THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
- All Post
- 20 High Priority - SR Super Rod
- Builds
- 25 High Priority - FB Ford Builder
- Cars
- 30 High Priority - AR American Rodder
- 01 Post Status
- 35 High Priority - RD Rodders Digest
- 40 High Priority - OTR On the Road
- 45 High Priority - SRB Street Rod Builder
- 50 High Priority - TB Truck Builder
- 55 High Priority - BSCENE Buckaroo Scene
- 60 High Priority - FPB Family Power Boat
- Trucks
- Swaps
- Performance Boats
- _000 Home Sliders
- Builders
- 00 Sidebars
- Manufacturers
- 05 High Priority - HCI Hot Compact Imports
- 05 Publications
- 10 High Priority - CR Chevy Rumble
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Outdrives
- Steering
- Interior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Exterior and Hull
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- Chevrolet
- Cadillac
- Pontiac
- AMC
- Buick
- Jeep
- Lincoln
- Ford
- Honda
- GMC
- BMW
- Mitsubishi
- Dodge
- Nissan
- Chrysler
- Subaru
- Toyota
- Plymouth
- Mercury
- Volvo
- Volkswagen
- Oldsmobile
- Acura
- Back
- 05 Pub HCI Hot Compact Imports
- 15 Pub 4x4 4x4 Builder
- 20 Pub SR Super Rod
- 25 Pub FB Ford Builder
- 30 Pub AR American Rodder
- 35 Pub RD Rodders Digest
- 40 Pub OTR On the Road
- 55 Pub BSCENE Buckaroo Scene
- 10 Pub CR Chevy Rumble
- 50 Pub TB Truck Builder
- 60 Pub FPB Family Power Boat
- 45 Pub SRB Street Rod Builder
- Back
- Chip Foose
- Ring Brothers
- Jack Fuller
- Bob Cullipher
- Jerry Nichols
- Bobby Alloway
- Jesse James
- Carl Casper
- J.F. Launier
- Steve Sellers
- Boyd Coddington
- Rad Rides by Troy
- Cal Auto Creations
- George Barris
- West Coast Customs
- Back
- Street Rods
- Hot Rods
- Late Model
- Drag Race
- Handling
- Compact Cars
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Chassis
- Engine
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Fuel System
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- 05 Post Imported
- 20 Post Missing Images (All)
- 25 Post Missing Images (Partial)
- 15 Post In Progress
- 30 Post Internal Review
- 40 Post On Hold
- 50 Post Approved
- 10 Post Images Imported
- 17 Post Missing TXT Files
- 18 Post Missing PDF Files
- 27 Post Missing Content
- Back
- Chassis
- Engine Swaps
- Interior Swaps
- Driveline
- Back
- Street Trucks
- OffRoad Trucks
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Chassis
- Engine
- Fuel System
- Electrical
- Exhaust
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Suspension
- Steering
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tires
- Interior
- Exterior
- Accessories
- Power Adders
- Back
- 01 Sidebar Left
- 01 Sidebar Right
Spotlighter
Metal, Muscle & Mastery: Inside SEMA’s Battle of the Builders 2025
Twelve finalists redefine innovation, craftsmanship, and performance at this year’s SEMA Show.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen
Battle of the Builders 2025: The Top 12 Take Over
Every November, the SEMA Show turns Las Vegas into the beating heart of the custom car world—but one showdown always steals the spotlight: the Battle of the Builders 2025. It’s the aftermarket industry’s ultimate test of skill, creativity, and innovation—where the best in the business fight for glory and the title of the world’s top custom builder.
But SEMA is more than just a showcase for the automotive aftermarket’s latest and greatest products. It’s a celebration of passion, design, and the relentless drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible in performance and style. Nowhere is that energy more alive than in the Battle of the Builders, where creativity takes center stage and every detail tells a story.
