7/16/2023 0 Comments Chip foose custom carsIn addition, Foose Design will build a limited number of Hemisfear production rodsnearly all of which are already presold. In turn, the ultra-rod would become the center of the Full Throttle line. As part of their licensing deal, RC2 agreed to pay for the construction of the Hemisfear. The hangup was that Foose was involved with so many paying projects that were higher priorities, and he just didnt have time. Lev knew how badly Foose wanted to build his dream car. While at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, Foose designed a car he called the “Hemisfear.” Despite the fact that Foose had designed and/or built many of worlds most amazing rods and customs, the Hemisfear project was never started, let alone finished. Yes, even a guy who has seemingly done it all in the custom-car world has special dreams. They also did a bit of extra homework to seal the deal.Ĭarson Lev, who handles all of Chips licensing programs (and now steers the Foose empire) knew that Chip had a dream car. ![]() RC2 was ready to commit to Foose as their sole headliner. But more than that, Chip didnt want to be just another name in a long line of names. RC2 wanted a big name, and Foose was flattered by the offer. Likewise, who can dispute the integrity of RC2? A great deal of research went into finding what both wanted, and then they structured a deal that worked for both. After all, whats not to like about Chip Foose? Hes truly one of the most genuine people in the automotive world. The decision to bring Foose into the RC2 family seems like it would have been a no-brainer. All are available in two scales, 1:18 (actually between 1:18 and 1:20) and 1:64 (closer to 1:55). The Foose line includes replicas of famous Chip Foose rods such as the Grandmaster and Impression and vehicles from his TV show “Overhaulin.” Rock Rigs is an odd collection of monster 4×4 trucks that seem to ride on the Foose name rather than Foose design. The Full Throttle line features cars, trucks and rods. The result was the birth of the Johnny Lightning Full Throttle diecast line. It was exactly what the doctor ordereda blend of mass market and mass appeal. In the custom-car world, no one meets that requirement the way Chip Foose does. What RC2 needed was not just a line of custom diecast cars but a headlinera showstopper. ![]() This left RC2, the other giant of diecast, to join the now crowded street of custom cars. Maisto advanced the idea to develop several lines of slick and trick offerings. When Jadas Dub City and Homies lines hit the market, the response once again shocked the industry and sent a ripple effect that is still being felt.Īs Jada had done, Muscle Machines also took a run at the urban space. He envisioned cars designed with a more urban vibea place he felt Mattel was not yet ready to go. Louis Tanahara joined the company after leaving the Hot Wheels design team. Although at the time the leader in the industry, Matchbox lost its hold on the market and never recovered.Ī few years ago, upstart Jada Toys challenged Mattels place on the ladder. When Mattel gave Harry Bradley free reign to design what was happening in real-life in terms of performance and custom trends, the diecast world was changed forever. Diecast customs have been important to collectors since 1968you know, the year Hot Wheels hit the toy department of your local JC Penney store.
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