When it comes to custom cars that blend style, precision, and pure imagination, Dave Kindig is in a league of his own. Through his shop, Kindig-It Design, he’s turned vintage metal into some of the most refined builds on the road—each one crafted with obsessive detail and zero shortcuts. From reimagined classics to full-blown one-offs, these builds aren’t just restorations—they’re reinventions.

Whether it’s a carbon-bodied Corvette tribute or a slammed Caddy with copper trim, these eight rides prove why Kindig’s work continues to set the bar in custom car culture. Let’s take a closer look.

1. 1960 Cadillac Coupe DeVille “Copper Caddy”

Known as the “Copper Caddy,” this 1960 Cadillac Coupe DeVille underwent extensive customization. The vehicle features a 4-inch chop by Gene Winfield, giving it a sleek profile. Accents of copper are present throughout the build, including custom one-off Kindig-it smooth door handles. The car rides on an air suspension system, allowing for an adjustable stance. Inside, the interior is adorned with Harvest leather by JS Custom Interiors, complemented by Dakota Digital gauges and Kicker Audio. This Cadillac has earned accolades such as King of Custom at both the Sacramento Autorama and Portland Roadster Show.

2. 1937 Chevrolet Coupe “Cavallo Rossa”

Dubbed “Cavallo Rossa,” Italian for “Red Horse,” this 1937 Chevrolet Coupe showcases significant modifications. The build includes a 3-inch chopped top, a laid-back windshield, and an 8-inch stretched front sheet metal and wheelbase, enhancing its streamlined appearance. The rear fenders are widened, and custom running boards were fabricated. V-Rod headlights and hand-formed hood and engine side panels contribute to its sleek lines. The exterior boasts Candy Apple Red paint, while the interior features Harvest Tan leather, creating a classic aesthetic.

3. Kindig CF1 Roadster

The Kindig CF1 Roadster is a bespoke creation inspired by the 1953 Corvette. It features a custom carbon fiber body, weighing just 70 pounds, mounted on a purpose-built Roadster Shop chassis that maintains the stock Corvette wheelbase while offering increased passenger space. Power comes from a Lingenfelter Performance LS7 427 cubic-inch V8 engine, producing 673 horsepower and 618 lb-ft of torque, paired with a GM automatic transmission. The suspension system includes rack-and-pinion power steering and fully independent Corvette C7-based suspension, ensuring modern handling and ride quality. Inside, the CF1 boasts a handcrafted interior with premium materials, blending vintage design cues with modern amenities.

4. 1939 GM Futurliner

Kindig-It Design undertook the restoration of the 1939 GM Futurliner, returning it to its original specifications. The vehicle is equipped with a number-matching 1950 GMC 302 cubic inch 6-cylinder gasoline engine and a Hydramatic automatic transmission with a splitter. The body was meticulously restored, featuring aluminum panels and functional motors for raising and lowering doors, all reproduced to original specs. The interior was upholstered back to its original material by JS Custom Interiors, and period-correct wiring was installed, preserving the historical integrity of this unique vehicle. ​

5. 1948 GMC Truck “GMC-ya”

This 1948 GMC Truck, affectionately known as “GMC-ya,” is powered by a GM Performance LS3 engine with a custom-built air cleaner, mated to a 4L80E transmission. The chassis, crafted by Art Morrison, features a custom independent front suspension and a 4-link rear setup, providing modern handling characteristics. The exterior is finished in a custom paint color named “Sageless,” complemented by copper accents and hidden Kindig-it door handles. The interior, designed by JS Custom Interiors, features Hydes smoke leather and a one-off billet aluminum steering wheel by EVOD.

6. 1964 Ford Ranchero

This 1964 Ford Ranchero is equipped with a John Kaase 600 cubic inch Ford engine with twin turbos mounted in the bed, paired with a 2-speed Powerglide transmission. The suspension setup includes a Mustang II front end and a 4-link rear end on AccuAir suspension, ensuring optimal handling and ride comfort. Baer disc brakes are installed on both the front and rear. The exterior is finished in “Sweet and Sour®” from Modern Classikk by Kindig, while the interior boasts all-leather upholstery by JS Custom Interiors, a hidden roll cage, Dakota Digital HDX gauges, and Vintage Air.

7. 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback

This 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback features a 6.9-liter Ford engine built by John Kaase Racing, coupled with a Tremec 6-speed close-ratio transmission. The Roadster Shop Fast Track IRS/IFS chassis, custom stainless headers, and Borla mufflers contribute to its performance capabilities. Extensive body modifications include a custom front valance, slivered bumper, fender flares, extended rocker panels, and a stretched hood with a shortened cowl panel. The paint scheme comprises “Killer Tomato,” “Black Hole Black,” and “No Strings White” from Modern Classikk. Inside, the black Hydes leather interior by JS Custom Interiors features Recaro seats and a modified Billet Specialties 14″ D-shaped steering wheel. ​

8. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS

This custom 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS is powered by a GM Performance 502 crate engine with a Holley Terminator fuel injection system, delivering substantial power. A Tremec T-56 5-speed transmission ensures precise gear shifts. The vehicle rides on an upgraded suspension with coilovers, sway bars, and a triangulated 4-link rear setup connected to a Ford 9” rear axle. Forgeline wheels, 19×8.5” in the front and 20×12” in the rear, wrapped in Toyo tires, provide both style and performance. The exterior features a custom “Blue Graphite Metallic” paint job by Kindig, complemented by black and silver

*This article was hand crafted with AI-powered tools and has been car-fully, I mean carefully, reviewed by our editors.