How Much Does a Copper Caddy Car Cost?

Published on October 24, 2025 | Prices Last Reviewed for Freshness: November 2025
Written by Alec Pow - Economic & Pricing Investigator | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Educational content; not financial advice. Prices are estimates; confirm current rates, fees, taxes, and terms with providers or official sources.

The Copper Caddy is a bespoke 1960 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, chopped, copper-accented, show-ready, and made famous on TV.

Kindig-It Design showcased this car on Bitchin’ Rides, with an on-air ride setup, a Gene Winfield roof chop, and copper detailing that turned it into a trophy magnet at top shows like the Sacramento Autorama and Portland Roadster Show. Costs for such work vary widely with scope, shop pedigree, and timelines, and market value can differ from build invoices once TV exposure and awards enter the picture.

How Much Does a Copper Caddy Car Cost?

There are two numbers to separate in your mind, the build pricing you pay a shop and the resale or auction value later. Hourly labor dominates any elite custom, and rates commonly land in the low hundreds for quality shops, while parts are a stack of high-end components and materials. TV fame inflates value; national snapshots of shop rates help frame expectations, and you can scan typical bands by state in this labor-rate overview.

For orientation, the table below outlines realistic tiers for a Copper Caddy–level project. These are estimates based on typical shop rates, hours, and parts bins used in high-end customs, cross-checked against reported Kindig projects and auction results for the brand’s CF1 series. See the table, then the sections that follow for detail.

Labor rate ranges above reflect national snapshots and trade sources, not a single shop’s quote, and hours scale sharply with metalwork like roof chops, panel fitment, and bespoke trim. Parts stacks at this level include chassis systems, brakes, wheels, electronics, interior, and finishing supplies.

This high-end custom car project involved extensive body and paintwork using copper accents, a custom frame, advanced suspension setups, premium brakes, and a powerful all-aluminum 454ci ZL1 Ram Jet V8 engine delivering 550 horsepower, as noted by discussions on PistonHeads and coverage from AutoEvolution. The build took roughly 24 months by Kindig-It Design and is considered a TV-star project featured on the show “Bitchin’ Rides.”

The Copper Caddy features unique design elements inspired by Cadillac’s 1960s original aesthetics, such as bullet-shaped grille accents extended in copper, a substantially chopped roof, orange leather interior with copper bullet details, and large custom copper and black wheels. The vehicle includes high-performance components like a custom independent front suspension, 4-link rear suspension, 14.25-inch 6-piston brakes by Wilwood, and Michelin Pilot Sport tires—captured in a detailed Fuel Curve feature. The meticulous craftsmanship and extensive modifications contribute to its high build cost and collector status.

Also read our article on the cost of Martin Brothers custom cars.

Real-Life Cost Examples

Kindig’s 1959 Buick Invicta “Blue Suede Shoes,” another top-shelf custom, was reported as more than 13,000 hours and about $715,000, which shows how extreme hours drive totals even before provenance bumps market value. That build is not the Copper Caddy, but it is a fair yardstick for complexity.

On the market side, recent Kindig CF1 sales, which are series cars rather than one-off Cadillacs, still indicate what the brand name can command. One CF1 sold for $770,000 at Mecum Kissimmee 2024, and another brought $605,000 at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2024, demonstrating how demand and venue affect outcomes.

Cost Breakdown

Chassis and suspension: full aftermarket frames or major geometry work often start in the mid-teens for base kits (see a representative aftermarket frame catalog), then climb with options. Performance brakes and air ride add several thousand more on their own, and premium wheel and tire packages add another chunk.

Powertrain: crate engines in the $7,000–$15,000 band are common for 500+ hp builds; transmissions and ancillaries add several thousand, and custom exhausts add both labor and materials. Electronics, wiring, and plumbing are time heavy.

Body and metal: chops, panel straightening, gaps, and copper accents are hours on hours, which is why TV summaries note year-plus timelines for the Copper Caddy episode on Bitchin’ Rides. Per-shop paint materials and finishing supplies are costly, and precision panel fitment is what judges notice.

Paint and finishing: multi-stage paint, custom mixes, and a high show gloss require extensive prep and block-sanding time. Shops report that materials have risen with inflation and supply swings, a trend echoed in a recent SEMA future trends report; finishing stacks are one reason high-level jobs cross six figures.

Interior, glass, trim: full leather upholstery, custom consoles, digital gauges, audio, tempered or custom glass, and copper-plated or one-off trim consume both parts and meticulous hours. The Copper Caddy’s interior and brightwork are part of what pushed it to awards on the show circuit.

Factors Influencing the Cost

Shop pedigree and schedule: top builders run long waiting lists, and reputational premiums are real. Rates also vary by state, with higher-cost states often posting the steepest hourly bands.

Fabrication complexity, parts choices, and change orders: a Gene Winfield roof chop, flush glass, hidden hinges, and bespoke copper underlines add many fabrication cycles, and indecision can multiply rework costs quickly. Locking design early protects the budget and the timeline.

Alternative Products or Services

A tribute build can deliver much of the Copper Caddy look with fewer one-off parts, a more conservative paint system, and catalog components where appropriate. This keeps labor hours moderate and favors reliability for real-world driving.

