The world of custom car design has many notable creators, but few stand out like Martin Bros. Known for their craftsmanship and innovative design, Martin Bros Custom Cars—made famous by the show Iron Resurrection—create unique vehicles that embody both artistry and engineering excellence. Owning one of these custom cars is like having a piece of moving art.
With each car crafted to fit the client’s vision, prices for Martin Bros custom cars vary widely, often leaving enthusiasts asking, “How much does a Martin Bros custom car cost?” In this guide, we’ll dive into the factors influencing these costs, provide typical price ranges, and explore popular builds to help answer that question.
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Factors Influencing the Cost of a Martin Bros Custom Car
Martin Bros custom cars are well-known for their intricacy, performance, and unique design elements. But several factors come into play when determining the price of each vehicle. Below are the key factors that impact the final cost of a Martin Bros custom car:
Design Complexity
- Customization Level: Martin Bros is famous for delivering designs that go beyond standard customization. The more detailed and unique a design, the higher the cost.
- Examples: Popular builds like The Revelation and The Conundrum are intricate masterpieces with custom paint, steampunk elements, and handcrafted details.
Materials Used
- Premium Materials: Martin Bros uses high-quality materials, such as exotic woods, custom metals, and premium leathers, which add to both the aesthetic and price.
- Cost Impact: Using rare or bespoke materials contributes significantly to the cost, as these materials are typically sourced specifically for each build.
Performance and Engine Options
- Engine Upgrades: While Martin Bros focuses heavily on aesthetics, engine modifications and performance enhancements are also available.
- Cost Range: Options like high-powered engines, specialized transmissions, and other performance-related features can elevate the vehicle’s price due to the added labor and materials involved.
Brand & Model Base
- Starting Point: The cost can vary based on the car’s original make and model. For instance, vintage or rare base models are generally more expensive to begin with, impacting the final custom cost.
- Examples: Restoring a classic muscle car versus a standard model impacts the initial expense, as rare or vintage vehicles often come with premium starting prices.
Labor Hours and Skill Level
- Time and Expertise: Martin Bros cars are labor-intensive, requiring hundreds of hours of work from highly skilled artisans.
- Cost Implications: Each car is essentially built from the ground up, demanding unique skills in metalwork, painting, and upholstery. These specialized skills are reflected in the price.
These factors together contribute to the high value and unique appeal of each Martin Bros custom car, creating truly one-of-a-kind vehicles that blend engineering and artistry.
Typical Price Range for Martin Bros Custom Cars
The price range for Martin Bros custom cars varies based on the scope of the project, design, and custom options chosen. Below is a breakdown of typical costs, offering insight into what buyers can expect when considering a custom build.
| Customization Level | Estimated Cost | Details |
| Entry-Level Customization | $50,000 – $100,000 | Moderate modifications like paintwork, upholstery upgrades, and small customizations. |
| Mid-Range Customization | $100,000 – $200,000 | Enhanced designs, performance upgrades, custom interior detailing, and more extensive work. |
| High-End Custom Builds | $200,000 – $600,000+ | Full custom builds with unique designs, performance packages, high-end materials, and rare base models. |
Examples of High-Value Martin Bros Cars Sold at Auction
Some Martin Bros cars have been sold at prestigious auctions, fetching impressive prices due to their rarity and artistic value:
- High-Profile Builds: Unique builds like The Revelation and The Conundrum often attract six-figure bids, particularly from collectors who value one-of-a-kind designs and craftsmanship.
- Investment Value: These cars are not only admired by auto enthusiasts but also valued as collectible art pieces, often appreciating in value over time due to their exclusivity and demand among collectors.
Martin Bros custom cars, particularly high-end, fully customized models, represent a significant investment, combining engineering, artistry, and performance into vehicles that are both functional and highly collectible.
Cost Examples of Popular Martin Bros Custom Cars
Martin Bros has crafted several iconic custom cars, each with its unique design and specifications. Below are some well-known models and their estimated prices, illustrating the range and complexity of their custom builds.
“The Revelation”
- Overview: A classic yet cutting-edge design, The Revelation combines high-performance features with artistic detailing.
- Features: Custom paintwork, intricate upholstery, vintage accents, and high-performance enhancements.
- Estimated Price: Around $300,000 to $500,000 depending on added customizations.
- Fun Fact: The Revelation is known for its steampunk-inspired elements, making it a true collector’s item.
“The Conundrum”
- Overview: With bold colors, custom trims, and an innovative design, The Conundrum captures Martin Bros’ signature style.
- Features: Features like hand-built metalwork, premium upholstery, and performance upgrades make it one of their standout builds.
- Estimated Price: $200,000 to $400,000 depending on performance and material options.
- Quote: “Every piece in The Conundrum is crafted with meticulous attention, making it a car that truly stands out,” says Joe Martin.
Other Notable Builds
- Classic Roadsters: Some custom roadsters Martin Bros has worked on can range from $150,000 to $250,000.
- Vintage Muscle Cars: With extensive customization, these builds often fall in the $100,000 to $200,000 range, depending on base model and design.
