contemporary wheels, engines, suspensions, transmissions and interiors. Each Foose Challenger will be clad in DuPont’s Hot Hues™ custom finish and have a sleek custom interior. Either a 347 c.i.d. HEMI small block or a 426 c.i.d HEMI big block can be mated to the TKO 5-speed transmission. The car will feature a Unique Performance Parts rear suspension, 4-wheel disc Wilwood Brakes, Foose 18” wheels and BF Goodrich tires. Styling cues include Foose emblems, a custom front grill, shaved bumpers and custom hood. Each car will have a unique serial number for documentation purposes.
“I’ve always loved the lines of the ’70 Challenger,” stated Chip Foose. “It may be the quintessential American muscle car from that period. We’re adding contemporary speed gear and updating the Challenger’s style to redefine the vintage car as the ultimate limited edition MOPAR.”
Award-winning Chip Foose penned the Foose Challenger. He is the creative head and driving force behind the respected automotive and product development company Foose Design. Headquartered in Huntington Beach, Calif., it specializes in illustration, graphics, ideation model making, surfacing and complete construction of automobiles and automobile-related products.
“Nobody does it better than Unique Performance and Chip Foose,” added Hasty. “Every car is a piece of art that is equally at home on the track, street or a Concours. With sizzling design and supercar capabilities, the new HEMI powered Foose Challenger will rocket past the pretenders on the road. It’s the ‘bad to the bone’ MOPAR that fans have wanted for the last 35 years.”

21 Questions with Chip Foose brought to you by: JL Full Throttle

It's an honor to talk with the folks at Joes Diecast Shack. I always enjoy talking to the fans of the show and my work. This has been a really exciting time creating the new Foose diecas tline with the JL Full Throttle Team. It's a dream come true for me to be able to share replicas of my designs with my son and my fans.

On to the questions:

On your show Overhaulin', how do you get the cooperation of the local authorities when you "steal" the cars? Has there been an occasion when you stole a car and the owner called the police?

Chip: In the early episodes of Overhaulin, Yes, they were reported to the police, and it took some "fast talking" to set things straight. Now, we've made friends with most of the local authorities and the various police departments work with us and have a lot of fun with the show.

2. Is there any chance you are going to take your show (Overhaulin') on the road? Into other states, so your fans outside of California might get to see a car, Overhauled?

Chip: Our original plan was to take the show on the road in Season One and Two. Between Seasons Two and Three, Discovery Channel took ownership of the show and decided to keep the "steals" to Southern California, but we are planning several shows where we will be traveling to different states in the near future. I can't tell you where yet, but we'll be knocking on people's doors saying "Your car's going to get Overhauled!"

3. Ever consider doing a Big Rig on the show?

Chip: My original intent for Overhaulin' was to take cars, boats, planes, motorcycles, and transportation in general, but since there were other shows with motorcycles and trucks as the subject, the show was limited to cars. I'd love to overhaul a big rig - it would be a huge job, but I'd love to do it someday.

4. Have you ever been asked to do a '57 Ford F100 on Overhaulin? They are kind of an "ugly duckling", but when built right they look as awesome as any 56!

Chip: Discovery Channel does the final picks, and if they choose a 57 on the show - and I believe a 57 has been submitted, I'll be glad to overhaul it.

Editor's Note: All cars are picked by Discovery Channel / TLC. They must all be submitted through overhaulin.com

5. About the die-cast, are there plans to take all of the actual cars and shrink them down to diecast size? Some of them are absolute dreams. Especially the Comet Convertible. Not just because it was the car I rode home from the hospital in after I was born...

Chip: As long as collectors keep buying the line, we'll keep on making them! So, keep on buying them and we'll bring your favorite one to ya'!

Editor's Note: The JLFT Team has many new models comingKeep checking out Joes as well as JLFULLTHROTTLE.com and myspace.com/jlfullthrottle

6. Will your 56 Ford F-100 Truck, The '56 Nomad, the ford Model A hot rod or even Bud's own 69 Mustang make it into the line

Chip: Of course, I'd like to see all of those cars recreated in the die-cast line, but if they aren't, there are still a lot of dream vehicles that can be built and while we're at it, hopefully make a lot of people's dreams come true.

