Coulson Aviation Wildfire Vehicle Restoration Contest
In Partnership with Chip Foose
Honoring Southern California wildfire survivors with a one-of-a-kind vehicle restoration contest, celebrating LA’s iconic car culture, and showcasing Coulson’s continued leadership in aerial firefighting.
The Coulson Aviation Wildfire Vehicle Restoration Contest is open to California residents affected by the devastating 2024-2025 wildfires, including the Eaton and Palisades fires.
As the world’s largest aerial firefighting company, Coulson Aviation – who served on the front lines, flying alongside Los Angeles area fire departments with its large rotary wing aircraft, pilots, and support crews – wants to honor those who lost so much by giving one deserving resident the chance to rebuild a beloved vehicle.
The Coulson team includes passionate automotive enthusiasts, mechanics, and builders. Inspired by the resilience of the communities affected by the fires and the city’s legendary car culture, Coulson Aviation and Coulson Autosports are launching the Coulson Aviation Wildfire Vehicle Restoration Contest on November 20, 2025.
And to make the project truly extraordinary, they’ve partnered with one of LA’s most iconic automotive figures: Chip Foose.
Coulson x Chip Foose
Legendary designer and builder Chip Foose – a California native and one of the most influential figures in custom car design – will assist Coulson Aviation for the Coulson Aviation Wildfire Vehicle Restoration Contest.
Not only will he help to select up to ten finalists for the public vote, Chip will also provide input for the final design of the restoration and upgrade plan for the winning vehicle, working closely with Coulson Autosports throughout the build.
Whether it’s a family heirloom, a beloved daily driver, or a car deeply tied to personal memories that was damaged during the 2024-2025 wildfires, Coulson and Foose will work together to bring it back to life.
The completed Foose-designed restoration will be returned to the owner during the 2026 LA Auto Show, or shortly thereafter.
How to Enter
The Coulson Aviation Wildfire Vehicle Restoration Contest is open to California residents directly affected by the 2024-2025 wildfires.
Entrants may submit photos, video, and a personal story describing what their vehicle means to them and the restoration vision they hope to bring to reality.
The contest opens for submissions on November 20, 2025.
Submissions close on January 20, 2026.
A judging panel will then submit up to ten finalist to a public vote, which takes place from February 1-15, 2026 here.
Anybody can vote for their favorite but only one vote is allowed per person
The selected Finalists will be notified on or around January 29, 2026
The public and judges’ votes will be collated and the winner will be notified around March 1, 2026.
The vehicle will undergo a professional restoration and upgrade program at Coulson Autosports, to a value of up to $100,000 in parts and labor.
The successful owner will collaborate directly with Coulson Autosports and Chip Foose on the theme, direction and extent of the restoration and upgrade.
The vehicle will be returned to its owner at the 2026 LA Auto Show, or shortly thereafter.
All entrants participating in the Coulson Aviation Wildfire Vehicle Restoration Contest must review the official rules HERE.
Please Note
- Entrant must be at least 18 years old at time of entry, a legal resident, own (and show proof) and have possession of the vehicle
- Entrants must submit a video and photos (or link to video and photos) along with their name, mailing address and phone number
- Entrants may only enter once
- The restoration budget is up to $100,000 in parts and labor. There is no cash alternative
- All entrants participating in the Coulson Aviation Wildfire Vehicle Restoration Contest must review the official rules HERE
Contest Form
"*" indicates required fields