Net Worth Ranker
What Is Chip Foose’s Net Worth?
Chip Foose, a prominent figure in the automotive world, boasts a net worth of $18.5 million as of 2025. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his multifaceted career as a hot rod shop owner, automotive designer and fabricator, television personality, businessman, and entrepreneur.
Early Career and “Overhaulin'”
Foose’s journey began early in life, as he assisted with car projects at his father’s company, Project Design, starting at the age of 7. This early exposure ignited his passion and laid the foundation for his future success. Although he initially enrolled at the Art Center College of Design in the early 1980s, financial constraints forced him to withdraw after two years. He returned and graduated in 1990, after working at Clenet Coachworks for four years.
After graduation, Chip Foose worked for Sterenberger Design and Boyd Coddington. He became the president of Hot Rods by Boyd and designed the Boydster I and II. He then launched Foose Design with his wife, Lynne. The turning point in his career arrived with the reality TV series “Overhaulin’,” where he served as the star and executive producer. The show initially aired on TLC from 2004 to 2008 and was later revived on Discovery and Velocity from 2012 to 2020. In 2019, “Overhaulin'” moved to Motor Trend for its tenth season. Over its run, the show produced more than 130 episodes, significantly boosting Foose’s visibility and income.
His earlier exposure came in 2003, thanks to the TLC documentary “Speedbird,” which showcased the redesign of the 2002 Thunderbird. Around this time, he also built a Stallion 1934 Ford Coupe for Ron Whiteside, which won the Ridler Award at 2003 Detroit Autorama.
Foose Design and Notable Projects
In 1998, following the financial troubles of Hot Rods by Boyd, Chip Foose founded Foose Design with his wife, Lynne. The company, based in Orange, California, quickly gained recognition for its innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship. Foose’s first project car under his own banner was a rebuild of the Boydster II for collector Chuck Svatos, which secured the prestigious America’s Most Beautiful Roadster trophy in 2000. Svatos later returned the car to Foose, who subsequently sold it to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. This sale provided the capital to acquire the Huntington Beach building that would become Foose Design’s headquarters.
Foose’s design acumen and business acumen allowed him to secure lucrative deals and collaborations, further solidifying his financial standing. In 2006, Foose and Ford reached an agreement for him to design cars for the company. In 2007, he began production on 50 Hemisfear cars, which was also referred to as the Foose Coupe. The very first Foose Coupe Supercar was sold for $340,000 at an auction. Also in 2007, Chip was hired as a design consultant for the $275 million expansion of the MotorCity Casino in Detroit.
Chip’s designs have not only won awards but have also been commercially successful, contributing significantly to his net worth. The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show displayed a 1969 Camaro convertible designed by Foose in 2005. Unique Performance of Dallas Texas was going to produce a 300-car run of the Camaro. However, Foose severed ties with Unique Performance in late 2007 due to allegations of illegal activities against the company.
Further enhancing his brand, Chip and Johnny Lightning, a brand that releases die cast replicas, collaborated to release a line of die cast replicas of some of his well-known designs in 2006. This venture expanded his reach beyond custom car building.
Television Appearances and Other Ventures
Beyond “Overhaulin’,” Chip Foose has made appearances on other television programs, expanding his exposure and contributing to his earnings. From 2010 to 2011, he hosted the TV series “American Icon: The Hot Rod,” and he also appeared on “Legendary Motorcar” (2014), “Chasing Classic Cars” (2016), “Ant Anstead Master Mechanic” (2019), and “Car Kings” (2020). Foose also helped launch Ridemakerz, a customizable toy car company, in 2007.
Awards, Honors and Real Estate
Foose’s achievements in the automotive industry have been widely recognized through numerous awards and honors. He was inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame in 1997, becoming the youngest person to receive this honor at that time. Subsequently, he was inducted into the Darryl Starbird Rod & Custom Car Museum Hall of Fame (2002), the Grand National Roadster Show Hall of Fame (2003), the San Francisco Rod and Custom Motorcycle Hall of Fame (2005), the Diecast Hall of Fame (2009), and the Detroit Autorama “Circle of Champions” Hall of Fame (2012). Foose won the Ridler Award in 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2015. He received the Goodguys Street Rod of the Year Award seven times between 1990 and 2010, and he has earned the Most Beautiful Roadster Award eight times. In 2011, he won Best Hot Rod at the Bilsport Performance Show.
Foose’s real estate holdings are also a component of his net worth. He reportedly owns a $4.25 million mansion in Huntington Beach, California, spanning 7,400 square feet. The purchase and appreciation of this property contribute to his overall financial picture.
Philanthropy and Family
Chip Foose is married to Lynne and they have two children, Katie and Brock. Foose’s commitment to charitable causes, particularly those related to children’s health, adds another dimension to his character. The loss of his youngest sister to Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome prompted him to become the vice chairman of the California Chapter of the Progeria Research Foundation. Chip’s efforts in fundraising and awareness campaigns underscore his dedication to giving back to the community. He served as the grand marshal of the inaugural SEMA Show N’ Shine car show, which raised money for the children’s charities Victory Junction Gang Camp and Childhelp.