Editor's Note: The '56 Nomad is on it's way and at least one of the others exists in an early production stage!

7. Have any of the big name auto companies approached you yet, to do a "Foose" model of a production car? Is this something you would be interested in or are you more interested in smaller 1 on 1 projects?

Chip: I am in negotiations with several OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) - can't tell you who at this point - to create a special project. One OE is getting serious about an entire lineup of vehicles. I'll know soon.

8. There are a bunch of guys who'd like to see more rubber and smaller wheels and an equal number who like 'em large. At the shack we always get a few hard questions, So tell your fans about how you choose your wheels and tires.

Chip: It's all about proportions to me. I think small wheels make the body look smaller, but that's ok if you're trying to hit a specific era. Technology has allowed us to go forward, and there's no question that a larger diameter wheel makes the vehicle drive and ride better, plus, I think the larger wheels look a lot cooler.

9. What about White Walls and do you dig "Rat Rods"?

Chip: White walls are very cool and I really like rat rods. If fact, I'm building one now called P-32 which will be in die-cast. It's an extreme rat rod based on the theme of WWII war birds such as the P-38. It will be debuting at this year's SEMA. It's something that I've been dreaming about for 11 years, and finally found the parts to build it.

Editors Note: On Overhaulin', Chip has used white walls on 2 vehicles, can you name them?

10. What custom elements define a Hot Rod for you? What makes the car more than just "customized" and What takes a car to the "next level"?

Chip: I like to say there are no rules in hot-rodding. I can't tell you what elements make a hot rod, so it's whatever you do and as soon as you personalize a car - that's what makes it a hot rod to me. It's not that I'm not interested in the performance aspect, what's important to me is how it looks proportionally. For me, the starting point is wheels, tires and stance. If you get a car down with those three elements, it looks like a hot rod. It could be completely stock underneath. So again, the minute you set rules, you put an end to something. You always have to keep your mind open to new ideas.

11. What is your everyday driver? Is it something you've created or something driven straight off the lot?

Chip: My everyday driver is an '05 Ford F150 which is available in diecast now. It's been a fun vehicle. We hand-built chrome moldings, did the bigger wheels and tires, narrowed the rear bumpers, lifted the front bumpers. I also have a '69 Camaro and my '02 T-Bird I call the Speedbird. It has a little speedster-type one-piece wrap around 9" tall windshield.

Editors Note: The Speedbird was featured on the very first episode of Rides. You may still catch it in reruns on TLC.

12. What is your favorite car that you've created or Overhauled?

Chip: My favorite car is always my next one. The are two reason for that answer: First, is that it keeps us excited for what's coming up and secondly, it keeps people from being offended and no one says, "Well why isn't my car your favorite?". I love all of them.

13. Do you have a favorite rare car or dream car?

Chip: I can't say that I do. I'm a fool for cars and I fall in love with what's in front of me...cars only!

14. Chip, I'm a bit of a Mopar fan,, so here goes; What's your favorite from Chrysler Corp. that you HAVEN'T done?

Chip: You're going to see the JL Full Throttle Hemisfear shortly) and that will be my favorite Mopar, and I hope it will be the favorite of a lot of Mopar fans too.

Editors Note: Check out JLFULLTHROTTLE.com to get the full story and behinds the scenes epics and video of the creation of the JLFT Hemisfear. It will be making it's world premier on October 31st at SEMA in Las Vegas!

15. Have you ever done or are you ever planning to do a '49 Merc

Chip: Yes. I have worked on a few '49 Mercs and I'm working on a proposal for a celebrity right now that could be a real fun project using late-model Mercedes Benz parts with a V12 in the Merc in the coolest Merc you could build. Could be a two-seater because the celebrity is VERY tall. That's all I'm saying!