Now celebrating its 12th year, the SEMA Battle of the Builders has become the proving ground for elite craftsmanship. This isn’t just a competition—it’s a movement that fuels passion, precision, and progress in the custom car community.
The Best of the Best: 2025 Top 12 Finalists
This year’s Top 12 finalists represent the absolute pinnacle of modern automotive artistry. From ground-up hot rods with flawless detailing to over-the-top off-road monsters and precision-built imports, every car in the Battle of the Builders 2025 Top 12 pushed design and engineering beyond convention.
Each finalist earned their spot after standing out from hundreds of entries that flooded the SEMA floor. The Top 40 were hand-picked by a panel of industry pros—but from there, only 12 builds advanced to the final stage, where the builders themselves took over judging duties. It’s a system built on respect and skill—true recognition from peers who know what it takes to craft perfection.
Categories That Define the Competition
The SEMA Battle of the Builders honors talent across four specialized segments:
- Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck
- Four-Wheel Drive/Off-Road
- Sport Compact/Import Performance/Luxury & Exotic
- Young Guns (for builders 29 and under)
Each category highlights a unique discipline within the custom scene, from vintage restoration and performance tuning to wild fabrication and new-age innovation.
Troy Trepanier Takes the 2025 Crown
At the top of it all, Troy Trepanier once again proved why he’s one of the most respected names in the game. His stunning 1936 Ford Roadster took home the overall Battle of the Builders 2025 title—his second career win after first claiming victory in 2017.
Trepanier’s build captured everything this competition stands for: vision, craftsmanship, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.
The Builders Who Define the Future
These Top 12 finalists didn’t just build cars—they built legacies. Each one is a statement of innovation and skill, a rolling piece of art that captures the spirit of modern custom car culture.
Below you’ll find a breakdown of all Battle of the Builders 2025 Top 12 finalists and category winners—the builds that defined this year’s SEMA Show 2025 and set the tone for where the industry heads next.
Hot Rod/Hot Truck Division
Division Winner & Overall Champion
Troy Trepanier – 1936 Myers Fenderless Ford Roadster
When Troy Trepanier rolled this beast out in January 2025, the crowd went silent—then erupted. Winner of the GNRS AMBR Award, this isn’t just a 1936 Ford Roadster—it’s a radically reimagined open-wheel masterpiece. Every proportion was recalculated, every line honed, transforming a classic silhouette into a jaw-dropping, low-slung roadster that commands attention from any angle.
Rad Rides by Troy left nothing untouched: the body, chassis, suspension, and all machined components were fabricated in-house, with the same obsessive craftsmanship poured into the paint and interior. Under the hood roars a supercharged Ford 312ci Y-block, matched to a quick-change rear axle and full torsion bar suspension—a combination that’s as ferocious on the track as it is striking in the show field.
A SEMA Battle of the Builders Overall Winner (2017), Troy once again proves why his builds are the gold standard of creativity, execution, and sheer automotive artistry. This isn’t just a roadster—it’s Rad Rides at its boldest, most fearless, most unstoppable.
Troy Gudgel – 1959 Chevrolet Impala
Troy Gudgel has taken the iconic 1959 Chevrolet Impala and transformed it into a show-stopping work of custom refinement. Every panel, every line, every surface has been meticulously reimagined—custom sheetmetal modifications tighten gaps, eliminate seams, and elevate the classic design to a level of precision rarely seen. From scratch-built bumpers, grille, and rear valance to handcrafted taillights, this car is a rolling showcase of artistry and engineering.
Powering the build is a GM 6.2L LT1 feeding through a GM 8L90E transmission, all mounted to a full custom chassis. The Impala sits on one-off Forgeline wheels—20×9 front, 21×1 rear—with 16-inch brakes ensuring it stops as hard as it launches. Inside, the interior is completely designed and fabricated from scratch, featuring a center console packed with precision operating controls, proving this car isn’t just for show—it’s meant to be driven. In fact, it arrived at Battle of the Builders with 500 miles already under its belt.
