If you've never seen Overhaulin', it was a show which ran from 2004 to 2008 on The Learning Channel and rebuilt unsuspecting owner's cars while under the guise the car had been stolen or repossessed, the catch was the wholel rebuild happened in only seven days. All-star hot rod designer Chip Foose headed up the team of thirty hardened garage rats and the results were normally pretty spectacular.

One of our favorites was this 1930 Ford Model A, which came to the shop with a Swiss-cheese frame, topographic body panels and a Mazda four cylinder of all things. After sliding an custom 1932 Ford frame underneath, hundreds of man hours of body work and a nicely built Y-block, the car was returned to its astonished owner. Unfortunately, that owner went and got his wife preggers and now they're selling the car to make life for junior a little easier. $75,000 is the current asking price on Craigslist, we're not sure it's worth it considering the rush job. However, as often as we pan Foose's work for being attached to overdone trailer queens, this one has a certain wholesome, traditionalist feel to it. It's a real hot rod with real vintage parts and some very nice custom work. If any of the Overhaulin' cars is worth that kind of green, this one is probably it.

(Thanks for the tip Tahnka) [Craigslist Ad]

Photos courtesy of Rod and Custom

Hillbank Motor Corporation, Home of Superformance Distribution, Delivers Its First Foose Coupe

Irvine, CA - On Tuesday, July 17, Hillbank Motor Corporation, the home of
Superformance Distribution and Shelby Distribution USA delivered its first
Foose Coupe to its lucky new owner. "It was a very proud day for us," said
Lance Stander, CEO of Superformance Distribution. "We wish the new owner all
the best and lots of fun driving."

This particular Coupe is the fourth built and only the second available to
the public. It features a unique paint scheme featuring a carbon fiber
spears on the front, back, and sides surrounded by flames hand painted by
Chip Foose himself. Power comes from a 392ci (6.4L) Hemi V8 producing
approximately 500 horsepower and 480 lb-ft torque, with power being sent to
the wheels through a 5-speed manual transaxle. The polished aluminum wheels
are Foose-designed, and are wrapped with Pirelli PZero tires. Inside, the
Foose Coupe features plush leather seating with 4-point safety harnesses,
carbon fiber trim, and a pistol grip shifter.

About the Foose Coupe

The Foose Coupe debuted at the 2006 SEMA Show to incredible reviews from the
automotive press and community and is available to the public as a signature
series limited edition vehicle available through Superformance Distribution.
Production will be limited to just 50 vehicles. The Foose Coupe features a
carbon fiber monocoque body, independent front and rear suspension, 14-inch,
6-piston Baer brakes, and 20-inch Pirelli PZero tires. Each vehicle is
signed by Chip and will be documented in the Foose Registry.

Foose Coupe Features:

* Design: Stylized and Conceived by Chip Foose
* Builder: Metalcrafters, Inc.
* Vehicle Type: Limited Edition, Mid-Engine, Rear Wheel Drive, 2 Passenger, 2 Door Coupe
* Engine: 6.4 L (392 cu.in.) Mopar Hemi V-8, Iron Block, Aluminum Heads or 5.4 L DOHC, 32-Valve, 90-Degree V-8, Ford GT Aluminum Heads
* Fuel Delivery System: Individual Hilborn Throttle Bodies with Velocity Stack Air Intakes (8), AEM Electronic Fuel Injection
* Transmission: ZF 5-Speed Manual Transaxle
* Body and Chassis: Carbon Fiber Monocoque Cabin on Modular Steel Space Frame
* Suspension: Front: Independent, Unequal Length Control Arms, Inboard-mounted Koni Coilover Shock Absorbers Actuated by Rocker Arms. Rear: Independent, Unequal Length Control Arms, Koni Coilover Shock Absorbers
* Brakes: 6-piston Baer Monoblock Calipers, 14" Cross-drilled and Vented Rotors, Tilton Series 75 Master Cylinder
* Steering: Woodward Rack and Pinion
* Tires/Wheels: Front: 225/40 ZR 18 Pirelli PZero on 20 x8 Foose Polished, Rear: 315/35 ZR 20 Pirelli PZero on 20 x12 Foose Polished
* General Data: Weight: 2775 lbs, Overall Length: 163.89", Overall Width: 91.50", Overall Height: 45.39", Wheelbase: 120", Track: 60.94" (Front), 65.51" (Rear)

