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STROKIN DIESEL’S TAILGATE SHOOTOUT 2026 BROUGHT THE HEAT TO ALABAMA

May 5, 2026

There are lots of cool story threads woven into the history of this ’57 Thunderbird, purchased new 50 years ago by W.T. Romine of Indianapolis. You see, Romine’s young son, Paul, was bitten by the hot-rodding bug and tried to convince his dad to hop up the T-bird. The elder Romine steadfastly rebuffed his son’s attempts to bolt on a McCulloch blower and other aftermarket parts for the respected Y-block Ford.

XTREME LEE

To the uninitiated, this may look like the General Lee ’69 Charger featured in varying numbers on “The Dukes of Hazzard” television show. A closer review tells of an even greater historical connection. Xtreme Lee is as much a statement of intent as it is the car’s moniker, and when you’re pressed into the seats, there’s little question it lives up to its name.

The Hottest New Products from HPX 2026

If HPX 2026 proved anything, it’s that the performance aftermarket isn’t slowing down—it’s accelerating. Held in Charlotte, North Carolina, the High Performance Expo has quickly established itself as one of the industry’s premier gathering places for manufacturers, builders, racers, retailers, and enthusiasts looking to see what’s next in automotive performance. More than just a trade show, HPX serves as a launchpad for new technology, product debuts, and the ideas shaping the future of the aftermarket.

SEMA 2023 Product Showcase

Video Highlights from Some of our Favorite Manufacturers

Author

The Auto Builder Staff

Photography by Wendy Miles

SEMA Show 2023 at the Las Vegas Convention Center was an epic blast, packed with the latest and greatest from the automotive performance world. Over 2,100 exhibitors brought their A-game, and the crowd—about 150,000 strong—was buzzing with excitement. It was the ultimate playground for gearheads and industry insiders, showcasing cutting-edge performance products, jaw-dropping vehicle trends, and killer educational sessions from the top minds in the biz.

Check out some of the coolest stuff we saw at SEMA 2023, right here in our exclusive coverage.