Rick Dore: Renowned Custom Car Builder Showcases New Designs for 2025
Rick Dore is one of America’s premier custom car builders. He has been transforming rusted metal into rolling works of art since the 1990s. His distinctive vision and craftsmanship have earned him respect in automotive circles and mainstream recognition through television shows like “Rusted Development” on the Discovery Channel.
Rick Dore’s ability to see potential in abandoned vehicles has established him as a legendary figure in the custom car world. His creations are regularly featured in prestigious automotive shows across the country.
Operating through Rick Dore Kustoms in California, his influence extends far beyond his workshop. Dore has built a substantial following on social media, with nearly 100,000 followers on Facebook and a growing presence on YouTube where he shares builds, stories, and insights into his creative process. His aesthetic typically blends classic styling with modern techniques, creating vehicles that feel both timeless and innovative.
Early Life and Career
Contents
Rick Dore’s journey into the world of custom cars began on the East Coast before he established himself as one of the most respected names in automotive customization.
Beginnings in Custom Car Industry
Rick Dore grew up in Yonkers, New York, where he first learned to drive, spending time in both Yonkers and the Bronx during his formative years. His early exposure to automotive culture sparked what would become a lifelong passion. Dore eventually made his way to California, where he would later establish his custom car business.
The early 1990s marked Dore’s official debut on the custom car scene. He began turning heads with his unique vision and craftsmanship. He also founded Rick Dore Kustoms in California, which would become the home base for his automotive artistry.
Dore’s entry into the custom car world wasn’t just a career move—it was the beginning of what would become a renowned legacy in automotive customization.
Influences and Inspirations
Dore’s work reflects a deep appreciation for classic automotive design, particularly from what many enthusiasts consider the golden age of custom cars. His creations often blend vintage aesthetics with modern craftsmanship, resulting in vehicles that pay homage to automotive history while pushing boundaries.
One of his notable projects, “The Golden Era,” began life as a 1926 Ford Model T before Dore transformed it into an award-winning custom masterpiece. This project exemplifies his ability to reimagine classic vehicles while respecting their historical significance.
The custom builders of the mid-20th century clearly influenced Dore’s approach to car modification, with his work often featuring the flowing lines and meticulous attention to detail that characterized that era.
Rick Dore’s Custom Creations
Rick Dore has established himself as one of the most talented custom car builders in America since the 1990s. His distinctive style blends classic aesthetics with modern craftsmanship.
Notable Custom Cars
Rick Dore’s portfolio boasts some truly spectacular builds that showcase his unique vision. His focus on American roadsters from the 1930s through 1960s has produced some legendary customs that stand out at shows nationwide.
The “Aquarius,” a 1940 Mercury, features swooping lines and a chopped roof that exemplifies Dore’s ability to enhance original designs while maintaining their essence. Its metallic blue finish and perfect stance make it unforgettable.
“Black Pearl,” perhaps his most ambitious creation, was built from scratch with a hand-formed aluminum body. This coach-built masterpiece displays Dore’s skill in creating something both modern and timeless.
His work on the “Illusion” 1956 Lincoln demonstrates his talent for transforming larger vehicles. The car’s radical body modifications and lustrous finish earned widespread acclaim in custom car circles.
Shell reinish
Behind the Big Wheel stories
Awards and Recognitions
Dore’s exceptional craftsmanship has earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. His creations have consistently won top honors at prestigious events including the Grand National Roadster Show and Goodguys events.
He received the coveted Builder of the Year award from Rod & Custom Magazine, cementing his place among custom car royalty. Multiple Dore creations have been featured as magazine cover cars, with publications praising his unique vision.
His television appearances on shows like Discovery Channel’s “Rusted Development” have introduced his work to wider audiences. As host and star, Dore demonstrates the restoration process while showcasing his expertise.
The Petersen Automotive Museum has displayed several Dore creations, recognizing their artistic and cultural significance in the custom car world.
Collaboration with James Hetfield
Rick Dore’s partnership with Metallica frontman James Hetfield created some of the most innovative custom cars in modern hot rod culture. Their creative chemistry yielded show-stopping builds that now reside in prestigious automotive collections.
