Foose Design Hand Built Roadster “Impression“ Full Length Walkthrough

“Impression“, a hand built roadster with removable top, is perhaps the finest vehicle to come out of Foose Design. Based on a unique Chip Foose design, the objective was to create the perfect styling for a mid-30’s roadster. It contains over 4,000 individual hand built parts, which were machined and fabricated. In fact, only 3 OEM parts can be found on the vehicle: the LS1 engine, the transmission and the center section of the rear end. In this video, Chip Foose tours you around “Impression“ in comprehensive detail. He shares stories, designs, pictures, renderings and background on the build and intimately discusses the major sections of the vehicle including the “Flatisphere“ Engine, Custom Interior, Grille, Headlights, Taillights, Bumpers, One- Off Wheels, Custom Cut Tires, Trunk & more. In order to thoroughly examine the Undercarriage, the vehicle is lifted on a rack as Chip runs you through the custom design elements of the Frame, Suspension, Exhaust, Rear End & more. Amazingly there was more time spent on the underside of the vehicle than on the top exterior. “Impression“ took 7 years to complete and has captured awards in every competition it has entered, including the Ridler Award and America’s Most Beautiful Roadster. This is the most in-depth look at the “Impression“ build ever created. Should you prefer to jump ahead to certain sections of the walkthrough we have carved out several stand-alone videos. Links below: “Impression“ “Flatisphere“ Engine Video - “Impression“ Interior Video - “Impression“ Undercarriage Video - “Impression“ Build Story Video - “Impression“ Headlights and Grille Video - “Impression“ Taillights and Rear Bumper Video - “Impression“ Wheels and Tires Video - “Impression“ Windshield Frame and Molding Video - “Impression“ Trunk Video - “Impression“ Fitment Video - “Impression“ Craftsmanship Video - IMPRESSION STORY They say some of the best ideas begin as doodles on a napkin. Well, the first concept sketches of Impression were no different. During a dinner with Ken Reister, armed with only a pen and without his trusty sketchpad, Chip reached for the closest item available, his dinner 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. After their dinner meeting, Chip refined the sketch & 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 & 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 the 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 or 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’ll 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.