16. What about some early Chrysler cars like those from the 30's 40's and 50's?

Chip: I still think the '70 Cuda is one of the coolest Chryslers ever built as well as the early Belvederes and Imperials - just some outstanding design work done back then. I've also got some cool vehicle coming up that is inspired by the 50's Chryslers.

17. And lastly on the car questions, I have a soft spot for the old economy cars from the early and mid 70's. have you every thought about doing up an old Gremlin, Vega, Pinto, Maverick or even one of the old rear drive Datsuns or Toyotas?

Chip: I really want to do a Pinto on Overhaulin'. I think it would also be a lot of fun to do a Gremlin, or Pacer or some of these crazy cars we remember as kids.

18. What is the process someone would need to follow to get you to draw a design idea for a vehicle (in this case a '68 GMC Truck, late 60's early 70's Australian Ford Falcon). Many people would love to try and build one of your designs


Chip: I used to do a lot of drawing for people on the outside, but I've been so busy with Overhaulin' and the JL Full Throttle die-cast line and other projects that I'm no longer taking any outside design work because I have no time to do so. Now that I have two kids, I'm devoting time to them, so I'm telling everyone no artwork until I'm finished with the TV show.

19. How old were you when you started customizing/designing cars?

Chip: I sat next to my father when I was three years old and copied whatever he was drawing - not too many people know he's an artist as well - until I was actually drawing better that he was and he just let me take over when I was about 17 year old. I still sit down with my dad when I'm drawing with him and we go over things together and as a team we come up with some cool things. When I was seven, I was going to the shop and building with him and to this day my dad still is my hero. He has more skills and fabrication talent than anybody I know and I still learn a lot from him.

20. What types of toy cars did you play with as a kid and did they influence your line of work today?

Chip: When I was a kid, my dad worked for AMT model kits and a lot of cars they built were for model kits or as Hot Wheels. I remember him driving the real cars home then bringing the models of the cars home and I'd play with those. When I worked at Boyd's, it was a continuation of my childhood and at the time, Boyd was building the coolest cars on the planet and I said to Boyd "we've got to make these into models or die-cast" and I got in touch with Larry Wood and he started to build a few. Now, with RC2 and JL Full Throttle building the Foose cars, it's really a dream come true and I can't tell you how wonderful it is to come home and hand them to MY son. That's a real continuation of my childhood.

21. Do you still have any of them today?

Chip: I still have most of my toy cars from my childhood.

22. Does your son have a passion for Cars? Real ones or Toys?

Chip: My son seems to have a passion for cars - the real one as well as the toys, and dinosaurs too! Brock is a super-creative kid and he gets me to draw dinosaurs driving cars. So if you ever see that combination in die-cast, you'll know where that idea came from!

23. Have you ever been into collecting die-cast cars?

Chip: Yes I have been and I still do. I have a TON of die-cast. The one thing I've always done is to tear open my die-cast and play with them - even though everyone says to leave them in the package. Mine are all scratched up!

24. You built a life size car based on a scale model once, is there any other fantasy car (or real car even) that you would love to try your hand at? What catches your imagination?

Editor: Oops! Between a number of phone calls Chip needed to answer, and
Foose's busy shop activity, this question got lost in the shuffle. Sorry!

25. What excites you about your line of die-cast from JL Full Throttle? What part(s) of the process do you enjoy/work on.


Chip: Building new friendships. That's the coolest thing for me. I'm having a lot of fun doing this. With this line, we're doing cars that are real, and in the future, we'll be building cool dream cars that are really exciting. The JL Full Throttle team and I work together sometimes I say, "Yeah, let's do that", or sometimes I say "let's try this". It's all a part of the process that makes it a lot of fun.

26. Artwork, Many of the fans asked about your artwork please answer these questions about your incredible skills:

a: Do you do a drawing for every car?

Chip: Yes. . I don't think of my drawings as art, but merely a tool to build the art, which is the real car.

b. How long does it actually take to do a drawing like those we see on Overhaulin'?