These items include "approximately 40-Mustang fastback shells, body parts, tools, lifts." This is going to be another online auction currently scheduled for June 24, 2008 at 10:00 am. We're waiting for full details to be released, but in the meantime check out the auction website for more information. (Thanks Cameron!) [67MustangBlog.com]

From what we have heard from the Dallas County D.A. they would much prefer to have Doug in a nasty state prison somewhere in west Texas in the 100+ degree sun than in some Federal country club where he can get visits from his girlfriend. Plus Governor Perry would surely prefer to have him under his control since he was made to look like an ass on TV by Stephanie Lucerio asking him why they were having his prisoners cutting VIN plates off cars inside the prison.

Just a quick recap for those who haven't been following this, Eleanor-duplicate maker Unique Performance was raided after customer complaints. During the raid police noticed missing VIN numbers on many cars, indicating title washing. The company then filed for bankruptcy so it wouldn't have to pay employees or customers. And they may have also used prison labor illegally. So, yeah, we still think someone is going to jail.

[CBS-11 via 67mustangblog]

We don't have a final tally on how much the lawyers get, or if there are other ways to recoup the money (maybe not). Either way, it doesn't look like those on the wrong end of this are going to get justice from this particular auction. Though, as one former employee told us "I guess we have the memories... and the hope to see [owner Doug] Hasty behind bars!" More when we get additional information.

There have been a lot of claims made back and forth, including the recent news about Unique Performance using prison labor to possibly replace valid VIN numbers. It's unclear what the 25 charges are, but the DA is going to have to determine what is worth taking to a grand jury (though grand juries have a habit of voting in the affirmative) and what's worth starting a case over.

We can debate whether using 13 gallons of Bondo, Taiwanese parts and prison labor is a normal or abnormal practice when building $200,000 cars, but there has to be legal merit to the case. Where this case may have merit is that, in addition to taking people's money and not delivering cars, certain promises or advertisements were likely made about the quality and hand-built nature of the cars. If that's the case, and we assume it is since people forked over all that dough, the DA might have an easy way of proving fraud and deceptive business practices. The prison labor and suspected title washing is a bonus, as there's likely a trail of evidence if it turns out that what they did was in violation of existing Texas laws.

Federal investigators have also submitted cases to the US Attorney's office, giving this case a federal aspect. What federal laws were violated are unclear, though we do know the cars were sourced from other states and brought into Texas, which likely plays into it. The Secret Service involvement, and the claim of three suspects, is interesting. The Secret Service is the law enforcement arm of the Dept. of the Treasury and also has jurisdiction over certain types of fraud, mostly involving the transfer of money.

Either way, there are still many questions to be answered. If we were Unique Performance owner Doug Hasty we'd be worried. We see it as likely that Hasty may be pressured into some kind of plea bargain unless he's 100% convinced of his own innocence or the DA's case is so strong they don't feel like they need to do it. Of course, settling on charges with the Dallas County DA doesn't create an exemption from federal charges.

We'll let you know when the parties involved are formally charged.

[CBS-11 via 67 Mustang Blog]

A follow up report from CBS-11 in Dallas, which broke the story, confirms what we heard from an ex-employee about the company not paying wages. The company apparently owes something like $40,000 in back pay to employees.

The picture painted of the final days by the former employees at Unique Performance is bleak, with management apparently telling employees that they should continue to make cars and that they would be paid "probably in an hour, probably by the end of today, three o'clock today, four o'clock today and nothing, but please keep building this cars."

A lawyer for Doug Hasty, the CEO of Unique Performance, said "Many of those matters are in bankruptcy court and the decisions about who gets paid what and when belong to the bankruptcy court and the bankruptcy trustees." So who knows when or if these people will get paid.

