For 24 days in January 2025, wildfires ravaged Southern California. Families were displaced, livelihoods were destroyed, and it seemed that all that people once knew would be gone forever. The wreckage and devastation inspired Coulson Aviation to partner with legendary designer Chip Foose to put together the Wildfire Vehicle Restoration Contest. The intention is to help up to 10 classic car owners recover what was lost in the fire with a $100,000 restoration. One of the winners is a man named Ben Johnson, who owned an Orbit Orange 1955 Chevrolet 201 Delray that was destroyed in the Eaton Fire.
“We’re there when these fires are at their worst. We see exactly what’s left behind,” says Britton Coulson, president of Coulson Aviation USA. “Too often, the focus stops when the fire is out. For us, leadership means continuing beyond that, which is why the Vehicle Restoration Contest is so important to us all.”
Ben Johnson with Chip Foose after winning the Wildfire Vehicle Restoration Contest (Image courtesy of Coulson Aviation)
Johnson had owned the car since he was 16 years old. When he bought his home in Altadena in 2011, a nice and cozy garage for his classic was crucial. After the fires rolled in, Ben Johnson was unable to evacuate the Delray in time. It was unrecognizable when he and his family toured the wreckage of the home they once held dear. Insurance wouldn’t cover it, and what relief insurance could provide had to go into rebuilding the home. All hope seemed to be lost until he submitted his story to the Wildfire Vehicle Restoration Contest and was selected by popular vote to receive a full restoration performed in collaboration with Foose Design.
Ben Johnson’s 1955 Chevrolet 210 Delray before the fire (Image courtesy of Ben Johnson)
“I’m incredibly proud to partner with Coulson Aviation and be a part of the RISE Program,” says Chip Foose. “Giving back has always been part of my DNA, and the Coulson family has given Foose Design the opportunity to play a small role in something that can make a very big difference. It’s an amazing program, and I’m honored to be part of it.”
Image courtesy of SEMA
After winning the contest, Ben Johnson was able to meet with the legendary automotive designer and share his vision about what he was planning on doing before losing the Delray to the fires. Chip invited Johnson to work alongside him and his team during the restoration process. It’s said that Foose developed a design that honored what was lost while incorporating Ben’s desires and even including components from the original car as a part of the build.
It took many hours of hard work and contributions from notable names across the automotive industry including Summit Racing, Kicker, BluePrint Engines, TMI Products, MagnaFlow, Dynamat, Redline Gauges, Coulson Autosports, BFGoodrich Tires and, of course, Foose Design.
The end result is a gorgeous yellow and white sedan with a custom interior that includes a uniquely embroidered child’s car seat made especially for Ben’s one-year-old son to enjoy — check for yourself in the below video.
Meant to serve as a tribute to the history of the vehicle and “a symbol of resilience for wildfire survivors across Southern California,” this fully restored and customized Tri-Five Chevrolet was unveiled at the TMI Products booth during the 2026 SEMA Show.
