Ford took the family out of the Flex today at the 2007 SEMA Show, debuting two custom versions of its upcoming crossover vehicle with decidedly non-kid friendly upgrades: the FooseFlex, designed by famed customizer Chip Foose, and the Flex(2), designed by none other than Funkmaster Flex himself. The two had little more than six weeks create their vehicles, which featured interior and exterior touches such as custom leather and 22-inch wheels. 

What it Is: FooseFlex — Light blue and cream slab sides and the Flex’s already iconic white roof make this custom wagon a real sweetheart. Add in superbly designed deep-dish 22-inch wheels, Eibach springs and a custom interior that features three-tone leather seats by Katzkin and the style is unmistakably custom and upscale. Additionally, Foose designed new front and rear fascias. Highlights include a wrap-around chrome beltline and a custom grille. 

If the FooseFlex is about suburbia, then the Funkmaster Flex(2) is about making a Ford Flex work in an urban setting. That’s what Funkmaster was going for when he created his Flex with a two-tone, brandywine paint scheme and a faux brushed aluminum roof. Lowered one inch and riding on 22s, the Flex(2) backs up the paint job with a low, mean and sexy look. That theme continues inside, with all-black Katzkin leather seats, stainless steel color stitching and headrest mounted DVD systems, along with an audio system that features a 12-inch subwoofer.< Why it Matters: Ford seems to be doing it right with the Flex – at least this part – by bringing out custom models from famous designers and builders. It creates buzz, gets people talking and turns what really is not much more than a slab-sided family hauler into a vehicle with street cred...in the city or suburbs. Published on www.myride.com