Chip Foose's Ridler Award: Building Impression

The first concept sketches of the Ridler winning Impression took place over dinner on a napkin! So began a 7 year odyssey that would lead to the creation of perhaps the finest vehicle to come out of Foose Design.
The objective was to create the perfect styling for a mid-30's roadster. The result was a unique Foose design, a sleeker and longer version of the stock 1936 & 1937 Fords. Impression became one of the rare winners of both America's Most Beautiful Roadster and the Detroit Autorama Ridler Award, two of the highest forms of praise for any custom automobile.
After their dinner meeting, Chip refined the sketch and sculpted a 1/4 scale model of the design out of clay. Shortly thereafter, work began on the custom chassis, as the wheel base, ride height and suspension components were all established. Next, a mold was pulled from the clay model, which served as the template for the fabrication of a full-size wooden buck to shape the metal over. As assembly and metal forming continued, the timely fabrication process of the parts and components was started.
Impression was not meant to be your average show car, it contains over 4,000 individual hand built parts that were machined and fabricated. Brackets, covers, suspension pieces, trim, mirror, door handles and pedals were just some of the pieces that received the highest level of attention. In fact, only 3 OEM parts can be found on the vehicle; the engine, the transmission and the center section of the rear end. Everything else is handmade, even the tires were custom molded as blanks with a handcut custom tread pattern.
More time was spent on the underside of the vehicle than on the top exterior. The 1/8" gap between panels was maintained throughout the undercarriage. Brake lines, components and wiring were all hidden underneath. All mechanical fastners have been covered our shrouded, even the shock mounts on the A-arms have custom caps.
Some of the more impressive design elements are also the most subtle. A repeating theme found throughout is the presence of soft-sided triangles. That shape can be found on the pattern of the pedals, the cross-section of the A-arms, the windshield posts, the rear exhaust, the interior accents, the wheels and the side trim, to name a few. Also, you will find the iconic Ford V8 logo not only above the grille and on the center cap of the wheels, but as an illusion created by the headlights custom lens and metalwork.
Truly a masterpiece of hot rod design and elegance, Impression still appears at various car shows across the country. It serves as a benchmark of success for all the hard work done at Foose Design.
www.BASFrefinish.com

[@Ricopolico]

You have to wonder how a man who is obviously a genius, can, at the same time, be such a completely decent human being. Where's the tortured artist attitude with all the supporters making excuses for obnoxious behavior?

[@N-Scale]

Astounding work Mr Foose does.
Mike

[@shortbustravelz2423]

Remarkable design and workmanship, a beautiful creation!

[@mrbassnotes]

Another beautiful car built by the Foose team!

[@Collisionhub]

This car is just stunning

[@FrapsYou]

Speechless.

[@sachwim143]

Wow wow wow. Nice car. Chip you the best.