Built by BBT Fabrications in Mahomet, IL, and owned by Eugene and Patti Bothello, this Impala is a testament to relentless craftsmanship, daring creativity, and a devotion to perfection. Every detail, every contour, every finish tells the story of a car that honors its heritage while boldly carving its own legend.
Special Thanks: Eugene and Patti Bothello, BBT Fabrications team, Cato’s Customs Upholstery
Paint: PPG by Relic Restomods
Kyle Kuhnhausen – 1966 Chevrolet Corvette “Serious66”
Five years of uncompromising work culminate in Serious66, a total re-engineering of the 1966 C2 Corvette that blends classic elegance with modern precision. Every surface, seam, and system has been reimagined—from one-off body details, integrated glass, and tuck-in bumpers to a supercharged LT4/ZF8HP drivetrain and hand-built interior. The midyear Corvette silhouette is unmistakable, but meticulously refined, with seamless panels, relocated fuel filler, and body-colored underside, creating a car that is as visually flawless as it is performance-ready.
Beneath the skin, a modified Art Morrison GT Sport chassis with Independent Rear Suspension, Detroit True-Trac posi, and JRI custom dampers keeps all 650 hp / 650 lb-ft in check, while Forgeline RS6 wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires deliver grip and precision. Inside, BUX Customs leather, Dakota Digital HDX instrumentation, and integrated modern electronics bring classic style into the 21st century. Over 10,000 labor hours went into this build, making Serious66 not just a restomod, but a masterpiece of engineering, craftsmanship, and execution—purpose-built to dominate the 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders.
BFGoodrich Young Guns Division
Supporting and inspiring the next generation of builders is vital to the future of the automotive specialty-equipment market. The Battle of the Builders Young Guns category celebrates young talent, encouraging builders under 29 to pursue their passions, push boundaries, and showcase their skills on a national stage.
The Young Guns designation is part of the overall BOTB competition. Builders who are under the age of 29 as of November 7, 2025, and who select the Young Guns category on their online application, are eligible to participate. This program shines a spotlight on the up-and-coming innovators who will shape the future of automotive craftsmanship.
Division Winner
Thomas Dickerson – 1967 Chevrolet C10
When Thomas Dickerson unveiled his 1967 Chevrolet C10, it was clear this wasn’t just a restomod—it was a ground-up custom creation executed with obsessive precision. Every detail, from the engine bay and underside to the flush-mounted custom glass and one-off headlights, reflects his dedication to originality and craftsmanship. The fabricated bed, finished with Brazilian ironwood and set between machined runners, balances beauty with modern utility, complemented by a custom electric bed door that adds functionality without compromising style.
The Art Morrison chassis was meticulously tailored and smoothed, with TIG-welded and polished one-off exhaust tips that highlight the bespoke nature of the build. Inside, a fully custom interior incorporates 3D-printed and machined components, perfectly aligned with the truck’s elevated aesthetic. Every seam, panel, and finish reflects Thomas’ singular vision, making this 1967 C10 a seamless blend of artistry, engineering, and relentless attention to detail—a one-person masterpiece from concept to completion.
Cameron Cocalis – 1988 BMW E30 325i
Cameron Cocalis has taken the 1988 BMW E30 325i and transformed it into a precision-engineered performance machine that fuses cutting-edge engineering with aggressive styling. At its core is a full-tube chassis space frame built around C6 suspension geometry, complete with removable front and rear clips, bead-rolled and dimple-died panels, and a flat underbody for maximum performance. Every detail was designed to push the limits of both form and function.
