BUILDER SPOTLIGHT: 21st-Century Coachbuilders Take Things Up a Notch

July 11, 2024
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION – 1960 CADILLAC COUPE DE VILLE CUSTOM HARDTOP – $192,500

The act of crafting and customizing vehicles is truly an art form. At Barrett-Jackson, several renowned builders consistently bring their best work, capturing the attention and admiration of bidders when their custom creations hit the auction block. Today’s custom builders have access to advanced technology and materials, allowing for a level of precision and creativity unimaginable more than 60 years ago, when Pininfarina, Bertone and Zagato were at the height of automotive coachbuilding. Today, computer-aided design (CAD) software, 3D printing and high-performance aftermarket parts enable modern builders to achieve more refined and intricate designs.

Take a moment to explore this gallery that highlights some of today’s top builders and showcases their finest cars, each a testament to their skill and creativity.

SIC CHOPS

The Arizona-based SIC CHOPS is known around the world for their one-of-a-kind custom car builds that take quality and attention to detail to a new level.

2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION – 1960 CADILLAC COUPE DE VILLE CUSTOM HARDTOP – $192,500 Pictured above, this 1960 Cadillac is powered by a Cadillac CTS-V 6.2-liter supercharged engine delivering an impressive 556hp and 551 ft/lbs of torque. Chopped by 1.5 inches; door handles were shaved. Riding on Colorado Custom wheels.

2023 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION – 1956 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL CUSTOM MARK II – $423,500 Powered by a 520ci Ford V8 engine producing 859hp, this award-winning chopped coupe has a custom chassis, bodywork, Corvette C6 style suspension, Strange 9-inch rear end and Wilwood brakes. Riding on Colorado Custom wheels.

DEK’D OUT CUSTOMS

Located in Oxnard, California, Dek’d Out Customs offers everything from full vehicle restorations and customizations to service that keeps your classic on the road.

2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION – 1972 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER CUSTOM SUV – $242,000 Fully restored, powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Vintage Air system, 20-inch wheels with 33-inch tires. Built and completed in June 2023. Finished in Mint Green with an Oyster interior.

**2024 PALM BEACH AUCTION – 1971 FORD BRONCO CUSTOM SUV – $308,000 **Powered by Gen 3 Coyote 5.0-Liter V8 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, with 4-wheel drive. Has dual exhaust, headers, cold-air intake, 2.5-inch suspension lift and a 3-inch body lift. Rides on 20-inch KMC wheels wrapped in 35-inch tires.

RINGBROTHERS

Jim and Mike Ring, co-founders of Ringbrothers, work out of Spring Green, Wisconsin, where they build their iconic street machines, design and produce aftermarket parts, and work on local cars in their auto body shop.

2016 NORTHEAST AUCTION – 1966 FORD MUSTANG RINGBROTHERS “BAILOUT” FASTBACK – $225,500 OPTIMA Street Challenge machine; award-winning SEMA collaborative design. Powered by a Keith Craft 427/602hp engine with 607 ft/lbs of torque, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. 3,000-hour build.

2021 LAS VEGAS AUCTION – 1970 CHEVROLET CAMARO “GRINCH” – $192,500 Features a 602hp LS3 engine with a Bowler 5-speed transmission and many custom handmade parts. Numerous body modifications include flared wheel openings and extended rocker panels, quarter-panels and fenders, as well as a custom-crafted carbon-fiber hood and rear spoiler.

DAN HOGAN/HOGAN BUILT

For nearly a decade Hogan Built has gained a reputation of producing high-quality builds and fulfilling the need for quality parts for those working on their own builds and restorations.

2023 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION – 1972 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER CUSTOM SUV – $440,000 Powered by an LS3 engine rated at 500hp mated to an 4L80E automatic transmission. Equipped with an Atlas transfer case, custom mono-toned interior and a custom frame. Finished in Mint over white two-tone paint, with a roll cage and a removable hardtop.

2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION – CAPTAIN “WILD” BILL WICHROWSKI’S 1972 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER CUSTOM SUV – $330,000 Powered by a 500hp LS3 engine with a 4L80E transmission and NP205 transfer case. Has a custom interior and customized frame. Finished in Medium Olive over white two-tone paint, with a roll cage, removable hardtop and stainless exhaust. Concours restoration.

DAVE KINDIG/KINDIG-IT DESIGN

Dave Kindig has led the field with his unique skills and vision to craft truly one-of-a-kind customs. By pushing the limits with his concepts yet keeping to classic lines with the help of his Kindig-It design team, builds are improved and modernized to reflect the best version these rides can be.

2023 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION – 1953 KINDIG CF1 BARRETT-JACKSON EDITION CUSTOM ROADSTER – $572,000 CF1 Roadster #8, Barrett-Jackson Edition. Powered by an LS 427ci V8 engine mated to 4L80E 4-speed automatic transmission. Equipped with Borla 8-stack injection, Ultimate stainless headers and a custom exhaust.

2019 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION – 1967 FORD MUSTANG KINDIG-IT DESIGN CUSTOM FASTBACK – $275,000 Nicknamed “The Boss” and powered by a supercharged Ford 427ci V8 engine with a 6-speed manual transmission. Sits on a full Art Morrison chassis with a Zoomie exhaust. Featured on “Bitchin’ Rides,” “Car Crazy” and “Hot Rod TV.”

MAXLIDER BROTHERS CUSTOMS

Maxlider creates high-end Bronco builds that have earned numerous awards at top auto shows across the country, including SEMA in Las Vegas.
2024 PALM BEACH AUCTION – 2023 FORD BRONCO RAPTOR CUSTOM SUV – $154,000 Powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. Limited edition; one of 150 by Maxlider. Finished in Shadow Black with LUX Package, SAS, custom bumpers, interior and leveling kit.

2023 LAS VEGAS AUCTION – 2022 FORD BRONCO RAPTOR CUSTOM SUV – $132,000 Fully customized Maxlider Edition with the LUX package, #6 of 150 limited editions produced. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

JOE CLEVENGER

In 2004, Joe Clevenger turned his automobile hobby into his profession and became recognized for his high-end Corvette builds.

2024 SCOTTSDALE AUCTION – 1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – $550,000 Sits on an Art Morrison chassis with independent rear suspension and features an LT1 direct-injected engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

2021 SCOTTSDALE MARCH AUCTION – 1959 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE – $825,000 Powered by a 2020 Corvette LT1 6.2-liter V8 engine putting out 460hp paired with an automatic transmission. Features Art Morrison C7 independent suspension, an extended firewall, air conditioning, and power steering and brakes.