Chip Foose and Dave Kindig don’t just customize cars—they reinvent them. While Foose is known for his flowing lines, subtle tweaks, and timeless hot rods, Kindig leans into refined bodywork, bold colors, and high-end finishes that leave no detail untouched. This list pits five builds from each legend, alternating back and forth to let the work speak for itself.

Two builders. Ten cars. No fluff. Just craftsmanship, creativity, and serious hardware.

1. Kindig – 1960 Cadillac 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. Foose – Eldorod

Originally built on Overhaulin’, the Eldorod was a Foose reimagining of a 1948 Cadillac Eldorado. The project started as a full-size cruiser and ended up a chopped, slammed, and sculpted street machine with serious presence.

It kept its Cadillac identity but ditched the bulk. Foose modified the roofline, smoothed the body, tucked the bumpers, and finished it with a subtle but aggressive stance. Under the hood was a chevy big block V8—so it wasn’t just about looks, either. The Eldorod proved that even a land yacht could be transformed into something sharp.

3. Kindig – 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.

4. Foose – Impression

The Impression was a coachbuilt custom based on a 1936 Chevy, and it cleaned up at nearly every major show, including the Ridler Award in 2005. Built on a custom chassis, it packed an LS1 engine and independent suspension all around.

Everything was built from scratch—fenders, roofline, interior—and the finish quality was on another level. Even the underhood bracing was sculpted. This was Foose doing what he does best: taking a familiar shape and turning it into a rolling piece of art without losing its soul.

5. Kindig – 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. Foose – 1956 Ford F-100 “FD-100”

Built for Chip’s dad, Sam Foose, the FD-100 is one of Chip’s most personal projects. Based on a 1956 Ford F-100, it was completely redesigned from the ground up with a smoothed body, custom bed, and a slammed stance over massive wheels.

Power came from a Roush Aluminum Sideoiler, and the interior was hand-stitched leather with brushed metal trim. The truck’s build quality was insane—even the door hinges were custom machined. It’s one of the cleanest F-100s ever built and a perfect blend of style and sentiment.

7. 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.

8. Foose – 0032 Roadster

Built as a modern take on the classic ’32 Ford, the 0032 Roadster won the 2000 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award and put Foose’s name on the map for a lot of folks. It featured a hand-built body, independent suspension front and rear, and a detailed undercarriage that looked as good as the paint.

Power came from a LT1 corvette engine, but the real story was in the proportions—lower, tighter, and sleeker than a stock ’32. Everything was smoothed, tucked, and balanced to perfection. It wasn’t just a hot rod—it was a statement.

9. Kindig – 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

10. Foose – Terracuda

The Terracuda was a one-off 1970 Plymouth Barracuda built for SEMA with an off-road twist. It combined muscle car looks with serious off-road hardware, including a tube chassis, long-travel suspension, and massive tires.

The body retained the ’Cuda’s fastback lines, but everything underneath was purpose-built. Powered by a 6.4L HEMI V8 and finished in earth tones, the Terracuda was a wild mix of styles that somehow worked. It proved that Foose could step outside the street rod world and still turn heads with something totally unexpected.

*Created with AI assistance and editor review.