Multi Million Dollar One Off Custom Cars | Why Custom Cars Are So Expensive!!

[@biglakehotrods381]

Custom cost money. The only way I can afford this hobby is to do it myself. I love all these high dollar builds. So much inspiration from them, all the great ideas trickle down. Another great vid. Thanks.

[@joehernandez6260]

I’ll build it myself again as I’ve had in the past but not for $1 million

[@brianbob7514]

Anyone confused about the pricing just hasn’t ever had something custom made for them. It is really expensive.

[@CarsCatAliens]

People who don't understand the pricing, don't understand what's REALLY involved

[@henrynwatu8132]

Time is MONEY, its the labor....................

[@CarsCatAliens]

@@henrynwatu8132 especially for custom custom

[@gilbertahsam643]

I have built many cars from Nomad, 36 Ford, supra,57chevy,85 blazer,70firebird,MG BGT74,67 NOVAAND MANY MORE. YOU CAN never get all your money and labor that you put into your cars. I am almost 70 and been cars all my life. And to own these cars you need a shop to wrench these cars because they will always need repairs up grades. Today I just buy a brand new 2022 2ss camaro and ordered it to all my liking. From wheels to Trans to color and ext. And just drive with insurance coverage on any part in the motor and ext. I still have to watch were I park her and when it's the right day to drive her. But it's not as stress owning a high value Nomad 56 or ext.

[@dcarden3031]

It's not we sold a car we spent 31k on a Mecum auction for 110k it's the buyer not the builder

[@FischerRestoration]

These caliber of builds are simply a hobby for the person who has the means to enjoy the process together with the builder and the fame that follows. Ultimate rolling art at it's finest.

[@EE-fl1tw]

The 51 Ford is the only car on the list I've seen in person. The videos and pictures will never bring that car justice. The details never end. They brought it to Hot August Nights and during that week I would always go back and find another detail. These cars are ridiculously expensive but if you really know what your looking at you'll understand. Great vid Sean! I'm loving what your doing.

[@vargasjohnson540]

Thank you for explaining the financial aspect of top tier custom cars. However, the only way I can accept the crazy costs associated with custom built cars is knowing how many jobs are created. From designers, to engineers, to body and interior people, to the transportation crew who take the car to shows, and people who set up car displays and keep custom cars clean, and many others I can't think of at the moment. So at the end of the day knowing that the money being spent helps the average person raise their families, and pay their bills goes a long way in accepting the cost of custom cars. Though it is rather ironic to think that the majority of people who are involved in the custom car industry may not even be able to afford the custom cars that they helped to build. But that's life I guess.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Great comment!!

[@animal_engineering]

ha ha ha had to go back and pause to read the stickers. I'm building a 1960 International Metro van, at this stage just to get a rust free shell, I'm at 1000 hours. I can definitely appreciate how much goes into building the cars you are showcasing here.

[@craigdougherty290]

Even garage builds ad up if you want quality parts! Great break down Shawn.

[@craigdougherty290]

@autotopiala136 👋🤝

[@firefighteruppy9121]

I just took delivery of my built Buick 455 (462 now) and now I have to completely rebuild the entire chassis to my 1950 Buick. I'm looking at a total of about $65,000, and that doesn't include the price of the car. It's the cost of a brand new car... but there won't be another one out there like it! But I do need to add one thing to the interior... seat belts. Your comment about an exotic vs a custom is totally true! I've spent an hour at the gas pumps talking to people about my car while a slick car pulls in and while it does get noticed... nobody goes to talk to him. That driver even came over and complimented me on my car! Totally different styles, but in the end we're all car people. Have fun and stay safe!

[@craighighmore4302]

I cannot believe the 54 didn't win the Riddler Award. I love everything about it (except the price). Absolutely incredible car but would rather drive this than a million dollar lambo. Great video once again Shawn!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you. Politics won Riddler in 2019. Brut Force should’ve won. The details and execution are as good as it gets

[@a1965hah]

I talked to the builder of this 55 at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona last month,he showed all of the custom things done to it and when I say everything has been modified I mean everything has been modified.