Though businesses frequently go under and in many cases don't tell employees about what's going on until the end, this particular story is so gripping because of how easy it all seemed. There's such a strong desire for specialized cars, specifically muscle cars, that a small company was able to convince dozens of buyers to put down hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of dollars for cars endorsed by Chip Foose and Carroll Shelby, two names intimately associated with American muscle car performance.

And though the original intention of the company was probably not to deceive, the money involved seemed to allow the deception to go on for months before finally coming to a head with the police raid last month. We even did a story in January about Foose Mustangs going on sale at Ford dealerships, though it looks like the company might have been experiencing problems before then.

It's a sad story and the victims seem to be both the unpaid employees that built the cars and the wealthy customers who may never see them. [CBS 11]

"I was an employee of Unique Performance for about 3 years of and on. Just FYI the employee's that were there till the end still haven't been fully paid out, 2 full weeks of pay plus 401k, and whatever else they owe. I personally just wanted someone to know the inside story. Thanks, nice story to by the way."

After reading reports and following up with local police and former associates, here's what we've learned:

First, the owner of Unique Performance and everyone at the company (whoever is left, we hear most were laid off already) ain't talking. There are serious legal issues and the lack of attempts at saving face mean that UP probably isn't coming back.

Second, there have been no formal charges made by the Dallas County District Attorney. This doesn't mean anything because the DA isn't obligated to file charges yet and it's possible that part of the investigation continues.

Third, if you've given Unique Performance money and haven't gotten your car yet things aren't looking good. It's a little unclear what the end-game is here but the ability to get money back (probably punitively) is likely tied to there being money and significant assets at the end of the day.

Unfortunately, the behavior of this company is not indicative of a company awash in cash. If we're generous in our assumptions, Unique Performance got in this situation because they weren't able to generate enough revenue to cover expenses and accrued significant debt. But this is only speculation as we haven't seen the company's balance sheet yet (and probably won't until it becomes an exhibit for the prosecution).

The next move we expect to happen is that the Dallas DA will file charges and then UP will make some sort of statement... maybe. We'll keep you posted as we learn more. [NY Times]

FOOSE DESIGN TERMINATES ALL LICENSING AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES WITH UNIQUE PERFORMANCE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (Nov. 9, 2007) - Foose Design announced today that effective immediately it has terminated all licensing and all business activities with Texas-based Unique Performance, Unique Performance Concepts and related companies. This termination includes the limited production of all vehicles formerly licensed to Unique including but not limited to, the Foose Mustang Stallion, Foose Camaro, Foose Challenger, Foose Motorcycle and the sales and marketing of the "Hemisfear", also known as the "Foose Coupe", manufactured by Metalcrafters. Foose Design has clearly stated that it no longer has any affiliation with Unique, and encourages customers to understand that Unique no longer has any rights to Foose intellectual property, the Foose name, image, likeness, logos or designs regarding any project.

Chip Foose, the winner of an unrivaled three "Ridler" Awards, and the Foose Design team have worked for more than eight months to resolve issues relative to Unique's problems but ultimately found it necessary to sever their relationship with Unique Performance.

Foose Design does not manufacture production vehicles rather it specializes in designing and fabricating custom built, one-of-a-kind custom cars. Foose Design created the concept for a prototype vehicle to be built under its license to Unique.

Chip Foose builds a special bond with every Foose vehicle owner and it causes him great stress to see this situation occur. Chip has worked tirelessly through the years to build his company, brand and image, which it works diligently to protect, both for itself and Chip's collectors and fans.

Foose Design is working with its legal staff to consider possible action against Unique Performance.

FORD DESIGN PARTNERS 'FLEX' THEIR MUSCLES, CUSTOMIZING SEGMENT-BUSTING NEW PRODUCT

* Two top customizers treat the all-new 2009 Ford Flex sheet metal as their canvas, highlighting the vehicle's diverse aftermarket appeal and potential.
* A Chip Foose-designed Flex defines suburban luxury.
* Funkmaster Flex showcases urban luxury with his modified Flex2.