Power comes from a naturally aspirated Texas Speed 427 LS producing 750 hp, backed by a Tremec Magnum transmission and a Ford 8.8 rearend. The build features a custom ITB intake manifold, forward-facing X-pipe exhaust, and a rear-mounted radiator, all orchestrated by a Haltech Nexus Rebel system. Supporting components include a Radium fuel system, FDF arms, and Wilwood brakes, while the Live to Offend widebody kit and Work M1 3P wheels with Toyo R888R tires give it commanding presence. Bag Riders suspension and a flawless SOS Customz paint finish complete the package, making this E30 a perfect blend of aggressive style, advanced engineering, and track-ready performance.
Dustyn Dell – 1969 Chevrolet C10
Dustyn Dell’s 1969 Chevrolet C10 is a full-scale work of art, transformed in every detail from chassis to cowl. Beneath its classic lines lies an all-wheel-drive system powered by a 900-hp LT4 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, blending raw American muscle with modern performance. The build is a showcase of meticulous finishing, with every component painted, powdercoated, or Cerakoted for flawless execution. The front bumper is shaved and tucked, while the hood features a built-in ram air intake, and the engine bay boasts custom bead-rolled panels and a shaved cowl—every surface engineered for both form and function.
The bed features a custom tonneau cover and extended sides that align perfectly with the shaved and tucked rear bumper, while the interior is fully custom, incorporating 3D-printed components for a futuristic yet cohesive aesthetic. Dustyn’s C10 honors the classic style of the truck while modernizing every underlying system, making it a stunning statement of innovation, craftsmanship, and raw performance that’s impossible to ignore.
Off-Road Division
Division Winner
Ron Jones – 1973 VW Thing
Ron Jones Garage has taken the humble 1973 VW Thing and transformed it into a rally-bred, Paris-Dakar–inspired powerhouse. Starting with nothing more than the original windshield frame, every other panel was hand-formed and CNC-machined onto a one-off chromoly long-travel tube chassis. Fox Factory coilovers give it its aggressive off-road stance, while over 350 machined components bring precision and craftsmanship to every corner of the build. The cabin is finished with a stunning interior by PJ’s Upholstery, blending comfort with Porsche-inspired flair.
Power comes from a 3.2L air-cooled Porsche 930 flat-six, converted to fuel injection and managed by a MoTec ECU, mated to a Porsche 996 transaxle with torque tube and front differential from a 997, producing over 300 horsepower in a 2,600-pound package. Porsche DNA flows throughout, from plaid seats to a 911 RS steering wheel, with Curtis Speed Equipment wheels anchoring the stance. Equal parts bizarre, brilliant, and breathtaking, this VW Thing proves that with vision and craftsmanship, even the oddball of the VW lineup can become a world-class showstopper.
Michael Dascoli – 1969 International Scout “THREE”
Michael Dascoli and Driven Speed Shop have completely reimagined the 1969 International Scout, creating a one-off, hand-built machine that blends heritage with futuristic design. Less than 2% of the original metal remains, with a new Roadster Shop RS4 chassis, four-link suspension, and a hand-fabricated body and roll cage forming the foundation. Every trim piece is one-off machined, while the custom interior, created from original CAD designs, brings the cabin into the 21st century. This Scout isn’t just a tribute—it’s a bold evolution of the platform, bridging what the Scout was with what it could be.
Powering the build is a Wegner Automotive 6.2L LS3 V8 with a 2.9L Whipple supercharger, delivering over 1,000 horsepower. Precision and detail run through every inch, from handsewn interior components by Sew Cal Rods to custom Forgeline wheels, unique branding by Miles McDermott, and numerous one-off handcrafted features. With more than 7,500 labor hours, a seamless mix of handcraftsmanship and advanced machining, and a fully integrated performance platform, the Scout THREE is a show-stopping testament to innovation, power, and automotive artistry, earning its place among the most ambitious builds of the year.
