Where Chip Foose cars actually come from

Chip Foose is a car designer and builder whose custom vehicles appear on the TV show Overhaulin'. Most of his cars are one-of-a-kind builds created for specific clients or for television episodes. They do not come off an assembly line, and Foose does not run a dealership where you can walk in and buy inventory.

If you want to own a Chip Foose car, you have three realistic paths: buy one that was built years ago and is now resold on the used market, commission a new build directly from his shop, or buy a vehicle that was featured on Overhaulin' after the episode aired. Each path works differently, costs very different amounts, and involves different people.

Key Takeaways

  • Chip Foose builds custom cars one at a time for clients and television; he does not sell new cars through dealers or online marketplaces.
  • Used Chip Foose builds appear occasionally on specialty car auction sites and high-end used car listings, usually priced between $50,000 and several hundred thousand dollars depending on the build.
  • Commissioning a new build from Foose Designs requires contacting the shop directly, and timelines typically run 12 to 24 months with costs starting well into six figures.
  • Cars featured on Overhaulin' are sometimes offered for sale after the episode airs, usually through auction houses that specialize in custom vehicles.
  • Verifying that a car is actually a Chip Foose build requires documentation from Foose Designs or the original build records, not just a seller's claim.

Finding used Chip Foose builds on the resale market

When a Chip Foose car changes hands years after it was built, it typically appears on specialty auction sites rather than regular used car lots. Mecum Auctions, Barrett-Jackson, and RM Sotheby's are the three largest auction houses that handle high-end custom vehicles, and they post their upcoming sales online weeks in advance. You can search their catalogs by builder name or browse their custom car sections.

Prices for resold Foose builds vary enormously depending on the year the car was built, its condition, how famous the build is, and whether it appeared on television. A Foose custom from the early 2000s might sell for $60,000 to $150,000. A more recent or particularly elaborate build can reach $300,000 or higher. The auction house listing will include high-resolution photos, a detailed description of the build, and the estimated price range before bidding opens.

Before bidding or making an offer, ask the auction house or seller for documentation that proves the car was built by Chip Foose or his shop, Foose Designs. This might be a build sheet, a letter from the shop, or records from the original client. Without this, you are relying on the seller's word, which is not enough for a purchase this large.

Commissioning a new build from Foose Designs

If you want Chip Foose to build a car specifically for you, you contact Foose Designs directly. The shop is based in Southern California and handles custom builds for clients who approach them. There is no public order form or online process — you call or email to discuss your vision, budget, and timeline with someone at the shop.

A commissioned build is a long process. Most custom builds take 12 to 24 months from the day you sign a contract to the day you pick up the finished car. The cost starts in the low six figures and can easily exceed $500,000 depending on what you want. You will need to provide a base vehicle (or have the shop source one), decide on every detail of the design, and be prepared for the build to take longer than initially estimated — custom work often does.

The shop will ask for a deposit upfront, usually a percentage of the total estimated cost. You will have regular check-ins as the build progresses, and you may be asked to approve changes or additional costs if the design evolves during construction. At the end, you own a car that no one else has.

Buying cars from Overhaulin' episodes

The TV show Overhaulin' features Chip Foose rebuilding cars for people, usually as a surprise. After the episode airs, some of these cars are offered for sale. The original owner may decide to sell, or in some cases the car is auctioned to raise money for charity.

These cars typically appear on the same auction sites mentioned above — Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, and RM Sotheby's — and the auction listing will mention that the car was featured on the show. The fact that it appeared on television often increases its value beyond what the same build would cost otherwise, because collectors want the story and the recognition that comes with it.

To find these cars, search the upcoming auctions on those three sites and look for the Overhaulin' name in the description. You can also follow Chip Foose's social media accounts, where he sometimes announces when one of his builds is going to auction.

What to check before you buy

A Chip Foose car is a significant purchase, and you need to know what you are actually getting. Request a full history of the build: what was the original vehicle, what modifications were made, what parts were used, and who has owned it since it was completed. Ask for service records if the car has been driven since the build finished.

Have a pre-purchase inspection done by a mechanic who has experience with custom vehicles. Custom builds sometimes have non-standard wiring, modified engines, or one-off parts that a regular mechanic may not understand. You want someone who can spot potential problems before you hand over the money.

Verify the authenticity of the build. If the seller claims it is a Chip Foose car, ask for a letter or certificate from Foose Designs confirming this. Scams do happen in the high-end car market, and a fake Foose build would be worth a fraction of what you would pay for the real thing.

Understanding the cost of ownership after purchase

Owning a custom Chip Foose car is expensive beyond the purchase price. Insurance for a high-value custom vehicle costs more than insurance for a regular car, and you will need coverage that accounts for the car's actual value, not its book value. Storage and maintenance also add up — custom cars often require specialized service, and parts may be harder to find than they are for production vehicles.

If you plan to drive the car regularly, budget for fuel, tires, and routine maintenance. If you plan to keep it as a collector's item and drive it rarely, you still need climate-controlled storage to protect the paint and interior. Some owners also budget for occasional professional detailing to keep the car show-ready.

Alternatives if a Foose build is out of reach

If the price of a Chip Foose car is beyond your budget, you have other options. Other well-known custom builders — like Boyd Coddington (now run by his family), Kindig-It Design, and Rad Rides by Troy — create custom vehicles at various price points. Some of these builders also appear on television shows, and their cars sometimes appear on the resale market.

You can also commission a custom build from a local or regional builder who may charge less than a nationally known shop. The quality and timeline will vary, but if you are flexible on the builder's name and more interested in the finished product, this can be a way to get a custom car for less money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Chip Foose car directly from his shop?

No. Foose Designs builds cars for clients who commission them, not for inventory. If you want a new Foose build, you have to be the client who commissions it. You cannot walk in and buy a finished car off the lot.

How much does a Chip Foose custom car cost?

Prices vary widely. Used Foose builds on the resale market range from around $50,000 to several hundred thousand dollars depending on the build and its history. A new commissioned build typically starts in the low six figures and can exceed $500,000. The exact cost depends on the design, the base vehicle, and the complexity of the modifications.

How do I know if a car is really a Chip Foose build?

Ask the seller for documentation from Foose Designs or the original build records. This might be a letter from the shop, a build sheet, or other paperwork that proves the car was built there. Do not rely on the seller's word alone, especially for a high-value purchase.

How long does it take to get a custom car built by Chip Foose?

Most commissioned builds take 12 to 24 months from the time you sign a contract. The exact timeline depends on the complexity of the design and how busy the shop is. Custom work often takes longer than initially estimated.

Where can I see Chip Foose cars for sale?

Used Foose builds appear on specialty auction sites like Mecum Auctions, Barrett-Jackson, and RM Sotheby's. You can search their online catalogs by builder name or browse their custom car sections. Cars from Overhaulin' episodes are also listed on these same auction sites.