LAS VEGAS, Oct. 30 - Courtesy of customizing legends Chip Foose and Funkmaster Flex, the 2009 Ford Flex sports two distinct new looks at this year's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

Ahead of Flex's arrival in dealerships next summer, Ford tapped the duo to help customers start dreaming about the customization options this all-new vehicle brings.

"The Ford Flex elicits emotional responses from people unlike any vehicle in recent memory, yet customers have distinct interpretations of how the Flex can fit into their lifestyle," says Kate Pearce, Ford Flex marketing plans manager. "Bringing Flex to SEMA before the production vehicle's launch gives us an opportunity to explore the endless possibilities within the world of customization - and to help further broaden the vehicle's strong appeal."

Funkmaster Flex and Foose each have taken a unique approach in customizing their vehicle, yet both remain true to the Flex's core design while providing their take on the latest luxury trends. Foose focuses on what he sees in suburban styling, while Funkmaster Flex brings the hottest in urban influence to his project.

Flex2 designed by Funkmaster Flex

Hip Hop guru of car customization Funkmaster Flex brings his vision of urban luxury to Ford's newest crossover with the Flex2. His signature two-tone paint scheme is integrated cleverly into the Flex2 through a House of Kolor Kandy custom paint job that features a Brandywine body color and a unique faux-brushed aluminum roof. Flex2's exterior design is further enhanced by custom 3dCarbon accents including fender vents, upper and lower grilles and a rear upper spoiler.

The all-black leather interior features Katzkin custom seat covers with alligator print inserts and stainless steel color stitching on the seats and interior trim. To keep the party going inside the vehicle, Funkmaster Flex added two Invision headrest-mounted DVD systems in the first and second rows, along with a JL Audio 12-inch subwoofer and amplifier to enhance the tunes.

Flex2 rolls on custom 22-inch NC Forged wheels and Cooper Zeon XST tires. With a 1-inch lowered suspension and Borla dual rolled exhaust tips, Flex2 is an urban legend in the making.

"I know what this vehicle is going to be in the urban market: It's going to be killer!" says Funkmaster Flex. "Whether you're flossin' with your friends, going to the club or riding around with your girl, the Ford Flex is the next urban street vehicle, and Flex2 is my interpretation of the ultimate in street luxury."

2009 Ford Flex designed by Chip Foose

Star of Overhaulin' and the hottest custom car designer on the scene, Foose gave the Flex a look of contemporary suburban luxury that accentuates its already stand-out good looks.

Riding on Foose Design 22-inch wheels and Eibach springs customized for a lower appearance, the Foose Flex exterior features a custom-mixed, tow-tone blue and cream pearl paint job.

Inside, this color scheme continues with three-tone blue, gray and tan premium leather surfaces by Katzkin Leather.

Custom front and rear fascias and rocker panels are complemented by a custom wrap-around chrome beltline. Additional exterior details include painted appliqué door handles and a relocated license plate. With custom upper and lower grilles and bold FORD lettering across the front and rear, the Foose Flex reflects the right amount of expressive luxury appeal.

"When Ford called, I was quite excited to be one of the first to get my hands on the Flex," says Foose. "I didn't want the individual pieces I added to be the most eye-catching parts. I wanted it to look as if it came from Ford's design studio."

Ford Flex

The 2009 Ford Flex is set to redefine the modern American journey when it goes on sale in summer 2008. This vehicle sets a higher standard for style, features, functionality and comfort in the industry's fastest-growing crossover segment.

