Gotham Garage’s Custom Supercar: A Wild Ride from Rust to Riches

Radical Reinvention - In a world where automotive design is constantly redefined by bold ideas and daring craftsmanship, most custom builds come and go without much fanfare. But once in a while, a creation rolls out that demands a second look—even from the most jaded car enthusiasts. One such head-turner emerged from a Californian custom shop, grabbing global attention with its radical styling and unapologetic presence. Often referred to as the Gotham Garage Concept Car (though never officially named), this extraordinary machine is far more than a flashy one-off—it’s the result of twenty years of vision, refinement, and fearless ambition.

The Gotham Garage concept car (though never officially named) was a labor of love brought to life on Netflix’s Car Masters: Rust to Riches. (Picture from: HotCars)

Born in the hands of Mark Towle, founder of Gotham Garage, the concept car was a passion project brought to life on Netflix’s Car Masters: Rust to Riches. For years, Towle had been breathing new life into vintage vehicles, turning forgotten classics into jaw-dropping showpieces. But this time, he wanted something different—something purely original. His vision was a one-of-a-kind, futuristic supercar, and the canvas he chose was a 1993 C4 Chevrolet Corvette.

The Gotham Garage concept car was a one-of-a-kind futuristic supercar built on the foundation of a 1993 C4 Chevrolet Corvette. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar on X)

At a glance, there’s little left of the original Vette’s identity. What began as an $18,000 donor car quickly transformed into a sci-fi-inspired spectacle. Underneath, it retains the stock 5.7-liter V8 engine capable of producing roughly 405 horsepower, but that’s about where the familiarity ends. With a completely rebodied exterior crafted by Starr Creations—experts in fiberglass shells for monster trucks—the car's aggressive, angular lines are as divisive as they are unforgettable. The result? A machine that looks like it rolled straight out of a futuristic film set. 

The Gotham Garage concept car retained only traces of the original Corvette’s identity, undergoing a dramatic transformation into a bold, sci-fi-inspired spectacle that looked like it came straight out of a futuristic movie. (Picture from: CarBuzz)

Open its Koenigsegg-style dihedral doors and you’re greeted by an equally customized interior. Brown leather stretches across the dash and seating, punctuated by bespoke brass-accented gauges and reupholstered Braum bucket seats. The cockpit screams boutique craftsmanship, even if the screen time on the show barely does it justice.

Opening the Gotham Garage concept car’s dihedral doors reveals a fully customized interior, where brown leather covers the dash and seats, accented by brass-trimmed gauges and reupholstered Braum bucket seats. (Picture from: CarBuzz)

But the madness doesn’t stop at four wheels. The car was paired with a custom Suzuki Hayabusa superbike—an equally extreme companion with design cues that echo the concept car’s brass detailing. Built with a wide 300-millimeter rear tire and a steel body, the bike is more than a display piece; it’s a street-legal rocket. Ironically, this particular Hayabusa was traded in for a modified Toyota Prius, proving once again that car culture never fails to surprise.

The Gotham Garage concept car appeared alongside its custom Suzuki Hayabusa superbike on Netflix’s hit reality show Car Masters: Rust to Riches, a series often noted for its dramatic flair and mixed reception. (Picture from: CarBuzz)

When it came time to sell, the Gotham Garage team staged a virtual auction, inviting six collectors to place bids remotely. Despite strong interest, the bidding fell short of Towle’s target. The final offer—$225,000—was rejected, as the team held firm on their ambitious $250,000 valuation. Months passed, and rumors swirled. Would it ever sell? Was the car too niche for serious buyers?

The concept car and its matching bike were successfully sold for $285,000 in Season 4 of Car Masters: Rust to Riches—below the original asking price, yet still a gratifying return on years of work and a relatively modest starting investment. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar on X)

Season 4 of the show brought resolution. Nick Smith, from the rare-vehicle marketplace ClassicAvenue.com, appeared with an offer from a mystery buyer. After tense negotiations and a back-and-forth over pricing, the concept car and its matching bike finally sold for a cool $285,000. While not the original asking price, it marked a satisfying payoff for years of hard work and a sizable return on a modest investment.

Since then, the Gotham Garage's concept car has resurfaced in a new look, spotted in Temecula, California, now dressed in white and green instead of its original loud orange. Whether it’s still owned by the original buyer remains uncertain, but the car’s presence near Gotham Garage suggests it's never strayed too far from home.

The Gotham Garage concept car was last seen in Temecula, California, now sporting a white and green paint job in place of its original bold orange. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar on X)

As with many so-called “reality” automotive shows, there’s been speculation about how much of the sale drama was authentic. And while skepticism lingers over some of the more theatrical moments on Rust to Riches, what can't be denied is the visual and mechanical audacity of the build. Love it or hate it, the Gotham Garage concept car is unlike anything else on the road.

Sometimes, the most unforgettable vehicles aren’t the ones with a famous badge or a six-figure engineering budget—they’re the ones that dare to be different. This car, with all its flair and flaws, is a reminder that creativity still has a place in the garage. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GOTHAM GARAGE | CARBUZZ | HOTCARS | OBSCURESUPERCAR ON X | GTMOTOSPORTS.ORG ]

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