Each of these cars exemplifies Martin Bros’ commitment to artistry and craftsmanship, reflecting both the creativity and engineering skills behind each custom build.
Additional Costs to Consider
When investing in a custom Martin Bros car, it’s essential to plan for ongoing costs beyond the initial build. Maintenance, insurance, and storage can add to the long-term expenses of owning a high-end custom vehicle. Here are the main additional costs to consider:
1. Maintenance Costs
- Annual Upkeep: Maintenance for custom builds can be more intensive and costly than for standard cars. Regular detailing, engine tuning, and specialized repair work may cost between $1,000 to $3,000 per year, depending on the vehicle’s complexity.
- Specialized Parts and Labor: With unique materials and performance engines, custom cars often require specialized parts and expertise, which can increase repair costs.
2. Insurance
- Custom Car Insurance: Insuring a custom vehicle is different from regular auto insurance. Since these cars often hold high value, a specialized policy with agreed-value coverage is recommended to cover the full custom cost.
- Cost Range: Insurance costs can vary based on the car’s value, but most custom car owners pay around $500 to $3,000 annually to cover their investment adequately.
3. Storage Requirements
- Climate-Controlled Storage: Custom cars, especially those with high-end materials, benefit from climate-controlled storage to protect from humidity, temperature fluctuations, and other elements that could damage the car’s finish or interior.
- Cost Estimate: Quality storage can range from $100 to $300 per month depending on location and facilities.
Owning a Martin Bros custom car involves more than the initial purchase—these ongoing costs ensure the car remains in pristine, show-worthy condition for years to come
How to Commission a Custom Car with Martin Bros
If you’re ready to invest in a Martin Bros custom car, you have a few options for commissioning one. Whether you’re looking for a direct build or seeking a pre-owned model, here are the main ways to obtain one of these exceptional vehicles.
Also Read: Commission a Body for a Custom Car: Your Ultimate Guide
1. Direct Commissioning Process
- Contact Martin Bros Directly: The best way to start is by reaching out to Martin Bros through their official website or social media. You’ll begin with an initial consultation to discuss your vision, budget, and timeline.
- Design and Budget Planning: After initial discussions, the team will create a design and cost breakdown. This is where you’ll make decisions on specifics like paint colors, engine specifications, and custom features.
- Securing a Build Spot: Due to high demand, Martin Bros often has a waiting list. A deposit may be required to secure your slot, depending on the scope of the project.
2. Buying from Auctions
- Tracking Auction Events: Martin Bros custom cars are occasionally listed in high-end car auctions like Barrett-Jackson or Mecum Auctions. Following these events gives you a chance to bid on existing Martin Bros creations without the wait.
- Price Consideration: Auction prices can vary greatly, with fully customized cars often fetching six figures. This can sometimes be a more straightforward way to obtain a rare model if you’re flexible with design.
3. Purchasing from the Secondary Market
- Collector Sales: Some owners of Martin Bros vehicles list their cars for sale privately or through collector car marketplaces.
- Due Diligence: When buying secondhand, it’s essential to verify the car’s authenticity and any modifications since its original build to ensure it’s a true Martin Bros creation.
Acquiring a Martin Bros custom car can be a thrilling process, with options for personalization at every step. Whether commissioning a fresh build or finding a model at auction, owning one of these vehicles means becoming part of a prestigious community of custom car enthusiasts.
Is It Worth the Investment?
For car enthusiasts and collectors, a Martin Bros custom car is more than just a vehicle—it’s an investment in artistry, rarity, and engineering. Here are a few points that highlight the value of owning one of these unique vehicles:
1. Collector Value and Appreciation
- Rarity: Martin Bros custom cars are produced in limited numbers, and each one is unique. This exclusivity often increases their value over time, especially when compared to mass-produced luxury cars.
- Auction Performance: Custom Martin Bros cars frequently draw high bids at auctions, showcasing demand and appreciation from car collectors who view these vehicles as both automotive marvels and collectible art pieces.
2. Functional Art
- Design and Craftsmanship: Each vehicle is a labor of love, crafted by skilled artisans and engineers. The detailed metalwork, custom interiors, and high-performance engines turn these cars into pieces of functional art, valued not only for their aesthetics but also for their technical excellence.
- Comparing Builders: While other custom shops, like West Coast Customs or Ringbrothers, also produce high-quality builds, Martin Bros offers a distinct design approach and artistic vision that appeals to a specific audience.
3. Resale Potential
- High Demand: The limited availability of Martin Bros custom cars and the high-quality workmanship often make these cars highly desirable on the resale market.
- Potential Returns: Given their unique designs, Martin Bros vehicles are likely to retain or increase in value over time, making them a strong consideration for those looking to make a long-term investment.
Owning a Martin Bros custom car is a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate automotive artistry and are looking for a collector’s item that combines beauty, performance, and potential for appreciation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, owning a Martin Bros custom car is a unique experience that combines exceptional artistry, engineering prowess, and investment potential. The intricate designs and high-quality materials create vehicles that are not just modes of transportation, but one-of-a-kind pieces of art that stand out on the road and in the garage.