Chip: Most of the Overhaulin' cars are quick, an hour and a half to two hours. The originals belong to my son!

c. What kinds of materials do you use in your work, paper, pens, pencils, markers etc.

Chip: Whatever I can find. The majority of my art tools are maker paper, ad markers, colored pencils, gauche, and whatever it takes to make it look like a real car.

d. Is your artwork available to the public? If so where can we get it and can we get it with the die-cast cars?

Chip: That's very possible to do and we'll be looking into this. In the meantime, some of the prints are available at FooseDesign.com.

That's all the time we had with Mr. Foose!

Chip: Enjoy collecting and hopefully, we'll keep bringing out things you'll enjoy! This all comes to you from JL Full Throttle and Joesdiecastshack.com!

WATCH the complete video-taped interview with Chip, soon to be posted on www.JLFullThrottle.com!

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Exclusive Chip Foose Interview - Sport Truck

Sport Truck Goes In-Depth With the Man Himself



If you do not know by now, Chip Foose is the man when it comes to designing and building custom vehicles. He is a living legend that is on the quest for the ultimate build. He is always looking forward and striving to put out the finest quality vehicles around. And unless you've been living under a rock or in a deep cave, then you should already know the extent of his workmanship.

This month, Sport Truck spent many hours working on our feature story, covering the complete buildup of the Overhaulin' Napa truck. We camped out in the garage, while Chip and his team of fabricators turned a plain delivery truck into a blown modern-day pro-street terror. Foose was the chief designer of this crazy Chevy S-10 project that was fully revamped on the latest episode of the television show. During that time, we watched a man who is not only an excellent customizer but a natural leader, corralling a team of 30 to achieve the unbelievable in just seven days.

Foose has had an incredible career so far that has included several prestigious awards, such as the AMBR (America's Most Beautiful Roadster) and inductions into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame and Rod and Custom Motorcycle Hall of Fame. We wanted to gain some in-depth information on Foose and his design work, so we called our contacts and managed to get a chance to talk to Chip and find out the story in his own words.



Here is the interview!

Sport Truck: Who originally got you into cars and trucks and can take credit for your hands-on interest?

Foose: My father who liked to draw and started his own shop in Santa Barbara, when he was 14. I watched him, and from age 3 on up, I started drawing with him, and it led me to building when I was 7 years old.

Sport Truck: How would you describe your design style?

Foose: Timeless. I like to build vehicles with good design that are not trendy.

Sport Truck: What is your favorite color to paint a vehicle?

Foose: I don't have a particular color that is my favorite. I generally pick a color that fits the needs of the car and owner. Each owner has a character that I go along with and tailor to their needs. The color is not the statement, the design comes first.

Sport Truck: What was your favorite vehicle that you have built?

Foose: The next one. I am always trying to make my client happy and expanding from there. If you go backward, you are getting lazy.

Sport Truck: What difficulties have you run into with your career?

Foose: That you are only as good as your clients. Limitations are how far your client will let you go.

Sport Truck: What have you learned from your experience in the business?

Foose: Teamwork. Everyone needs to get along and have the same goal. It's all about the different personalities that pull together for the same objective. I always want to use professionals who are having fun building something that they like.

Sport Truck: What do you think was the key to your success?

Foose: It's going to show if the builder loves what he is doing or not. For me, it would be loving what I do. You can't see it as another job or the quality of the work will show that in it. I choose my builders by those who are passionate about working on their projects.

Sport Truck: What advice would you give someone who would like to build and design vehicles like yours?

Foose: Follow your heart, as I have done throughout my career.

Sport Truck: How old is your son, and is he influenced by you in the same way you were by your father?

Foose: My son Brock is 6 years old and is extremely into cars and likes to draw. I don't take him to my shop, and I haven't put him to work either, but eventually I can see him being influenced by me, like I was by my father.

Sport Truck: What vehicle would you build if given unlimited money?

