On this episode of Driven By Design, Dean Kirkland goes on-on-one with Chip Foose, legendary car designer and builder. Chip takes us on a journey through his lifelong passion for automobiles in this captivating interview. From his earliest memories of watching his father and the crew at AMT build custom cars, to putting together model kits and playing with Hot Wheels inspired by those very same vehicles, Chip's love for cars was ingrained in him from the very beginning. Growing up in his father's shop, Chip learned the ins and outs of both custom builds and crash repairs, honing his skills and developing a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in every project. His passion led him to the Art Center College of Design, where his senior project, a model that would later inspire the iconic Plymouth Prowler, caught the eye of renowned hot rod builder Boyd Coddington. Chip's journey took him from working part-time for Coddington to eventually starting his own shop, Foose Design, where he has been living his dream of creating timeless, beautiful custom cars ever since. He credits his father and designer Alex Tremulis, who worked on the legendary Tucker and Auburn Cord Duesenberg, as his biggest influences, instilling in him a love for classic design that eschews fleeting trends in favor of enduring style. Chip's talent and reputation caught the attention of Hollywood, leading to his involvement in building the unforgettable Mustangs for the movie "Gone in 60 Seconds." His resourcefulness and collaboration with Cinema Vehicle Services allowed him to deliver an impressive fleet of custom Mustangs in record time, showcasing his ability to rise to any challenge. Throughout his career, Chip has had the opportunity to work on various television projects, from being the inspiration behind his friend Christopher Titus' self-titled show to being offered a co-hosting gig on Jesse James' Monster Garage. Although he declined the latter, it led to the creation of his own show, "Rides," which followed the build of a custom Ford Thunderbird called the Speedbird, winning Best of Show at SEMA. Chip's passion for cars and his desire to make a difference in people's lives culminated in the creation of "Overhaulin'," a show that surprised deserving individuals by transforming their beloved but neglected vehicles into stunning custom rides. Over the course of 170 episodes, Chip and his team made countless automotive dreams come true, proving that the power of a beautiful car goes far beyond its physical appearance. Through his incredible journey, Chip Foose has become more than just a car designer and builder; he has become an inspiration to enthusiasts worldwide, showing that with passion, dedication, and a love for timeless design, anyone can turn their dreams into a reality.
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