March 19, 2007 The Foose Coupe was conceived back in 1990 when Chip Foose was still a student at the Art Center College of Design, long before his designs became famous. The prototype Foose Coupe debuted at the 2006 SEMA show and caused such a sensation that a limited edition run of 50 coupes are to be built by MetalCrafters, each one tailored to the exact requirements of the customer, with prices starting at US$298,000. The mid-engined 550 bhp Mopar Hemi V8 engine Foose Coupe has a carbon fiber monocoque cabin mated to a modular steel space frame and planted to the pavement with a suspension by Hotchkis, Koni coil-over shock absorbers and a 6-piston Baer Brake system. Now the rights to the first production unit are to be sold at auction.
The rights will be sold at No Reserve during the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event from March 28-April 1, 2007, in Palm Beach, Florida.
Additional standard accessories include air conditioning, power windows, power door locks with remote, illuminated push button start, tilt steering column, billet steering wheel, billet pedals, optional exposed carbon fiber interior trim, leather seats and interior surfaces. The car also features retractable door and rear quarter glass, optional glass roof, hidden exterior door release, LED exterior lighting, pistol grip shifter, side view mirror-mounted turn signals and custom 18-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) Pirelli tires.
“I’ve had this car in my sketch book for years,” said Foose. “I originally designed it in 1990 when I was a student at Art Center College of Design, as a project to respond to a niche market; instead, it created a market of its own. People often ask me to describe my dream car, and the Foose Coupe is my answer. It’s a 16-year dream that has become a reality.” The winning bidder will receive a personal consultation with Foose at his Huntington Beach, Calif., build shop to select specific interior and exterior schemes and colors. The final car will be delivered within 16 weeks of the sale.
“The winning bidder of the Foose Coupe will be buying an automotive masterpiece and an experience of a lifetime,” added Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “Not only will he or she receive the first model available to the public, they will also get to interact with Chip and choose their modifications with the master himself.”
All Foose Coupes other than this one will be available through Unique Performance.