Woody Ferrebee – 1966 Ford Bronco
Woody Ferrebee and Badass Broncos have transformed the classic 1966 Ford Bronco into a modern off-road monster that commands attention. Starting with a Ford-licensed Dennis Carpenter body, the truck is finished in PPG basecoat and clearcoat, protected by a Lizard Skin ceramic heat barrier and shield liner, combining style with durability. Every inch rides on a Gen 1 coilover chassis with Fox Factory coilovers, providing precise handling and off-road capability, while custom bumpers and a Kincer chassis family cage ensure the build is as safe as it is aggressive.
Power comes from a Ford Racing Gen 4X Coyote engine, supercharged by Whipple to produce 810 hp, paired with a Ford F-150 10R80 transmission and an Atlas two-speed transfer case. The electrical system is fully integrated with an American Autowire harness, Dakota Digital RTX gauges, and an ididit tilt column, while the interior features Relicate custom Ferrari black leather with woven insets and a 10k Custom JL audio system. Every detail showcases precision craftsmanship, performance engineering, and Badass Broncos’ signature attention to style, making this Bronco a true standout at the SEMA Battle of the Builders.
Sport Compact-Import Performance
Division Winner
Tim Franklin – 1960 Porsche Custom 356
Tim Franklin and his team took a derelict 1960 Porsche 356B and transformed it into a streamlined, luxurious custom masterpiece. Every surface was reimagined, from contoured body panels and rolled rockers to a one-piece aluminum rear deck. Symmetry defines the build, with dual roof brake lights, rear deck trim sets, taillights, and exhausts meticulously balanced for both form and function. The custom wheels were designed in-house, complete with heat-extracting fins inspired by the original 356, while subtle roof slots improve safety and aesthetics.
Under the hood, the original engine was modified from 70 hp to 165 hp, featuring Weber 48s and a fan housing tribute to Porsche 917 race cars. The car retains classic cues, including working semaphores, a banjo steering wheel, and a luxe interior, while integrating modern comforts like electric A/C and disc brakes. Every design and fabrication element—except the wheels—was completed in-house, making this 1960 Porsche 356 a perfect marriage of craftsmanship, heritage, and modern performance, and earning it recognition as a Best Builder creation.
John Sarkisyan – 1971 Mercedes Benz 600 Pullman
John Sarkisyan has once again pushed the boundaries of the SEMA Battle of the Builders, transforming a brand-new Mercedes-Benz S63e Performance into a one-of-a-kind 1971 Mercedes 600 Pullman. Every surface has been completely re-bodied, merging the classic proportions of the 600 with modern S63 technology. The interior was carefully preserved and reinstalled from the S63, blending contemporary luxury with a vintage silhouette.
This unique creation features a handmade one-off body kit, HRE wheels wrapped in Toyo tires, and a carbon-fiber roof that adds a sleek, modern edge. The lighting setup is a striking fusion of S63 and McLaren taillights, giving the Pullman a futuristic signature while staying true to its classic roots. Sarkisyan’s craftsmanship and vision make this 1971 Mercedes 600 a bold, imaginative reimagination of one of Mercedes’ most iconic limousines.
David Guadagnoli – 1967 Ford GT40 MK IV
David Guadagnoli has brought the 1967 Ford GT40 MK IV to life with a ground-up, street-and-show-ready re-creation that blends iconic style with modern performance. The car rides on a full chromoly chassis and wears the legendary Rangoon Red paint, meticulously applied using Tamco Paint products for unmatched vibrancy and depth. Power comes from a twin-turbo Ford V8 Coyote 5.0, managed by Holley Performance, while an air-jack system and front lift suspension keep this precision-built machine secure on the ground.
Inside, the cabin is fully custom, featuring carbon-fiber seats wrapped in leather and Alcantara, perfectly complementing the car’s race-inspired aesthetic. Every detail, from body prep to the high-gloss HC2104 clearcoat finish, reflects Guadagnoli’s artistry and dedication. The 1967 Ford GT40 MK IV isn’t just a re-creation—it’s a masterpiece of craftsmanship, performance, and eye-popping design, ready to steal the spotlight at the 2025 SEMA Show.
