How Much Does a Martin Brothers Custom Car Cost?
Last Updated on January 4, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker
If you’re a fan of the hit reality TV show Iron Resurrection, you’ve probably drooled over the incredible custom creations by auto restoration experts the Martin Brothers.
Their one-of-a-kind, bespoke builds are the stuff of legend among car enthusiasts. But this level of automotive craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail comes at a price. So how much does a Martin Brothers custom car cost?
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at pricing for these four-wheeled masterpieces. You’ll learn what factors impact the overall cost, see price ranges for different types of builds, and get tips for budgeting for your dream Martin Brothers car. Let’s get rolling!
Key Takeaways on Martin Brothers Custom Car Pricing
To recap, here are the key things to keep in mind when it comes to the cost of these coveted customs:
- Expect to invest $75k minimum for a basic build at Martin Brothers, and up to $1M+ for an exotic supercar custom.
- The more customization, performance upgrades, luxury finishes, and fabrication work, the higher the price tag.
- Get a personalized quote with shop hourly rates factored in for your specific project car and vision.
- Budget carefully and explore financing options if needed to fund your dream build.
- For devoted auto aficionados, the investment pays dividends in exclusivity, artistic value, and driving thrills.
How Much Does a Martin Brothers Custom Car Cost?
Given the many variables, what’s the typical starting price range for one of these customs?
Martin Brothers Custom Car basic updates cost a minimum of $75,000 to $150,000. This covers some restoration work, mild upgrades, and a quality custom paint job.
For an intensive ground-up restoration of a high-end sports car with luxury add-ons, the price tag can easily surpass $500,000. And certain exclusive supercar builds have topped $1 million.
The average cost for most full Martin Brothers customs falls somewhere between $150,000 to $300,000. But the final number depends entirely on the owner’s wishes.
Enough to say, owning a Martin Brothers car is an investment reserved for dedicated auto enthusiasts. But for many, the chance to own a truly unique piece of rolling art is priceless.
Cost Examples From the Show “Iron Resurrection”
To better illustrate pricing, here are some real-world examples from builds featured on Iron Resurrection:
- 1972 Buick Riviera – $150,000 starting price with 430 ci V8, updated interior, custom red paint with ghost flames.
- 1961 Impala – Over $325,000 invested for extensive work including LS3 engine, new transmission, suicide doors, air suspension, shaved emblems, and custom orange/black paint.
- 1955 Ford F100 Pickup – Approximately $130,000 starting price for blueprinted 302 V8, patina paint refresh, bed upgrades, new interior.
- AC Cobra Replica – Upwards of $175,000 for a new double overhead cam 363 ci V8, racing suspension, widebody kit, 19″ wheels, and orange/black snakeskin paint scheme.
As you can see, Martin Brothers spared no expense in restoring these classics into jaw-dropping customs.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Martin Brothers Custom Car
So what goes into pricing these four-wheeled Picassos? Here are the most important factors that affect the final cost:
- Car make/model – More rare and complex vehicles cost more. High-end sports cars like vintage Ferraris start at a premium.
- Level of customization – The more modifications and custom fab work, the higher the price tag. Complete frame-off restorations are priciest.
- Performance upgrades – Adding supercharged engines, suspension mods, etc. increases costs.
- Choice of materials – Exotic materials like hand-formed steel body panels, billet aluminum, etc. boost the budget.
- Luxury add-ons – Premium audio systems, leather interiors, custom upholstery add up quickly.
- Body work – Custom paint jobs, metal shaping, and extensive modifications get expensive.
- Shop hourly rate – Expect to pay $150-$200 per hour, more for specialized labor.
As you can see, the costs stack up quickly with bespoke vehicles. But the sky’s the limit when building a rolling work of art.
You might also like our articles on the cost to build, widebody, or straight pipe a car.
An Introduction to Martin Brothers and Their Custom Cars
Brothers Joe Martin and Jason Martin make up the talent behind Martin Brothers Customs, based in Waco, Texas. They rose to fame via the Discovery Channel show Iron Resurrection, which documents their amazing restorations of vintage automobiles.
The Martins transform worn-down clunkers into fully customized works of art, often with modern luxuries and performance upgrades. Every Martin Brothers build is a unique collaboration with the car owner, catering to their specific desires and vision. The results are some of the most coveted customs on the planet.
Tips for Budgeting for Your Martin Brothers Dream Car
What if you’re starting to fantasize about your own Martin Brothers build? Here are some tips for budgeting for this substantial investment:
- Get a personalized quote from the Martins on your specific project – costs can vary wildly based on the make/model, condition, and planned modifications.
- Consider starting with a more affordable platform like a vintage Mustang or truck versus exotic vehicles which begin at a premium.
- Decide which elements are must-haves vs. nice-to-haves to avoid overspending.
- Explore financing options – many classic car collectors leverage loans or financing to fund builds and restorations.
- Refinance or take equity out of existing assets like real estate to help fund your dream car.
- Allocate disposable income over years into a “Martin Brothers Custom Car Fund” to grow your budget.
- Ask about pre-buying select premium parts like an engine to lock in pricing.
- Be open to a longer timeline for completing your build in phases as your budget allows.
For many auto enthusiasts, owning a Martin Brothers car is a bucket list item that requires careful planning and budgeting. But the right approach can make this dream attainable.
Is the Investment Worth the Price Tag?
There’s no doubt – Owning a Martin Brothers custom car carries a serious price tag. For some, this immediately prices the cars out of reach. But many auto collectors argue the investment, while substantial, pays dividends in several important ways:
Exclusivity – Each build is one-of-a-kind. The chance to own a Martin Brothers car puts you in rare company.
Artistic Value – Meticulous attention to detail and design creates a car that’s akin to a work of art.
Legacy Value – Martin Brothers cars should hold and gain value over decades to come as coveted classics.
Passion Investment – For enthusiasts, the price represents the fulfillment of automotive passions – which is priceless.
Driving Experience – Nothing beats the fun and thrill of driving a completely custom high-performance car tailored to your tastes.
At the end of the day, you can’t put a price on chasing a dream. For the lucky few able to foot the bill, that dream car awaits thanks to the master craftsmen at Martin Brothers.
How Much Does Martin Brothers Customs merch cost?
If these prices are too steep for you but you still want to get a Martin Bros Custom souvenir, then you can buy their merch from their official website for anywhere between $3.99 and $155. On the higher end, you will get metal signs and other metal-made souvenirs, while the cheapest item is a Martin Bros sticker.
Their official website also offers car parts, although their stock isn’t very varied when it comes to parts. You can still buy LS3 flex plates for $25, LS1 Timing Cover for $15, or LSI Valey covers for $20.
Final Words
The next time you watch Iron Resurrection and drool over those incredible Martin Brothers customs, you’ll appreciate the blood, sweat, tears, and yes, stacks of cash, that go into creating these automotive masterpieces. Has this inside look motivated you to start saving for your own piece of four-wheeled art?
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