Dore-Hetfield Projects
The duo’s first collaborative masterpiece was a stunning 1937 Lincoln Zephyr, now displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. This vehicle established their collaborative approach: Hetfield’s metal-influenced vision paired with Dore’s coachbuilding expertise.
Their portfolio expanded to include the breathtaking “Black Pearl” and “Aquarius” customs, each showcasing meticulous attention to detail and flowing, sculptural bodywork. The Aquarius was prominently featured at SEMA 2015, where industry insiders marveled at its radical yet elegant design.
Dore and Hetfield’s builds typically feature:
- Hand-formed metal bodies
- Custom chassis modifications
- Vibrant, complementary color schemes
- Art Deco-inspired design elements
Impact on Custom Car Scene
The Dore-Hetfield collaboration transcended typical celebrity car builds, influencing the entire custom car community. After joining forces with Dore, Hetfield noted, “I started seeing all the beauty they were doing. With Rick Dore’s influence, I started going to the next level.”
Their projects have been featured in countless magazines, major auto shows, and museums, establishing a new standard for modern coachbuilding. The partnership demonstrated how celebrity influence could be channeled into legitimate automotive art rather than mere vanity projects.
Many of their builds now reside in prestigious collections, including museums, ensuring their legacy in automotive history. Their work inspired a generation of builders to pursue more ambitious, sculptural designs rather than traditional hot rod formulas.
Media Presence
Rick Dore has established a notable presence in automotive television programming. His expertise in custom car building and restoration has made him a natural fit for car-themed reality shows.
‘Lords of the Car Hoards’ Synopsis
‘Lords of the Car Hoards’ featured Rick Dore and his partner, automobile expert Jordan Darby, as they tackled the challenging world of automotive hoarding. The Discovery Channel series, which later evolved into shows like “Rusted Development” and “Extreme Car Hoarders,” followed a simple but effective formula.
In each episode, Dore would help car collectors who had amassed overwhelming vehicle collections. The team would work to identify valuable classics worth restoring while helping owners part with vehicles they’d never reasonably complete.
The show highlighted Dore’s exceptional talent for visualizing potential in seemingly hopeless cars. His background as a custom car builder since the early 1990s gave him the knowledge to spot diamonds in the rough.
What made the show compelling was the balance between automotive restoration and human interest stories. Each hoarder had unique attachments to their collection, creating genuine emotional moments alongside the mechanical transformations.
The Artistic Approach to Customization
Rick Dore’s approach to car customization transcends traditional hot rodding, elevating automotive modification to a genuine art form. His distinctive vision combines classic influences with bold innovations, resulting in vehicles that command attention both in motion and at rest.
Design Philosophy
Dore’s philosophy centers on creating flowing, harmonious lines that appear factory-designed rather than modified. He believes custom cars should look “meant to be” rather than obviously altered. This principle guides his work at Rick Dore Kustoms, where each project begins with careful consideration of the vehicle’s original design language.
“I don’t just modify cars; I enhance their inherent beauty,” Dore often explains of his process. His work demonstrates a deep appreciation for automotive history while pushing boundaries.
The celebrated Illusion project exemplifies this philosophy—a hand-crafted marvel that respects classic proportions while creating something entirely new. Dore’s creations maintain a timeless quality that transcends trendy modifications.
Innovations and Techniques
Dore’s technical approach combines old-school craftsmanship with modern precision. He’s renowned for his meticulous chopping techniques, demonstrated in projects like the modified 1963 Thunderbird where he not only chopped the top but commissioned custom glass to complete the vision.
The Timbs Buick re-creation showcases Dore’s ability to reimagine automotive history through contemporary coachbuilding. This project demanded extensive metal shaping and fabrication skills while maintaining the essence of the 1948 original.
Dore frequently employs:
- Hand-formed metal panels
- Custom glass fabrication
- Subtle body modifications that appear factory-original
- Precise stance adjustments that transform a vehicle’s presence
Influence on Automotive Culture
Rick Dore’s impact on automotive culture extends far beyond his custom creations. His distinctive style and commitment to craftsmanship have shaped both the industry and its next generation of builders.
Contribution to Custom Car Legacy
Dore’s work represents a unique blend of classic styling and modern sensibility that has redefined custom car building. His hand-formed aluminum masterpieces flow like liquid metal, creating vehicles that are more art than transportation. The “Illusion” stands as a testament to his vision—a car that looks simultaneously vintage and futuristic.
