Chip Foose: Wiki, Bio, Net Worth, Wife Lynne, Children, and Life After Divorce.
From the floor of his father’s hot rod shop to the global stage of automotive design, Chip Foose built a career on turning steel and vision into rolling works of art. His journey began in childhood, sketching and shaping ideas inspired by the work of his father, Sam Foose, and grew into a professional path defined by innovation and precision. After formal training at the ArtCenter College of Design, Foose honed his skills at Boyd Coddington’s shop before founding Foose Design in 1998. His builds—ranging from award-winning hot rods to corporate concept cars—have graced magazine covers, dominated premier car shows, and pushed creative boundaries in the industry.
Foose’s charisma and craftsmanship reached a global audience through Overhaulin’, where he led surprise vehicle transformations that combined technical mastery with emotional storytelling. Alongside television success, his contributions earned him a place in the SEMA Hall of Fame, cementing his standing as one of the most influential designers in the custom automotive world. But while his career was accelerating, his personal life was unfolding in ways just as significant, leading to a chapter defined by partnership, family, and later, profound change.
Table of Contents
Marriage, Family Life, and Divorce
Chip Foose met Lynne during his time at ArtCenter College of Design, where she insisted he complete his degree before they married. After his graduation in 1990, they wed and built their life together in Southern California. Lynne’s background as a lawyer became an asset to Foose’s career, especially when she played a pivotal role in establishing Foose Design following the collapse of Boyd Coddington’s business in 1998.
Throughout their marriage, Lynne was an integral part of Foose’s public and private life. In 2013, Foose joked on social media that his “biggest fear” was his wife selling his cars and bikes for what he told her he had paid for them, offering a glimpse into their lighthearted dynamic.That same year, he attended her high school reunion, and in 2016, she surprised him with a Ford GT for his 50th birthday—a gesture he proudly shared with fans. In 2017, he unveiled a custom ’32 Ford roadster design created specifically for her, and she occasionally appeared alongside him on set, with Foose referring to her as his “co-star” during a home filming session.
Together, they raised two children in the dynamic world of Foose Design. Brock Foose, often mentioned in his father’s public posts, accompanied him to major automotive events such as the USS Carl Vinson visit in 2012 and the presentation of the Sam Foose Memorial Design Award in 2020. Katie Foose, while less in the public eye, was also immersed in the creative environment of her father’s shop.
Court records indicate that in April 2022, civil proceedings began between Lynne Foose and Chip Foose.In a 2024 interview, Chip confirmed their divorce was finalized in December 2023, stating he had “given her everything” in the settlement. After the split, he retained his personal car collection and tools but no longer had a workshop, marking a turning point in his professional setup.
Life After Divorce
In the years following his divorce, Foose has remained deeply active in the automotive scene, notably through his Foose Design YouTube channel, which in 2025 boasts over 260,000 subscribers and nearly 200 videos. His recent uploads showcase a variety of projects, from restoring classic cars like the ’69 Camaro and ’53 Barris to custom wheel designs, sketch sessions, and behind-the-scenes tours of ongoing builds. He also shares product reviews, design tips, and collaborations, continuing to engage directly with fans and enthusiasts. This online presence reflects his adaptability in a changing media landscape and his ongoing commitment to inspiring and educating the next generation of car lovers.
Early Influences and Family Legacy
Chip Foose was born into a strong automotive lineage. His father, Sam Foose, began working independently at the age of 14 and went on to serve as shop foreman for Gene Winfield, a giant in the custom car world. From as early as three years old, Chip spent weekends in Winfield’s shop, observing full-scale custom builds that later became AMT model kits and Hot Wheels toys. He often built miniature versions of the very cars he saw being created, connecting his play directly to the professional world around him.