The 2009 Flex will come straight from the factory with several key features and technologies, including:

* Two-tone roof - An all-black greenhouse - a Ford first - that visually integrates the body with the available two-tone roof. Customers can pair a White Suede or Silver roof option with one of Flex's 10 available exterior colors or choose a body-color roof.
* High-tech lighting - Available HID headlamps and LED taillamps, plus 7-color programmable ambient lighting in the console, footwells and cupholders.
* Available refrigerator - Unlike competitors' systems that merely keep cold beverages cool, the Flex's compressor-driven refrigerator can cool up to seven 12-ounce cans, four half-liter bottles or two 20-ounce bottles from room temperature to 41 degrees in approximately two-and-a-half hours. That's 40 percent faster than a standard home refrigerator.
* Multi-Panel Vista Roof™ - It not only brightens the interior, it gives Flex occupants seated in each row their own skylight.
* EasyFuel™ System - Flex's capless fuel filler saves time by doing away with unscrewing and replacing a fuel-filler cap and provides a better seal, cutting down the emissions of smog-forming vapors.
* Ford SYNC™, Ford's industry-exclusive, voice-activated hands-free in-car communications and entertainment system. This available system fully integrates mobile phones and digital media players into the vehicle.

The SYNC in-car communications system was developed in collaboration with Microsoft and will be offered exclusively on Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles this year.
* Big wheels - Standard 18-inch or available 19-inch bright aluminum wheels that plant the crossover firmly on the road.
* Ford's exclusive second-generation door-entry keypad - Housed within the vehicle's black B pillars, the flat-panel, backlit keypad eliminates the need for door-mounted buttons and gives customers the ability to unlock doors, disarm the alarm system and disable the auto-lock function by entering a five-digit code.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With about 260,000 employees and about 100 plants worldwide, the company's core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.fordvehicles.com.

On Tour

The occasion was being invited to tag along as Chip Foose and George Gaffoglio of Metalcrafters welcomed car collector Roger Burgess, who was the proud winner of recent auction of the Hemisfear Foose Coupe. Mr. Burgess would get a tour of both Foose Design and Metalcrafters, then work with the pair to hash out exactly how he wanted his coupe constructed. The Hemisfear Foose Coupe is the end result of a design first penned when Foose was still at Art Center College of Design in 1990. Originally an exercise in niche market design for Chrysler, the Hemisfear Foose Coupe is now in limited production at the Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters, and will be sold through Unique Performance.

Fine Suits

The Hemisfear Foose Coupe scales in at a mere 2600 pounds thanks to a composite construction of alumininum, carbon fiber und schteel. Power comes from to a 392 cubic inch Hemi sporting Hilborn Injection, or available Ford GT powerplant mounted amidships. Gear rowing will be by way of a ZF 5-speed. The car rides on a suspension designed specifically for the coupe by John Hotchkis of Hotchkis Sport Suspension. Whoa comes from a massive set of Foose labeled Baer brakes. Air conditioning, power windows, and the usual luxury items are also part of the deal. "Buying the Foose Coupe will be like buying a fine suit as it will be made to order," said George Gaffoglio, Chief Executive Officer of Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters. This suit will run you a shade over 300 large.

Art Work in Progress

First stop on the tour was Foose Design World Headquarters. Let it be said now that Chip Foose clearly enjoys his work, and clearly has plenty of work in progress. A Morrison-Chassied 54 'Vette in in the lay in beginning stages in the paint booth. An upside down 'Cuda was getting ground on a rotissere. A car under construction sat with a Meyer-Drake DT160 in the middle of the chassis. Foose said as it turns out one of the only Drake engine specialists in the country had a shop right around the corner in Huntington Beach. Vintage Go Karts were hanging from the walls and an even older bumper car sat out front of Foose's office. Even 'Vannin was represented by a flared fender and slot magged Chevy out front. The whirlwind Foose Design tour wrapped quickly and the caravan headed over to Fountain Valley - home of the Metalcrafters.

Metalcrafters

Once at Metalcrafters George Gaffoglio rolled a video of the Chrysler Me412 Concept fabrication condensed down to four minutes. In went the 12-cylinder Quad-Turbo. On went the panels. Out rolled the concept car. Metalcrafters builds many of the concept cars we feature here at Jalopnik, and has been doing so since 1979. Next stop was a trip to the design room. There the Hemisfear Foose Coupe spun about on a computer screen, showing detials of every system and subsystem. Chassis and rear subframe. Coolant tubes running through a structural conduit. The central mounted radiator and how it gets air though low pressure air path venting. The body parts lowest to the ground are serviceable in case of ground contact or damage, as Foose himself interjected. Working out the design of the car digitally using Catia V5 allows the various sub-assemblies of the car needed to be constructed individually for production assembly. We were then instructed by a large man in a pinstripe suit squeezing a lemon peel into his espresso, that there were things that could not be photographed. Actually it was George, so we listened.