His collaborations with celebrities like Metallica’s James Hetfield brought custom car culture to wider audiences. This partnership produced several legendary builds that appeared in major automotive events worldwide.
Dore’s recreation of the 1948 Timbs Buick Streamliner showcases his ability to honor automotive history while injecting his own design philosophy. This approach has earned him recognition among both traditional hot-rodders and contemporary designers.
Education and Mentorship
Beyond building cars, Dore has become a significant educator in the custom automotive world. His appearances at car shows and interviews like the one with Car Culture TV provide invaluable insights for aspiring builders.
Dore regularly opens his shop to young fabricators, teaching hands-on metal shaping techniques. His emphasis on learning traditional craftsmanship alongside modern design principles has created a new generation of builders who respect history while pushing boundaries.
For many enthusiasts, Dore represents more than technical skill—he embodies the philosophy that cars are expressions of personal identity. As noted by UMass Media, cars become “extensions of ourselves,” and Dore’s work shows how deeply this connection can be explored through custom building.
Partnerships and Endorsements
Rick Dore’s influential career in custom car building has been marked by significant collaborations with industry giants and notable personalities. His distinctive style and master craftsmanship have made him a sought-after partner for both automotive brands and celebrities.
Industry Collaborations
Dore’s most notable partnership was with Metallica frontman James Hetfield. The duo created several remarkable custom vehicles, including the stunning “Black Pearl” in 2014, which showcased their combined creative vision. This creative partnership with Hetfield produced multiple showcase vehicles, with some now displayed in prestigious automotive museums.
Another standout collaboration is evident in Dore’s work with LeMay – America’s Car Museum, where he was featured in their “Reclaimed Rust” exhibition. The museum recognized Dore’s contributions by naming him a 2022 Master Craftsman award recipient, cementing his status in the custom automotive world.
Brand Ambassador Roles
Dore’s reputation as a master builder has led to several brand ambassador relationships within the automotive industry. His expertise with tools and equipment has made him valuable to companies like Atlas Copco, where he’s showcased their products in his builds.
His distinctive “Lavender Persuasion” 1957 Buick Century helped launch his profile in national automotive magazines, leading to increased visibility and brand opportunities. This exposure translated into appearances on television shows and at major automotive events across the country.
Dore continues to engage with the automotive community through special events like the live podcast with Avants, where he shares insights from his decades of experience in custom car building.
Future of Custom Cars
Custom car culture is evolving rapidly with new technology and changing aesthetics, while legends like Rick Dore continue to influence the industry’s direction with their unique vision and craftsmanship.
Emerging Trends
The custom car world is experiencing a fascinating shift. Digital design tools and advanced fabrication techniques are transforming how builders approach their craft.
3D printing has become a game-changer, allowing for complex parts that would be nearly impossible to create by hand.
Electric conversions are gaining serious traction. Classic bodies paired with modern EV powertrains offer the best of both worlds—timeless style with zero emissions and instant torque. This trend is no longer fringe but mainstream.
Social media has democratized custom car culture. Builders can share their work directly with global audiences, bypassing traditional gatekeepers. Instagram alone hosts millions of custom car posts, creating new celebrities almost overnight.
Materials science is pushing boundaries too. Carbon fiber, once exclusive to high-end exotics, is becoming more accessible to custom builders seeking the perfect blend of strength and weight reduction.
Rick Dore’s Vision
Rick Dore stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation in the custom car world. His philosophy embraces the heritage of coach-built customs while selectively incorporating modern elements.
Recent social media posts show Dore still appreciates “not just a custom car, but a very rare custom car.”
Dore’s YouTube channel offers insights into his evolving vision. It shows how he balances reverence for classic techniques with practical innovations. He remains committed to the art of metal shaping by hand, rejecting shortcuts that compromise quality.
His recent builds demonstrate this balance perfectly. They feature classic profiles with subtle modern touches—improved suspension geometry, better braking systems, and enhanced reliability without sacrificing the period-correct aesthetic.
Industry insiders note Dore’s influence on younger builders. His approach—respecting automotive history while embracing useful innovations—provides a template for the next generation of custom car artisans who must navigate similar tensions between tradition and progress.
