It was a cool, crisp morning in Salt Lake City, Utah, when a young boy named Dave Kindig first laid eyes on a sleek, cherry-red Hot Wheels car. The tiny, die-cast metal toy gleamed under the morning sun, igniting a spark that would light the way for his lifelong passion for custom car design. Even as a child, Dave was mesmerized by the shapes, lines, and curves of cars—every detail mattered. Today, decades later, that boy has grown into a master craftsman whose name resonates throughout the custom car world. At 52 years old, Dave Kindig is not just an artist; he is an icon who has transformed the landscape of custom automotive design, turning his childhood dream into a multimillion-dollar reality.
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Who is Dave Kindig?
Dave Kindig, born on February 6, 1971, in Salt Lake City, Utah, has become synonymous with high-quality custom car building. Growing up, Dave always had a knack for creativity. As a child, he was fascinated by the smooth lines of classic cars and the roaring engines that echoed through the streets of his hometown. His journey from a boy with a passion for cars to a globally recognized custom car builder and TV personality is nothing short of inspirational.
Kindig’s Early Career and Rise to Fame
Dave Kindig’s journey to becoming a master of custom car design began in the early 1990s when he worked in the aftermarket industry, gaining experience and learning the intricacies of vehicle customization. His love for design and attention to detail led him to establish Kindig-It Design in 1999. With no formal training but a keen eye for design and a relentless drive to push the boundaries of automotive aesthetics, Kindig began building a reputation for turning ordinary cars into extraordinary works of art.
By 2003, Kindig’s work had caught the attention of car enthusiasts and collectors across the country. His custom designs, which blend classic styles with modern functionality, began winning prestigious awards, including the 2007 GM Design Award and the 2013 Master Builder Award. His distinctive approach to blending form and function set him apart from his peers in the industry, and his Salt Lake City-based shop quickly became a mecca for car lovers from around the globe.
Age is Just a Number: Dave Kindig at 52
At 52 years old, Dave Kindig’s passion for car design shows no signs of slowing down. His age has not hindered his creativity; rather, it has matured his understanding of the craft, leading to some of his most stunning builds to date. Kindig’s philosophy revolves around the idea that every car has a story waiting to be told, and his job is to bring that story to life through metal, paint, and unparalleled attention to detail.
While many may look to retire or scale back at this age, Kindig has only expanded his empire. He continues to work tirelessly, overseeing operations at Kindig-It Design and starring in Velocity’s hit TV show, “Bitchin’ Rides,” which debuted in 2014. The show has run for multiple seasons and remains one of the most popular automotive programs on television, bringing Kindig’s artistry and passion for custom cars to millions of viewers.
“Bitchin’ Rides” and Kindig’s Influence on Automotive Culture
The launch of “Bitchin’ Rides” on the MotorTrend network (formerly Velocity) in 2014 marked a turning point in Kindig’s career. The show, which follows the team at Kindig-It Design as they transform classic cars into one-of-a-kind masterpieces, quickly gained a dedicated fan base. Now in its 9th season, the show continues to showcase Dave Kindig’s unique blend of old-school craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology.
The success of “Bitchin’ Rides” has solidified Kindig’s place as one of the top custom car builders in the world. The show highlights his ability to take on complex projects that require not just technical skills but also a deep understanding of automotive history and culture. From classic American muscle cars to European exotics, Kindig and his team tackle a wide variety of builds, each presenting its own set of challenges and opportunities for innovation.
Kindig’s Impact by the Numbers
- Kindig-It Design: Since its inception in 1999, Kindig-It Design has grown from a small, one-man operation to a leading name in the custom car industry, employing over 30 skilled craftsmen and women in a 27,000-square-foot facility.
- Television Success: “Bitchin’ Rides” has aired over 100 episodes, reaching millions of viewers worldwide and maintaining a strong rating on IMDb (8.3/10 as of 2024). The show is available in over 190 countries, showcasing the global appeal of Kindig’s designs.
- Awards and Recognition: Dave Kindig and his team have won numerous awards, including the 2013 Master Builder Award, the GM Design Award at SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), and multiple Utah-based recognitions for his contributions to the local economy and culture.
- Social Media Following: Kindig’s impact extends beyond television and physical builds; he boasts over 1.2 million followers on Instagram and 700,000 on Facebook, where he shares behind-the-scenes content, build highlights, and car culture commentary.
The Kindig-It Design Approach: Blending Tradition with Innovation
Kindig’s approach to car design is unique because it blends tradition with innovation. He often begins with a classic car’s original design, respecting its heritage, and then adds modern touches that enhance both performance and aesthetics. His builds frequently feature custom-fabricated parts, bespoke interiors, and cutting-edge technology, ensuring they are as functional as they are beautiful.
One of the standout features of Kindig’s builds is his attention to detail. From custom grilles to hand-made trim pieces and high-performance engines, every component is carefully considered and crafted to meet Kindig’s exacting standards. His philosophy is simple: “If you can dream it, we can build it.” This motto has driven him to create some of the most iconic custom cars in recent memory, including the “CF1,” a custom car inspired by the 1953 Chevrolet Corvette.
Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds for Dave Kindig
At 52, Dave Kindig remains at the forefront of the custom car industry, continuing to innovate and inspire a new generation of builders. His plans for the future include expanding Kindig-It Design’s capabilities, taking on more challenging builds, and perhaps even exploring new areas of automotive customization.
Kindig’s journey from a car-loving kid to a globally recognized custom car builder proves that age is just a number when it comes to passion and creativity. With every project, he pushes the boundaries of what is possible in automotive design, creating not just cars but pieces of rolling art that tell a story and captivate the imagination.
Conclusion
Dave Kindig’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. At 52 years old, he continues to lead the custom car industry, inspiring countless others to follow their dreams and push the limits of their creativity. Through Kindig-It Design and “Bitchin’ Rides,” he has shown that with hard work, a keen eye for detail, and a love for what you do, the possibilities are endless.
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