Phenomena

With every turn on the production floor came the wonder we spoke of earlier. CNC machines churning out automotive jewelry. An entire building stuffed with Italian machinery and craftsmen whose sole purpose is to manufacture glass for aerospace and automobiles. Complete and in progress concept cars appeared and disappeared. An autoclave the size of a Zeppelin stood in wait for the carbon fiber Funny Car bodies being assembled by hand. These bodies feature the strength to stand up to 300 mph, yet weigh only 104 pounds. Looking like the car Green Hornet had was a Foose designed 1966 Chrysler Imperial. The heavy is owned by Detroit Casino mogul Gregg Solomon and packs a Hemi along with LX-platform running gear grafted in place of the original '60s-era suspension. Ending up the tour was the shop where the Hemisfear Foose Coupes are assembled. The awe of the day was wrapped up in one phrase by Roger Burgess who stated simply, "this is phenomenal". – Mike Bumbeck

Foose Design [chipfoose.com]; Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters [metalcrafters.com]; Unique Performance [uniqueperformance.com]

Related:
Foose Unveils 'Hemisfear'; The EcoJet: Jay Leno's New GM-Outsourced Supercar [Internal]

On hand for this past Sunday's Autorama festivities in Detroit were Chip Foose of high hot-rod art (and Overhaulin') fame, and his partner in crime/sidekick Chris Jacobs. Apparently Foose is kind of a big thing in hot rodding circles, as evidenced by the throng of fans awaiting a signature in what I could only assume was an infinity hour-long line. I'll just take my forget-me-not pic from the sidelines and call it good.– Ben Wojdyla

Related:
Mustang, Redux: Foose Stallion Now Available At Ford Dealerships [internal]

We had some other things on our mind a couple of weeks ago, so we've got to apologize to the man, the myth, the marketing maven that is Chip Foose. Foose announced earlier this month his newest creation, the Mustang-derived Stallion, is now available for purchase at all sorts of local FoMoCo dealerships. The Stallion, distributed to dealers by way of Unique Performance, includes all sorts of "unique" performance enhancements like a Ford Racing exhaust, suspension and a "power pack" from Ford Racing that includes cold air induction and ECM recalibrated for premium fuel for an estimated 335 hp. You can also tell Chip's put his manly n' meaty hands on the now Foose embroidered seats, custom sill plates and a signature logo on the dash. Plus, it's got the upper and lower billet grille and those big ol' 20-inch Foose Nitrous wheels so you can spot it from at least some of the other Mustang variants in your dealer parking lot. We're not exactly sure of how to order one of them — but you may want to try walking up to the front of the store and yelling at a security camera, "I've been Overhauled!" Gallery below and full press release after the jump. – Ray Wert

FOOSE STALLION MUSTANG NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH ALL NORTH AMERICAN FORD DEALERSHIPS DALLAS - January 5, 2007 - Unique Performance has expanded distribution of the Foose Stallion Mustang by introducing a new base model for all North American Ford Dealerships. Deliveries of the first Foose Stallions began in June 2006 and demand has steadily grown for the stylish, high performance pony car over the past six month. Response to the Foose Stallion led Unique Performance to introduce additional models at SEMA in November 2006. Designed by Foose and built by Unique Performance Concepts, all custom versions of the Ford Mustang were recently only available through Ford select dealers. Unique Performance Concepts is a joint venture between Unique Performance and the Tecstar Automotive Group, a subsidiary of Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide (Nasdaq: QTWW).

"The Foose Stallion is responsive and fluid, powerful and dynamic, superbly crafted and unmistakably Foose in every element of its design," said Unique Performance President Douglas Hasty. "During the first few months of production, many consumers have asked for additional versions of the car. This new base model expands the Foose Stallion models available so drivers now have the opportunity to own an even rarer custom car."

