Wondering whether Iron Resurrection has been cancelled? Find out why the show ended, whether Season 8 is happening, and what Joe Martin and Martin Bros Customs are doing now.
For fans of custom car restoration, few television shows left as lasting an impression as Iron Resurrection. Premiering in 2016, the MotorTrend series followed master fabricator Joe Martin and the talented team at Martin Bros Customs as they transformed neglected cars, trucks, and motorcycles into stunning custom builds. Blending expert craftsmanship with genuine shop camaraderie and Texas charm, the series quickly became one of the network’s most popular automotive shows.
Although the series wrapped after seven seasons, it continues to attract new viewers and loyal fans alike, many of whom are still looking for answers about why Iron Resurrection ended, whether it was cancelled, and what became of Martin Bros Customs.
Here’s everything you need to know about the show’s run, why it ended, whether another season is possible, and what Joe Martin and Martin Bros Customs are doing today.
When Did Iron Resurrection Start and How Many Seasons Are There?
Iron Resurrection premiered in 2016 on Velocity, which later became part of MotorTrend. The series followed Joe Martin, his wife Amanda Martin, and their crew at Martin Bros Customs in Johnson City, Texas, as they searched across the Lone Star State for forgotten classics ready to be transformed.
Over seven seasons, the show featured dozens of ambitious restorations, including classic Camaros, vintage pickup trucks, custom Harley-Davidsons, hot rods, and other one-of-a-kind builds. Each project showcased the team’s fabrication, welding, paint, and mechanical expertise, while the mix of road-trip vehicle hunts and in-shop restorations gave the series its signature appeal.
Season 7 ultimately became the show’s last. Although MotorTrend never announced a formal cancellation, production quietly concluded without a farewell season or series finale, leaving many viewers wondering whether the show had ended for good.
Why Did Iron Resurrection End?
Contrary to online speculation, the show was not cancelled because of poor ratings or behind-the-scenes drama. Instead, it appears to have reached the end of its television run as part of MotorTrend’s evolving programming strategy.
Like many long-running automotive reality series, production costs, changing network priorities, and shifting content plans likely influenced the decision not to produce additional seasons. While neither the network nor the cast has provided a detailed explanation, there has never been any indication that the show’s ending was tied to declining popularity.
For many viewers, that’s the frustrating part. There’s a lingering sense that shows built around genuine craftsmanship, skilled trades, and people who simply love what they do often seem to disappear, while celebrity-driven reality TV and manufactured drama continue to dominate programming. Whether that’s actually the case or simply how it feels to longtime fans, Iron Resurrection is frequently cited as one of those rare shows that didn’t need scripted conflict to keep audiences watching.
Just as importantly, the end of the television series did not mark the end of Martin Bros Customs. Joe and Amanda Martin continue operating their Johnson City, Texas, shop, building high-end custom vehicles for clients and carrying on the same craftsmanship that made the show such a fan favorite.
What Are Joe Martin and Martin Bros Customs Doing Now?
Although Iron Resurrection is no longer filming, Martin Bros Customs remains active. Joe Martin continues leading custom fabrication, bodywork, and paint projects, while Amanda Martin oversees much of the business side of the company.
For a closer look at what Joe has been doing since the show ended, including the shop’s move to independent content creation and its latest custom builds, read our in-depth update here.
The shop has seen several familiar faces come and go since the series began, but its commitment to quality craftsmanship hasn’t changed. Martin Bros Customs continues taking on complex, one-off custom builds and periodically advertises openings for experienced fabricators, welders, painters, and technicians.
Meanwhile, fans can still revisit many of the show’s most memorable builds through reruns and streaming platforms. Iconic projects—from custom Camaros to Harley-Davidsons and vintage trucks—continue attracting new viewers while keeping longtime fans connected to the series.
Will There Be an Iron Resurrection Season 8?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for an eighth season or a revival of Iron Resurrection.
That said, the possibility hasn’t been completely ruled out. Joe Martin remains active in the custom automotive community through Martin Bros Customs, attending industry events and sharing ongoing projects that reflect the same creativity and craftsmanship viewers enjoyed on television.
With streaming platforms continuing to revive popular automotive shows, fans remain hopeful that the show could eventually return as a new series, special event, or limited reunion. Until then, following Martin Bros Customs remains the best way to keep up with Joe Martin’s latest custom builds.
The Lasting Legacy of Iron Resurrection
One reason Iron Resurrection continues to resonate with viewers is its authenticity. Rather than relying on manufactured drama or impossible deadlines, the series focused on genuine craftsmanship, teamwork, and the satisfaction of bringing forgotten vehicles back to life.
From rust-covered project cars hidden away in barns to award-worthy custom motorcycles, each episode highlighted the creativity and skill required to produce truly unique builds.
The setting also became part of the show’s identity. Located in the scenic Texas Hill Country, Martin Bros Customs offered a relaxed, hardworking atmosphere that perfectly complemented the team’s passion for custom fabrication. Years after the series ended, standout builds—including its memorable Camaros, classic trucks, and Harley-Davidsons—are still widely discussed among automotive enthusiasts.
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Bottom Line
Iron Resurrection ended after seven successful seasons due to MotorTrend’s programming decisions rather than declining popularity. For fans wondering whether Martin Bros Customs is still open, the answer is yes. The Johnson City, Texas, shop remains active, with Joe Martin and his team continuing to create exceptional custom cars and trucks for clients.
Although there are no confirmed plans for Season 8, the craftsmanship that defined Iron Resurrection continues every day behind the shop doors.
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