[@gsmith207]

Nailed this. When someone says “all it takes is Money” was talking about this right here. Awesome upload. Needed to be said. Peeps have no idea

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thanks and you’re right…most people have no concept of builds on this level

[@carlos64030]

Good lord... each and every one of these cars are freakin' AMAZING!!!

[@AutotopiaLA]

They really are

[@Mattmazz77]

Some places are charging up near $200 an hour and up. If you think about it artist's paintings can sell for millions of dollars and that's paper and paint. These guys are artists that are building these cars.

[@derekfetzer6294]

Thank you for sharing these with us. I apreciate the passion shared with the rest of us. They are all inspiring to all of us as we try to crwate our perfect example of the things that move us

[@Andrew-zx9wx]

Excellent video! Shawn’s passion about this, as usual, was evident in the first minute and kept me hooked straight through to the end. Not sure which one here was my favorite, they are all exceptional.

[@eschamion]

Thanks for educating us (your audience) with these awesome details of car history. This channel is a step above man.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you! I’m pretty obsessed with the artistry of custom American builds

[@allergictoglobalists]

That 51 Ford is my favorite. It's unique and looks like something that would be ripping around town at night when I was growing up.

[@AutotopiaLA]

It’s still one of the finest builds I’ve ever seen or driven

[@oldboysgarage6694]

AutotopiaLA using a brazilian " meme" from nazare tedesco calculating, how cool. Hugs from Brazil.

[@jamit2006]

Awesome episode team. Absolutely love the channel and the content you share. Shawn the way you present your enthusiasm for the vehicles is both additive and contagious. Thank you to the team that puts this content out there for us dreamers and car lovers 🤟🙏

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you! We have so much more to show. Sometimes it feels like we’re just getting started lol!

[@Rick-O-Shay60]

What a fantastic episode. Passion is what it takes to create custom cars of any types of build. The total amount of time, labor, finances, rarely ever make for a profitable investment, even for someone who can complete 100% of the build. IMHO, time, labor, and the finances one can afford to invest, pale in comparison to having this Passion of Custom Hot Rods!

[@just_some_internet_guy]

A fantastic, amazingly filmed episode of education and appreciation for the best customs. Thanks Shawn!

[@bspeers1]

Excellent episode Shawn! Great job of detailing what it takes to do one of these works of art!! Kudos to the guys that have the ability($) & passion to make these happen & the artists that can perform such amazing results!

[@micheandmikey]

Whoever is asking "why does it cost so much......I could do it cheaper" really doesn't have a clue. These things are one off vehicles. Tested, tried, verified "safe" by DOT and dependable. I'm sure whatever they're "building" is not on the road much as they're constantly broke down. Kudos on this Shawn!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you. This level of build still blows my mind and most people can’t fathom what it takes beyond the obvious dollar amounts. The metal work alone is beyond comprehension

[@nikolajolevski3232]

Great video I really enjoyed 👍🇲🇰

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you

[@angelperez9394]

All I can say is, after viewing video after video that you have posted; I love the enthusiasm you have detailing each remarkable car. Thanks for sharing your passion.

[@Chewygsxr]

Great video Sean, any of these is a winner, but my pick would be the 64 Galaxy, and like you said, you pull up at Cars and Coffee with any of these and you'll get all the attention for sure. The Fiesta Flash.

[@dannysteele4013]

Love the cars being an body man I can appreciate the builds and back you up all the way with what you’re saying!!!!

[@daytonjacobson55]

Bob matranga is one of the nicest guys I have talked to! And his cars are next level. I look up to him very much!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Same for me. He’s such a great guy and builds some amazing rides for us to enjoy

[@tomnekuda3818]

Again, Shaun hits the nail on the head, and educates us about the hobby of builds.