Available in coupe and convertible configuration, the team enhanced the handling, styling and capabilities of the current Ford Mustang to create the Foose Stallion. Performance enhancements include a Ford Racing exhaust and suspension and 11-inch rear and 12-inch front DecelaRotors. In addition, Chip's touch can also be found throughout the Stallion. From Foose embroidered seats and Foose sill plates to the Foose ID plate and signature logo on the dash, the famed designer put his stamp on this modern muscle car. Rounding out the modifications is an upper and lower billet grille and 20-inch Foose Nitrous wheels. This base package is available at a MSRP of only US$36,365.00.

Related:
More on the Foose Stallions for 2007 [internal]

Chip Foose must live in an alternate reality where days feature at least 4,678.5 hours while the rest of us have to make do with a paltry 24. Besides his TV show, the past year has seen the announcement of the Hemisfear, the Foose Mustang, the CNN Hummer for SEMA, the Challenger collaboration with Unique Performance and the appearance of his P-32 roadster at the Detroit Autorama. And now, at the Detroit Auto Show, the former Solvang kid (Uff da!), will be debuting the limited-production Foose F-150. – Davey G. Johnson

California Customizer Prepared To Make Leap Into Ford Showrooms [The Day]

Related:

More On the Foose Stallion Mustang [Internal]

Earlier this year, Foose Design and Unique Performance announced a teamup to build a limited-edition 1970 Dodge Challenger. Say hello to their little car. Production of the E-body throwbacks — which are built on the bones of original 1970 and 1971 Challengers — started midyear, with the first series model planned to be sold at the 2007 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale. Visuals come by way of the Foosian pen, while mechanicals include a choice of crate Hemi, rear suspension by Unique Performance and speed tech by Georgia's Year One. For you? $189,000. [Gallery] – Mike Spinelli

Press Release

Unique Performance and Foose Design have come together to bring a limited edition supercar, which is based on the 1970-71 HEMI Challenger, to MOPAR fans worldwide. The two companies will turn a limited number of the Dodges into world-class performance machines with 21st century speed technology including parts from Georgia based Year One. The prototype was completed in June 2006 and production began in 2006.

The team is transforming original 1970 and 1971 Challengers with contemporary wheels, engines, suspensions, transmissions and interiors. Each Foose Challenger is 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 features a Unique Performance Products rear suspension, 4-wheel disc Baer brakes, staggered Foose wheels and BFGoodrich tires. Styling cues include Foose emblems, a custom front grill, shaved bumpers and custom hood. Each car has a unique serial number for documentation purposes.

Award-winning Chip Foose designed the Foose Challenger. His creative ideas are the 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.

With the addition of the 1970-71 Dodge Foose Challenger, Unique Performance now offers a limited edition muscle car from each of the major automotive OEMs including Ford, GM and Chrysler. The first production Foose Challenger will be sold at the 2007 Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Motor

* 5.7L Modern Hemi, 360 HP
* Mopar 426 Hemi, 540 HP *
* Fully Tuned High Performance Carburetor
* Electronic Fuel Injection System *

Transmission

* Tremec TKO 5-Speed Transmission

Clutch

* Custom Hydraulic Clutch

Interior

* Two-Tone High Bucket Vinyl Seats w/ Suede Insert
* Two-Tone High Bucket Leather Seats w/ Suede Insert *
* Foose Floor Mats
* Carbon Fiber Gauge Package
* 15" Black Leather Wrap Steering Wheel
* Old Air Products A/C System
* Extreme Sound Dampening Package
* Custom 4-Point Roll Cage
* OEM Type Carbon Fiber Pistol Grip Shifter

Stereo Systems

* CD Player Stereo System
* LCD AM/FM/CD/DVD Navigation Custom Console*
* 10-Disc CD Player Stereo System*

Wheels and Tires

* Foose Designed Wheels: 19x8" Front, 20X10" Rear
* Z-Rated Tires: 245/40/19ZR Front, 295/40/20ZR Rear