Another path is a high-end restomod or even a modern luxury EV as a status substitute, where the value resides in manufacturer warranty and turnkey convenience rather than hand-built craft. Buyers weigh pride of craftsmanship against ease of ownership and the cachet of a famous shop; SEMA’s industry reports track those currents.

Ways to Spend Less

Scope control is the strongest lever. Decide early what is essential, document it in writing, and resist mid-build tweaks that force restarts. Phase the work so chassis and mechanicals come first, then cosmetics once you have confidence in the platform. It draws a crowd.

Use catalog systems for brakes, wiring, and gauges where looks allow, and reserve one-off fabrication for hero elements that define the car’s identity. Request detailed photo logs and milestone billing that mirror hours spent and parts ordered to keep everything transparent.

Expert Insights & Tips

Judges and appraisers focus on panel fitment, glass alignment, finish quality, and the coherence of the design language front to back. That is why the Copper Caddy’s consistency of copper accents and stance stands out on the floor and in photos.

Support your future valuation with documentation, not memory. Keep invoices, serials, and build photos together from day one, then compare outcomes with valuation guides that track sales and conditions so insurance and resale conversations start from credible data.

Regional note on labor and currency

Labor rates vary by region, and international readers comparing UK or Australia should adjust using current averages, where in October 2025 £1 was roughly $1.34 and A$1 roughly $0.66. Local shop rates will still dominate final totals.

Total Costs

Storage, transport to shows, detailing, maintenance, and insurance create yearly spend. Enclosed transport commonly prices in the $1.00–$2.50 per mile band depending on distance and season, and long hauls for big shows add up fast for a frequent exhibitor.

Agreed-value insurance is standard for collector customs, and premiums scale with the insured figure and usage, with specialist insurers explaining coverage differences clearly. Appraisal updates after major changes keep coverage aligned with the car’s true value; mainstream providers like Allstate outline classic coverage as well.

Hidden & Unexpected Costs

Rust discovery, parts delays, paint redo after contamination, glass fitment quirks, custom copper finish upkeep, and small replating rounds are common surprises. Build a contingency reserve of 10–15% to absorb these shocks without stalling progress.

Warranty, Support & Insurance Costs

Custom work typically carries limited workmanship warranties and relies on parts makers for component coverage, so your best protection is documentation and a relationship with the builder. Agreed-value policies and photo logs simplify claims and renewals; see guidance on insurance appraisals and documentation.

Financing & Payment Options

Draw schedules and deposits are normal. Reputable shops tie invoices to milestones with photos and line items. Third-party escrow can add friction but offers clarity when projects exceed six figures and stretch over many months. Costs escalate with scope.

Resale Value & Depreciation

Provenance matters. Kindig series CF1 sales in the $605,000–$770,000 range show how brand and execution attract bidders, while major awards or TV features can nudge interest higher for singular one-offs like the Copper Caddy. Documentation supports every dollar.

Opportunity Cost & ROI

Financial ROI is uncertain, emotional ROI can be extraordinary. For brands, appearances and social content deliver reach, while for collectors the enjoyment and recognition can outweigh spreadsheet logic even when the final auction check trails the build tally.

Seasonal & Market-Timing Factors

High-profile auctions cluster early in the year in Arizona and Florida, which concentrates buyer attention and often drives top-tier results. Planning reveals and listings around those calendars can help maximize exposure.

Worked Example: an elite Copper Caddy–style build

Assume 5,500 hours at a blended $150 per hour for metal, paint, mechanical, wiring, and assembly, which yields $825,000 in labor. Add parts like a performance crate engine $8,000–$14,000, big-brake system $2,000–$4,000, wheels and tires $6,000–$10,000, interior and electronics $25,000–$45,000, finishing supplies and consumables $15,000–$30,000, then include a 10% contingency. A plausible total lands near $950,000–$1,050,000.

Answers to Common Questions

What is the difference between build cost and market value? Build cost is your paid labor and parts, while market value is what buyers will pay at sale time, influenced by awards, media, timing, and venue. They can be far apart.

How long are lead times for a top shop? Year-plus queues are normal and schedules can stretch as fabrication expands or parts delay. TV-documented projects like Copper Caddy emphasized the patience needed for elite metalwork and finishing.

What insurance do I need for a car like this? Agreed-value collector policies are the norm, with coverage pegged to documentation and appraisals rather than depreciated book values. Keep records current.

What documentation helps an appraisal? Photo logs, parts invoices, serials, award certificates, and dyno sheets help appraisers and underwriters support higher insured values and stronger resale.

Bullet Summary

• Tribute builds that capture the vibe can land near $160,000–$220,000.
• Full chassis, paint, and interior drivers often land in the $350,000–$700,000 band.
• Elite Copper Caddy–ambition customs commonly run $600,000–$1,200,000+ with timelines over a year.
• Kindig market comps show brand pull, with CF1 sales at $605,000–$770,000.
• Annual ownership adds transport, storage, detailing, and insurance to the budget.
• Design lock-in and documented milestones reduce rework and protect cash flow.