Foose: At the time when I was working for Boyd, I tried to build something with a European flavor. I would build something with a Mercedes or Bugatti influence. A design like that would be like my "Hemisphere" design that I came up with in 1990, when I was at Art Center. It was a rendition of the modern early '30s coupe with a fast-back, and when you looked through the back glass, you would see a 426 Hemi with a Pantera trans axle. When I drew it at Art Center, one of its renderings went to Chrysler and was developed into the Prowler. But, I always wanted to build my coupe version of it. Now, RC2 (Racing Champions/Ertl) is now helping me fund the build of the car as a cross-promotional vehicle. It should be done and debuted at the '06 SEMA Show along with RC2's die-cast version of it.

Sport Truck: How are things with you and Boyd?

Foose: Boyd has chosen to not have any relations with me, since I stopped working at his shop.

Sport Truck: Why did you stop working for Boyd?

Foose: Everyone always asks me why I quit working for him. That is not true. The truth is that I simply lost my job there. Back then, Boyd's company was publicly held, it went bankrupt, and I was forced out of there. After that, it took me 3 1/2 years to recover and gain a good crew again. I enjoyed what I was doing there and thank him for my experience that I have gained from his shop.

Sport Truck: How did you get involved with Bud, the producer of Overhaulin'?

Foose: I met Bud a year before Overhaulin'. He came to me as he wanted to do a show on cars but had nothing to come up with. I pitched him the idea of a show based on building cars for the SEMA Show. He sold the video to the TLC network, which became Rides, a show that is basically a video magazine for the automotive enthusiast. With his success with that, I went to him with the idea of a Monster Garage–style of show with real cars built for real people. In the end of the show, I wanted the cars to be appreciated and not just stored away. In a sense, they would really serve their purpose, and it was Bud's idea to steal the cars, which just added to the realism and drama.

Sport Truck: In what aspects has the show benefited you?

Foose: Meeting different people and developing their talents in a project. During the time with the show, we have created a system to fully restore a car in seven days. We have a list, and we break up the several stages and assign everyone to do a part. In the first few shows, it was a different crew every week and going through these times we saw people on the crew that we liked and asked them to stay and they have become full-time regulars.

Sport Truck: Where do you end up spending most of your time?

Foose: If I'm not at Overhaulin' or at my shop, I'm at home with my wife and kids. I don't get to spend hardly enough time with my family as I would like to.

Sport Truck: How often do you do the show? What is your scheduling like at that time?

Foose: In our third season, we are doing three episodes in a month. It is very tiring because after the shows I am beat and want to take time off, but then I have to go back and play catch-up at my shop.

Sport Truck: Has this affected how you run your shop?

Foose: It has definitely affected how I run the shop. It means that I am out for a long period of time, and I have to make people accountable when I am not there.

Sport Truck: What is it like when you finish a vehicle for someone on Overhaulin'?

Foose: In the end there is nothing better than the feeling of making these people's dreams come true on the show.

Sport Truck: Thanks for talking with us, Chip.

Foose: Thank you.

There you have it. Twenty minutes with the one and only Chip Foose. He is a very busy man and it was difficult to catch him for an interview, but our staff would like to personally thank him for his contributions to this issue.

Award-Winning Auto Designer Chip Foose!

This is a blogg with focus on the worlds best automotive designer:
Chip Foose, the renowned designer behind some of the most famous vehicles of the past decade and the star of the popular TLC series "Overhaulin'.

Bacground
Foose began working on automobiles at age seven for his father's company (Project Design). Encouraged by Ford and Preston Tucker designer Alex Tremulis, Foose started to attend the Art Center College of Design in 1982, however dropped out after two years due to financial difficulties. After working for four years at ASHA Corp., Foose returned to the Art Center to complete his education. After graduating in 1990, Foose worked full-time for Sterenberger Design and part-time for Boyd Coddington. In 1993, Foose resigned from Sterenberger to work for J Mays at Ford, however Coddington was able to convince Foose to work for him instead. Working for Coddington full-time, Foose eventually became the president of Coddington's company Hot Rods by Boyd. While working for Coddington, Foose designed many of Coddington's well known creations such as the Boydster I and II. In 1998, with Hot Rods by Boyd facing bankruptcy, Foose resigned his position and with his wife Lynne started his own automotive and product design company called Foose Design in Huntington Beach, California. Foose gained more exposure in 2003 as a result of a TLC documentary on his design and creation of a modified 2002 Ford Thunderbird called the Speedbird. In 2004, the TLC program Overhaulin' began to air with Foose as the star of show. As of 2006, Foose continues to operate Foose Design, star in Overhaulin', and provide design consultations to the Big Three automakers. Foose and his wife live in Southern California with their two children Brock and Katie.