[@billypater5287]

What a Fantastic Show this gentleman just put on Display I absolutely Enjoy this Autotopia witch is The Best EVER Auto Show ever seen like no other could Hold a Candle 🕯️ too Thanks

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you!

[@billypater5287]

I say it like it is without a DOUTE the most unbelievable awesome Resto show ever seen Shaun is great Master of ceremonies 💯

[@1080sucks]

Its not my bag (plus I aint got the dinero) I think it is fantastic that somebody is willing to chase those kind of dreams & we all sort of bask in the glory

[@AutotopiaLA]

Cool comment 👊

[@pab3783]

Perfect video. Thanks for going into these topics.

[@Rebuild1]

Thanks for sharing with us all these masterpieces. It's all about passion and love 🙏

[@AutotopiaLA]

Passion and love is exactly what brings these to life and the financial wherewithal to support it

[@ronaldezz]

I'd drink a beer with you all day; well said Shaun on every point.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Say when!

[@craighighmore4302]

Bizarre. I have never been a 54 lover but I love this car which (I pesonally think) if you can 'convert' someone with your work it must be a quality build. Love your work Shawn - keep it up!

[@AutotopiaLA]

That 51 Coupe is still one of the finest builds I’ve ever seen. Stunning work on all points

[@twelvecylinders6273]

WOwwww. $300k for the 51 for coupe is suchhhh a stealll!! I think that was my favorite car out them all.

[@neilwesley3516]

Excellent show Sir, informative and very entertaining!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you! I love the world of custom muscle cars

[@bigmountain7561]

The Galaxie is my favorite it retains originality and if I could own one it would be the Galaxie. The engine is the only one built to take on the Hemi during the time when the King was collecting Harley Earl Trophies in February. If I recall the timing chain is about 60 inches, if I’m not mistaken. Bob and his design team built a true subtle jewel that is not only classy but reminds me of a beautiful older woman harvesting my virtue!!! Great Video Shawn, sorry I got a little deep!! Lol!!

[@allergictoglobalists]

Ya that Galaxie is awesome. My buddy has a black one and a black Polara 500 max wedge convertible and will never sell them no matter how much we bug him.

[@__PHIL__]

I wasn't shocked just taken aback when you learn of the costs that go into the amazing builds you have shown on your channel. My dream/goal would be to do a GT390 build, a la Bullitt styling but painted black with modern safety and drivetrain and so on, a sleeper so to speak. Unfortunately it'll remain a dream financially unless I win the lottery or something ridiculous like that.

[@randomstuff3201]

Parts are expensive to be sure, but shop time - considering the hours upon hours for custom work, especially when the owner wants everything done just so, is where the $ add up.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Yes and yes. It adds up quickly

[@darksu6947]

My father has ran his own body shop for 42 years and has never paid for any advertising. That doesn't sound impressive until you realize we live in a small town in the mountains of Virginia. When you take your vehicle to someone that's been doing this for as long as my father has, you're paying for all of those years of experience. You're also paying for a perfectionist. I've seen my father turn away well paying vehicles because the owners wanted to use a cheaper grade of paint or use knock off parts..........That's the end of myTed Talk, so thanks for coming out!

[@73blkpntr]

Very detailed Custom cars. You did a great job breaking down how a car is build and the money spent on it. Especially in man hours converted to the money for labor. Very informative and educational video.

[@obewon2]

Had to rewind and pause to read the stickers from the Galaxy. Freaking HILARIOUS!

[@Longnlow.1991]

The decals were brilliant, so Suttle but then you look at them go what !!

[@fishpony1211]

I love your passion for this hobby! Thats why i watch, nuff said.