Exterior

* Chip Foose Designed Five-Tone Paint & Graphics
* Chip Foose Designed OEM Body Enhancements
* Foose Emblems
* Modified Front Lower Valance w/ PIAA Light System
* Custom 55w Dual Headlight System

Rear End

* Modified Posi-Traction Rearend 31-Spline Type Rotating Assembly

Steering

* Quick Ratio Power Steering Rack
* 5-Way Adjustable Tilt Column

Brakes

* Front: Baer 14" Extreme System
* Rear: Baer 13" Extreme System
* Slotted, Cross Drilled & Zinc Washed Rotors
* Adjustable Rear Bias Proportioning Valve

Exhaust

* Headers w/Ceramic Coating
* Dual 2.5" Exhaust with "X" Pipe
* 2.5" Aluminum Mufflers

Cooling

* Aluminum Cross Flow Radiator
* Electric Cooling Fan, Pull Type

Chassis and Suspension

* Tubular Front Coilover Supension
* Competition Type Front K-Member
* Parallel Bar 4-Link Rear Coilover
* Unique Performance Products Rear Coilover Supension*

* Denotes upgrade

Related:
Chip Foose and Unique Performance to Build '70 Challenger Homage [internal]

[The Chip Foose CNN Hummer Gallery]

CNN to Donate Proceeds of 'Overhauled' Hummer Auction to Fisher House TLC's Overhaulin' Unveiled Restored Iraq War Vehicle Today in Front of CNN Center in Atlanta

Following the unveiling of an overhauled CNN Hummer that saw action during the war in Iraq, the network plans to put the vehicle on the auction block and donate the proceeds to the Fisher House Foundation, an organization that builds "comfort homes" for families of hospitalized military personnel.

Nicknamed "Warrior One," the Hummer will be the subject of an upcoming episode of Overhaulin', a highly rated program on The Learning Channel. The program's co-hosts Chris Jacobs and Adrienne "A.J." Janic and hot rod designer Chip Foose presented the refurbished Hummer to CNN employees this morning.

After Warrior One's tour of military bases and other sites across the country, the Barrett-Jackson Auction Co., a premiere classic car auction house, will auction the vehicle on Jan. 20, 2007, at the auction company's headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz.

"The crew from Overhaulin' has created a memorable tribute to military personnel who serve during times of war and the journalists who cover them," said Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide. "We feel the Fisher House - with its mission to support military families during times of medical need - is an ideal recipient for the proceeds raised by the auction."

The Fisher House provides temporary residence for families of patients receiving major medical care at military and Veterans Administration centers. Since its founding in 1990, the Fisher House has offered more than 2 million days of lodging to more than 100,000. Presently, the organization operates 35 houses in 16 states and one in Europe.

CNN purchased the Hummer in 2002 from the King Hummer dealership in Kuwait. Network producers, video journalists and correspondents used the vehicle when they were embedded with the First Battalion, 7th Marines in the war in Iraq in 2003. The vehicle came under heavy fire near Baghdad in April 2003 as Iraqis celebrated the arrival of coalition forces in Baghdad.

This summer, Overhaulin' took the Hummer to the show's workshop in Irvine, Calif. Crews overhauled the Hummer's engine and body and installed an extensive entertainment system that includes a DVD player, four LCD monitors and a state-of-the-art sound system. Airbrush artists Dru Blaier, Mickey Harris and Mike Lavallee painted images of journalists and military men and women onto the vehicle as a tribute to those who served during the war in Iraq or covered the war.

The Overhaulin' program featuring the Hummer will premiere on TLC on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT).

CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner Company, is one of the world's most respected and trusted sources for news and information. Its reach extends to nine cable and satellite television networks; one private place-based network; two radio networks; wireless devices around the world; four Web sites, including CNN.com, the first major news and information Web site; CNN Pipeline, an on-demand broadband video service; CNN Newsource, the world's most extensively syndicated news service; and partnerships for four television networks and one Web site.

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