Chip Foose Unveils One-of-a-Kind 1956 Continental Powered by BluePrint Engines

Automotive design icon Chip Foose unveiled his latest creation at the 2025 SEMA Show, a custom 1956 Continental. The bespoke build debuted in the BluePrint Engines booth (#23443, Central Hall).

Foose removed the top and transformed the classic coupe into an open-air design that emphasizes proportion and flow. A custom-fit rear seat from a 1964 Ford Thunderbird adds balance and comfort, while reshaped door openings, a revised body side line and subtle fender modifications refine the car’s silhouette, company officials stated in a press release.

Up front, the headlights have been pulled back and dropped, the hood reshaped with smoothed openings and a deleted emblem, and 1956 Ford truck door handles incorporated for a cleaner aesthetic. Both front and rear bumpers were reshaped to follow the new body contours, and the rear deck lid opening was redesigned, with the spare tire hump lowered three inches to achieve Foose’s signature stance and flow, noted the release.

A BluePrint Engine Powers the Custom 1956 Continental

Under the hood is a BluePrint Engines LS-Compatible 376-cubic-inch Pro Series engine, producing 530 horsepower. The engine has been meticulously integrated with the stock air cleaner and valve covers, maintaining the Continental’s vintage personality while delivering modern reliability and power, the company said. A MagnaFlow all-stainless-steel exhaust system provides the car with a refined tone.

To achieve the perfect ride height, reworked spindles lower the front end while rear lowering blocks balance the stance. Braking is handled by a Master Power Brakes four-wheel disc system. The Continental rolls on one-off custom-built wheels wrapped in custom white-striped tires by Wheel Pros, completing the car’s period-correct yet performance-ready posture.

The car’s custom BASF paint was mixed by Steve DeMan at Foose Design. Details such as one-off handmade moldings and custom lower rocker trim tie every design element together. Inside, Bill Dunn Interiors crafted a full custom cabin that merges 1950s luxury with modern precision.

“This Continental represents what I love most about automotive design, respecting heritage while exploring what’s possible,” said Foose, founder of Foose Design. “Every line, every surface and every component was reconsidered to create something that feels both familiar and completely new. With BluePrint’s LS-compatible crate engine under the hood, it also has the performance to match its presence.”

“Partnering with Chip Foose on this Continental build has been an incredible experience,” said Norris Marshall, founder and CEO of BluePrint Engines. “Chip’s attention to detail and creativity push every boundary of design, and it’s exciting to see our LS-Compatible Pro Series engine at the heart of something so unique.”