[@antoniominichilli9366]

I'm surprised you still get people questioning the costs on these vehicles. They can take years to build, even with off the shelf parts involved, to get that level. Even driver builds, like my truck, are up there. I'm 20k in so far and still have so much more I want to do. That's just in parts.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Some people still question costs associated no matter what we show. I like taking a little time to try educating when I can

[@ronaldhellengreen7063]

I watch your KZbin channel every day. I absolutely love 99.9% of the cars , trucks that you show. The workmanship on Viscous Mustang is unbelievable. It's a great technological build, the best of everything, one offs everywhere. But it's the ugliest Mustang I've ever seen! It's hard to imagine that a car that has that much money, and engineering in it turned out that ugly? Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Part of the beauty of Vicious is “form follows function” which makes some crazy looks. But everything on it is purpose built for performance

[@gkanderson92]

You said everything on the topic perfectly. Awesome channel with nothing but the greatest cars.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you! I love custom American builds and these are some of the best ever. It blows my mind getting to ride in and drive this level of build

[@pangaute]

Another great episode, thanks. Fwiw your an excellent raconteur, cheers

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you!

[@keithlane7471]

Very thoughtful explanation . Anyone confused by the amount of time / money involved in building a custom vehicle of any kind, should take your sage advise, and really break it down to see where the design , custom made parts , and prep / finish takes them. Then add it all up Another enjoyable video Take care

[@ODGColornChrome]

This was an awesome episode! Keep it up!

[@edpoell2876]

My dad was an autobody man and as a small kid I asked him why he didn't build complete new cars instead of fixing broken ones. He said that he could buy a brand new car for $5,000 but it would cost him at his shop probably $50,000 to build, at the time you could buy 3 detached homes for $50k.

[@AutotopiaLA]

They’re not cheap that’s for sure. Even a mild Garage build adds up quickly

[@rudychavez7934]

Love the video the love and passion these owners have is one of a kind build the car that will make you feel good and always be the love of your life

[@AutotopiaLA]

Same for me with these builds. They’re all top tier works of art

[@briansawdo6245]

I love your content. You are a down to earth lover of cars. I appreciate that you are not full of yourself as other hosts can be.

[@JavierTorres-py6rp]

Nice. Very nice. My brother, remember when I commented, "It must be nice to have money"? This is what I was talking about. I learned more about this...what, hobby? Life's work? Anyway, I learned.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Awesome brother! If I had money on this level I’d own a handful of this level build for sure

[@JavierTorres-py6rp]

@@AutotopiaLA 😀

[@datn8]

$85,000 is just shy of $100,000? fifteen thousand! Just shy? The numbers are crazy. Nice turn of phrase tho, dont "lose the car in the build" bang on explanation.

[@AutotopiaLA]

The dollar amounts become absurd but god bless the folks the can fund these master craftsmen to make these rides! And I love when the “don’t lose the car in the build” the best

[@XxSavageBearxX]

16:20 as an up-and-coming business owner: these hard, long hours are absolutely everything. If you care about what you do and your work is good, you can start a good business for yourself.

[@likedcommentsRdeleted]

the return on one's money. when the cars are sold, may be horrendous, but their real value is priceless....

[@TheOneAboveAll-001]

Thank you very much, now maybe a show where the cars are about half as expensive maybe some that are really on the lower end but just as cool, I think you did one where there was a guy that had a Mazda but stuck a Chevy motor in it.

[@AutotopiaLA]

I try showing all levels of build throughout our channel and will always show big dollar builds and realistic garage builds

[@rddiesel1]

I hope you get to build your very own no expense spared dream car 🙌🏼

[@jackperry9369]

Always the best damn content Shawn thanks ☺️ 👍

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you!

[@swamppy4880]

Everything is perfect. It all comes with a price. Give me the Chevelle next to you.

[@motorised1]

changing your mind mid buld costs a lot

[@CyberDocUSA]

Glad that I check in regularly due to lack of notifications because this was a legit learning experience that I appreciated, Thanks for all you do and to all your friends out west. Peace from the East Coast.

[@dalebrindamour6499]

Just gotta say a huge THANK YOU, to all guys that build these cars, so we can see them!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Same for me! And the folks that fund at this level!