Honors and Awards
Foose has won widespread recognition for the excellence and originality of his automotive designs and creations. In November 1997, Foose became the youngest person to be inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame. Additionally, Foose was inducted into the Darryl Starbird Rod & Custom Car Museum Hall of Fame in 2002, the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame in 2003, and the San Francisco Rod and Custom Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2005. Foose has also won the following awards for his work:

America's Most Beautiful Roadster Award in 1995, 1996, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2006. Some of these cars were designed by Foose and completed by other builders including such as Boyd Coddington, Barry White, and Bobby Alloway.
Detroit Autorama Ridler Award in 2002, 2003 and 2005.
The Good Guys Street Rod of the Year Award in the years 1990, 1991, 1995, 1997, 1999, and 2001.

Trivia
In April 2006, Foose unveiled a quarter-scale model of the Hemisfear Hot Rod, a custom coupe he will create with sponsorship from toy company JL Full Throttle. The public unveiling of the full-size Hemisfear occurred at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in November 2006.
Episodes of the Discovery Channel TV show American Hot Rod indicate that a fierce rivalry exists between Foose and his former boss Boyd Coddington.

Chevrolet Rolls Out Chip Foose Tahoe for MTV Awards

A 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe concept customized by Chip Foose will make its red-carpet debut on August 31 at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards.



The concept showcases what General Motors describes as "classic Foose details," including a black powder-coated billet grille. Foose lowered the Tahoe and applied a two-tone paint job of silver birch and black with a thin Tangier orange stripe along the top of the door cladding.

Exterior features include Foose badging, dual stainless steel exhaust tips and chrome side molding. Inside, the Tahoe includes a stainless steel instrument panel and the Foose logo stitched into the headrests and stamped onto the door sill plates.

The event will also feature a customized fleet of 60 E85 SUVs. The fleet includes 2007 Chevrolet Tahoes, Suburbans and Avalanches. The vehicles are decked out with a custom billet grille, 2006 MTV Video Music Awards badging, Chevy wheels with Goodyear Eagle tires and chrome center caps, and a special cover trailer hitch receiver (on Tahoes and Suburbans only).

The vehicles will go on sale after the show at Chevrolet dealerships in the New York area. A commemorative plaque will be included with each sale.

What this means to you: Awards shows are becoming auto shows, judging by the effort put into them by automakers and customizers.

2007 “Foose Stallion” Mustangs Available

Chip Foose didn’t just put his name on the 2007 Foose Mustang, he put his heart and soul into it. He drew the concept sketches. Sculpted the clay. Helped design and spec every stitch in the custom interior and every pavement-ripping performance mod. The first production custom ponycar is named Foose Stallion which will be available in both coupes and convertibles.



The very first Foose Stallion Mustang was presented to Sam’s Club member Jay Benzingerat (who won the rights to be the first owner in an online auction) by Chip Foose in a celebration on June 20th. Since then, shipments of these custom Mustangs have been making their way to dealerships across the country.