Lessons and Philosophy from Sam Foose
Foose’s admiration for his father extended far beyond the workshop. Sam Foose was not only a master builder but also a talented artist who taught Chip the fundamentals of design from an early age—how to draw ovals for wheels, understand perspective, apply shading, and bring ideas to life on paper. Many of Sam’s sayings became guiding principles in Chip’s career: “If you’re going to do something, do it right, or don’t do it at all,” and “Pay attention to the details and the large areas will take care of themselves.” In design, Sam emphasized simplicity with his “less is more” philosophy, warning that trendy design dates quickly while timeless design endures. His metaphors and lessons shaped Chip’s approach to projects, whether remodeling a home, designing a pool, or building a custom vehicle. Sam also instilled a belief that if someone else could do something, they could too—a mindset that inspired Chip to tackle ambitious, untested ideas with confidence.
Early Exposure to Automotive Icons
During his formative years, Foose was surrounded by iconic on-screen cars, thanks to his father’s work on projects like the Sunbeam Tiger from Get Smart, the “Reactor” from Bewitched, and props for Star Trek. At age seven, he met renowned designer Alex Tremulis, who mentored him in drawing techniques and later wrote his ArtCenter College of Design recommendation.
Formative Moments in Youth
By age 10, Foose had already developed his own design instincts, opposing his father’s decision to add stripes to the family van. At age 12, he experienced a formative moment in his father’s shop while driving his father’s lowered, big-tired 1956 Ford F-100 for the first time. Without power steering, parking required significant effort, and in the process, he accidentally accelerated into the front of a Rolls-Royce, pushing it into a Porsche. The incident left a lasting impression, and Foose still keeps the Rolls-Royce grille in his shop as a reminder of how quickly unexpected events can occur.
Craftsmanship and Timeless Design
Over time, Foose became an advocate for old-world craftsmanship, relying heavily on hand sketches, dimensional drawings, and full-scale bucks to visualize forms before shaping metal.
In 2025, Foose embarked on a long-awaited project: designing and building a new body for a 1930s Duesenberg J. The build blends period-correct curves with subtle European influences, fulfilling a 30-year dream to create such a coachbuilt car. This passion for timeless style is also reflected in his avoidance of trends, preferring design choices that will remain appealing decades later.
Career Highlights and Industry Impact
Foose’s first personal vehicle was a 1956 Ford pickup purchased from his father at age 14, later restored and featured on Overhaulin’. His television career began with the Ford “Speedbird” Thunderbird for SEMA, completed in just seven weeks and earning Best of Show from Ford. This led to the creation of Overhaulin’, which completed more than 170 builds and became one of the most beloved automotive programs of its time.
His influence extends to the car show world, having contributed to 12 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster winners and voicing concern over the shift from technical judging to opinion-based selection. Foose’s design credits include the Plymouth Prowler, created while at ArtCenter, and the enduring Foose Design logo, developed in 1986 with its distinctive centered “O” for wheel cap applications.
Public Statement on Brand Protection
In 2012, Foose publicly addressed an incident involving a company called Super Replicas, which he accused of infringing on his trademarks and misrepresenting his work and affiliations. He clarified that neither he nor Foose Design had any association with the company or its related entities. The company had allegedly used his image, videos, and even family photographs without permission, misleading the public about a partnership. Foose emphasized his commitment to protecting his name, his company’s reputation, and the integrity of his life’s work.
Recognition and Continuing Legacy
Inducted into the Hot Rod Hall of Fame in his early 30s and later into the SEMA Hall of Fame, Foose continues to focus on transparent client relationships, product design, and brand development. Despite major life changes, including selling his shop after a divorce, he remains committed to selective, high-quality projects that reflect his philosophy of proportion, balance, and enduring beauty.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Chip Foose’s estimated net worth is reported to be between $12 million and $14 million. Industry sources suggest that his divorce and the sale of his shop led to a notable decrease in his overall wealth compared to previous years, as a portion of assets was likely part of the divorce settlement. Despite this reduction, Foose has maintained a strong financial standing through diverse income streams—custom design and fabrication work, brand collaborations, product lines, licensing deals, public appearances, and an active online presence through YouTube and other digital platforms. While he is no longer regularly appearing on television since Overhaulin’ ended in 2019, his digital content and event appearances continue to keep him highly visible in the automotive world. His longstanding reputation for quality craftsmanship and timeless design ensures steady demand for his projects.
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