[@mikeychartman1932]

My family has been involved in custom vehicles since the 1800s beginning with carriages, hacks, hearses, and other horse-drawn personalized rides. One of my relatives from Switzerland built custom Cadillacs and other hand-formed bodies in the 1930s to the tune of $20k plus and had way many people in line for his one-off cars. Look at Rolls Royce...in the last few years, they've had record sales of bespoke vehicles with 6 figure prices above what they originally cost. As long as humans want to be original there will be a demand for individualized vehicles. It's good for the economy.

[@andrewipp426]

Beyond exceptional builds, these cars are a cross between works of art, vision of what should have been and the reliability that they can driven long distances confidently other than panicking if someone parks too close to it..(we all have that fear of door dings on a high dollar paint job) the one stand out is so simple the OEM stickers in the white Galaxie, if you take the time to pause the video and read them, someone has a very twisted sense of humor! Every one of these builds has the vision and execution that is just incredible God Bless the owners who fund them and the builders who bring their vision to fruition. It is that passion and individuality that makes a gearhead step back and take in the subtle and in your face details. Shawn thank you for bringing these cars to light I really appreciate getting to see what is possible when there is a dedication to a craft that you won’t get rich but you will smile every time you fire it up!

[@AutotopiaLA]

I love your comments Andrew!! I love the stickers on the Galaxie. Such an amazing car

[@andrewipp426]

@@AutotopiaLA Shawn, thank you for your response, I am truly a fan of your channel, and what you do in presenting these cars. I remember the conversation we had when I was talking about the Blue ‘Cuda convertible restomod that was at Fusion motors a couple of years ago, I was honored that you took the time out your busy day to discuss cars with me. I haven’t gotten another one (either completely done or that needs a few tweaks) as of yet due to some life issues that have come up, I need to get a house to park it in but I try to keep up with the market and the “One beast” that really ticks the boxes. In one of your previous videos your brothers black 70 Cuda is the one that speaks to me, maybe when I do get one I’ll road trip and have the honor of you driving it grabbing it by the scruff of its neck and wringing it out in LA! Be well and God Bless!

[@AutotopiaLA]

@@andrewipp426 when the day comes I’d love to shoot it with you. Good luck on everything. I know “life issues” but just keep on pushing through

[@jamesschaal993]

Don’t forget the huge expenses of the physical plant in addition to the business staff that helps keep the wheels rolling.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Yep. It all adds up when you go this deep

[@NATIVEWARS]

cool frickin video and the cars! man oh man! there awesome to use simple words. thank you for posting this video. fan for ever and keep them coming. so want to become a millionaire just make a car like they did. can't thank you car builder's enough. awesome work and truly works if art.

[@user-ri5uw1pe5g]

Bravo love your show and passion I can see it in your eye Cant fake that awsome !!!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you!

[@mikeblankenship7930]

LOVE THIS CHANNEL!!

[@davehall4226]

Custom Cars are Cool!! When you have a Custom Car, that’s what makes it fun!! I love stories like this, it promotes the passion for future successful builds.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Totally agree!

[@Double-uz6rw]

Great video friend! I watch your videos and this one was awesome! That color on that blue Chevy is friggin sick man

[@bzamski17]

Great episode I really enjoyed your view on these cars very well explained thanks for that

[@andrewmatyear5212]

Brute force , what a terrible name for a unbelievably well thought out work of art. Tied or Tyed springs to mind.

[@AutotopiaLA]

It’s such an amazing design and build

[@johnnieburge4997]

Great video. Definitely an inspiration for me to keep going on with my $1,000,000 build. It’s all about the passion. 66 impala custom is on the way!

[@fueledgaragetv1212]

Not kidding about some of these being driven. First person I talked to when I rolled in to the Hot Rod 75th show a few years ago was Bob from ARP. He was wiping down the Ranch Wagon, telling me about some buckets that fell out of a pickup in front of him on the freeway that he had to dodge. I've seen 3 of these in person and they are all works of art.