Foose Stallion Coupe and Convertible




2007 Foose Stallion Specifications
Foose designed body with a modified hood, side molding, revised grille, fascias, custom side marker lights, side “C” pillar scoops, etc.
Rear aerodynamic spoiler
Optional custom graphics using DuPont’s Hot Hues finishes
Foose designed 20” custom aluminum wheels
20″ ultra high performance Z-rated tires
Racing inspired front and rear coil springs, shocks, dampers and rear sway bar
Baer Brakes front calipers (optional); Eradispeed cross drilled rotors front and rear
Ford Racing Performance Parts high flow Axleback exhaust with mufflers
Custom embroidered seats with dash & trim enhancements

Available Options
Custom two tone scheme
Custom racing stripes available in black or silver
Convertible

Late 3Q Options
Ford Racing Supercharger system with custom hood scoop; Est. HP 425
Ford Racing “Power Pack” which includes cold air induction and ECM recalibrated for premium fuel; Est. HP 345
Baer Brakes Foose engraved front calipers with 14″ front rotor
Sequential tail lights

Exterior Colors
Performance White
Satin Silver
Torch Red
Black
Vista Blue

Interior Colors
Dark Charcoal
Black/Dove
Light Graphite
Black/Red

Designer Chip Foose join the MotorCity Casino

Chip Foose, the renowned designer behind some of the most famous vehicles of the last decade and the star of the popular TLC series "Overhaulin'," has joined MotorCity Casino's expansion project as a design consultant.

During his relatively short career, Foose has created a legacy of design accomplishments that are well beyond his years. He has built award-winning hot rods and some of the most revered vehicle and product designs of the last decade, including signature street rods, customs, studio vehicles and show cars for such films as "RoboCop," "Blade Runner" and "Gone in 60 Seconds." He has won numerous awards, including three of the last four Rittler Awards, the most prestigious all-around honor in hot-rodding. He has also been the recipient of the Good Guys Street Rod of the Year Award seven times. In 2005, he was inducted into the San Francisco Rod and Custom Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

"We are very excited that Chip has agreed to partner with MCC on our expansion project. His auto design roots bring a unique artistic perspective tot he project that will illustrate America's romance with the he automobile" said Gregg Solomon, CEO of MotorCity Casino.

Foose has consistently defied design norms. His role in the design of the MotorCity Casino and Hotel will continue this tradition. The expanded casino property will contain "must see" design elements for all visitors to the area," said Rhonda Cohen, COO of MotorCity Casino. "We believe we have captured the very best of Detroit's history, coupled with a vision of the best of Detroit's history, coupled with a vision of the best that is yet to be realized."

The 17-story, 400 room hotel tower and parking structure are expected to be completed in 2007.

MotorCity Casino is owned and operated by Detroit Entertainment, L.LC. MotorCity Casino's temporary facility is a four-story casino with two main floors of gaming as well as a third floor non-smoking gaming area and a fourth floor highlimit area.

Two live entertainment venues, four restaurants and parking for 3,500 automobiles round out the lineup to provide a fun, exciting and sophisticated entertainment experience.

Foose Design Hot Hues for NASCAR's #24

Our family history and the stories handed down through many generations are replete with examples of engineering and design skills not always supported by the availability of formal education, but there nonetheless. In the coal country near Scranton, PA, long before the times of CAD and detailed designs based on drawings and slide rules, a family member designed and built a conveyor system for the mined coal coming out of the ground. The story goes that the design was done in the person’s mind more than on paper, and the construction accomplished entirely under his guidance.

The story below is about another member of the family, distantly related though he may be.

FOOSE DESIGN #24 Hot Hues

Foose Design

Founded in 1998, Foose Design is an automotive and product development company directed by legendary designer and fabricator Chip Foose. Headquartered in Huntington Beach, Calif., the company specializes in illustration, graphics, ideation model making, surfacing, and the complete construction of automobiles and automobile-related products, including its unique line of Foose Design wheels. Its products and creative services are available to private individuals, television and film companies, and automotive manufacturers.

“Chip Foose is well known for his artistry and innovation, and he has produced yet another amazing-looking machine to add to his extensive repertoire of custom vehicles” said Fred Wagenhals, Action Performance’s chairman, president and CEO.

Chip Foose and his Foose Design team can be seen on the popular new Discovery Channel series Overhaulin’ that airs weekly on TLC, or visit the company Web site at www.foosedesign.com for more information. Visit Motorsports Authentics website at http://www.action-performance.com