[@ronsolis8182]

Beautiful expensive time consuming builds. The New American Car Culture, got to love it, because it’s here to stay. 👍❤️

[@AutotopiaLA]

I love custom builds on all levels but especially these “no expense spared” works of art

[@regularjoe621]

Hi I agree about Bob I can’t wait to see some of Dustin’s builds make it into Your top 5 😎👍🙏❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@AutotopiaLA]

They’ll be there. He builds some great rides!

[@stevetriplecrown]

I’m a new subscriber and absolutely love this channel…. Shawn is such a warm natured guy with fantastic enthusiasm… this video in particular was for me so informative… keep em coming man…. Later 😎🤙🇬🇧

[@PhillyDee215]

I would love to have any one of those cars....

[@dmitrykhramov1832]

Oh boy, did I enjoy this one ! 👌👍💪

[@K1Racer.]

ONE OF YOUR GREATEST VIDEOS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@chinchen5979]

I am glad they spent the money , I really like to see these cars , truly unique and it didn't cost me a penny to see and learn about them.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Same for me! And I’ve driven or ridden in each of these other than Brute Force and love that the owners went to the expense of bringing these to life!

[@supersport57]

Great job Shawn!!!!!!!!!

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you!!

[@mauricesiermachesky4900]

These are rolling pieces of art. Wealthy people think nothing of spending millions on actual artwork, (consisting of paint on canvas) The difference here, instead of one artist creating a master piece, here it takes a team. Designers, welders, fabricators, paint & body tradesmen , mechanics & upholsterers to create these one off creations. And it all costs money, lots of money!

[@xciteful]

You did such a great job pulling up a chair and talking us through the examples.

[@bengtriise6504]

To this day,I have never seen a car that I wouldn't change something on-Regardless of cost. This is truly a work of passion and art but sadly the price and time is alot. In my head I (as everyone) have the perfect starter car (chevelle 67) waiting to be done like no one ever did.

[@johnmckenzie6262]

You are SO right I'm doing a 65 fastback all by myself and learning skills as I go some I already have like painting , metal , welding , tig mig and the list goes on. All for the love of it and so i can say I did it.

[@stark2315]

Getting something custom done with high quality sky is the limit in price.

[@AutotopiaLA]

That’s the truth

[@steviejmes]

Great video.👍🏼

[@ivanracine431]

Great show only for the rich I’m poor man only can dream good job love your show tks 👍👍👍👍

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you. I’m a working guy too but sure love when custom builds are done on this level

[@woohunter1]

That mustangs transmission cost as much as my whole car!

[@jblovell9065]

The 51 Ford hands down saw Leno show case that car some time ago just stunning

[@learysinsight9617]

Good video Shawn. It's true, I'm working on an 84 Buick GN right now that I got for next to nothing, I've only just touched the car slightly on the interior and driveline and I'm over $30,000CAD in parts NOT including labour.

[@AutotopiaLA]

And it just keeps going…

[@notyou2935]

Funny that in the last part of the video you talk about overbuilding cars and "losing the car" when the very first car you showed, the Vicious Mustang, is a really good example of that. Also a 57 looks good with sloped front fenders, not so much the 55. It just doesn't match the rest of the car. The Ranch Wagon and the Galaxy are awesome.

[@jb2oldies69]

Yep 👍 👍

[@suedeops]

Some serious whips!

[@cbrSpeedster1]

I really enjoyed this video and all your videos.. Those of us who have a passion for cars see your passion in every one...

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you and yep…I’m kind of obsessed with well built custom American vehicles

[@jameshutchins3396]

Don't have to convince me. I have never been one of those "I can build it for " people. Perfection is not nor has it ever been cheap.

[@warrenlewis3977]

Good points James but how can you enjoy a "perfect" car? How can you drive it??

[@davemurphy63C10]

Great video. Well said.

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you 👊

[@briankirkpatrick9364]

Great video keep it up brother 👍🍺🍺🍺

[@AutotopiaLA]

Thank you!