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THE AUTO BUILDER
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Two-Hour Tech
Improving your S197 Mustang doesn’t have to be an arduous affair. You’re supposed to enjoy working on your car, RATHER than dreading getting off work because you “have” to wrench on the Ford. With that attitude in mind, we recently spoke with Al Kamhi, of Control Freak suspensions, to get his advice on what enthusiasts could do to further the concept of upgrading a Mustang in just an hour or two. But there’s a catch: the upgrade had to make a real difference in the car’s performance.
Hot Rod Royalty: A Gathering of The Grand National Roadster Show’s Greatest Hits
Hot rod history hit overdrive at the 2025 Grand National Roadster Show, celebrating its 75th anniversary with a killer lineup in Building 9. The big deal? A special exhibit packed with a gathering of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) and Al Slonaker Memorial Award winners. Teaming up with the Petersen Automotive Museum, GNRS pulled together some of the most legendary roadsters ever to roll out of a garage.
ROAD-STIR
For the most part, street rodding is viewed as part of our American heritage, every bit as much as the blues and jazz, hot dogs and apple pie. It incorporates many of the traits we Yanks are known for,
combining ingenuity and individuality, plus a large dose of style gleaned from the numerous vehicles of our past. If you have any doubts, just look at the enthusiasts throughout Europe, Australia and other rodding hotbeds around the globe. They love American rodding.
Spotlighter
The Sights of SEMA 2023
Taking a look at some of our favorites that we spotted at the show.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography by Wendy Miles & Kim Cooley
With the 2023 SEMA Show now in the history books, it’s worth highlighting its resounding success. The event managed to unite more than 2,200 exhibitors and approximately 160,000 attendees, providing an exceptional platform for professionals in the industry to connect and explore innovative products. The event campus buzzed with activity, showcasing custom vehicle creations, interactive displays, demonstrations, and a wide range of networking prospects. Additionally, it featured a wealth of new products, solidifying its position as the premier destination for businesses on the lookout for the latest innovations.
For those who couldn’t make it to the event or would like to take a look back, here are some notable builds from SEMA 2023.
Spotted on display outside SEMA was "Nashole," the 2019 Hot Wheels Legends Tour Winner. This unique vehicle, a customized 1957 Nash Metropolitan created by Greg Salzillo and Dave Ford.
This is a 1970 Chevrolet Impala lowrider “Queen of Hearts” with exquisite Graphics and Pinstriping by Bugs Auto Art. The longer you stare at it, the more you appreciate the amount of time, passion, and level craftsmanship that went into producing this rolling work of art.
Equally as impressive is this 1968 Impala Convertible "King 68" also by "Bugs" and representing the Es Todo car club. A perfect ‘Yang’ to the Queen of Hearts’ ‘Yin.’
This Mitsubishi EVO sports the 23rd Varis v2 widebody kit and the first to be painted millennium jade. The color scheme is breath taking. Shout out to the owner @austin-evox and @Inversion crew on this prime example of EVO excellence.
This is a resto-mod replica of the 1917 Miller “Golden Submarine” race car is definitely one-of-a-kind.
Stateline Diesel Performance's "Red___Goat" was one of the more intimidating off-road builds at SEMA 2023.
Is this a Lamborghini, Ferrari, or an Audi? No, it’s an Infiniti G35 with a Vaydor body kit. Created by Alex Sinclair, Master Custom fabricator, this car was drawing crowds and turning a lot of heads.
People from all over the world come to SEMA. Effi Muniz is one of Mexico's most talented builders. In looking at his 1956 COE Ford Truck "The Engineer," it's plain to see that he's earned his reputation. We hope to see a lot more from Effi in the years to come.
In the back, a custom motorcycle from Devin Diego Designs is the chef's kiss of this dynamic duo.
If you look up Malek's Garage @malek2jz on Instagram, you can see a lot more pics of the gorgeous Nissan GTR. We absolutely love that custom gold paint that Malek has dubbed "Lakers Gold."
Brandon Rivas' Supra MkV 2021 showed off a sweet shade of green that pictures can't truly do justice to. The Street Hunters wide-body kit and killer stance make this build a one-of-a-kind. We're glad that Brandon torqued those spacers.
The Liberty Walk Green Fighter GTR Type 1.5 widebody build for @lbwkzay took inspiration from Japanese fighting aircraft. The car was wrapped, airbrushed, and coated in 3M ceramic coating.
Rohana's custom RLB-3’s wheels look amazing and enhance the look and feel of this design. Check out @lbwkzay on Instagram to get all the details on how they did it.
Which of these do you believe the owner spent the most money on?
Wayne Banga's "Infamous Aero" Widebody Subaru BRZ wrapped in the new Marigold Orange wrap by Inozetek drew crowds all day long. Can you believe it was put together in less than a month and trailered across the country to be shown at SEMA? We love the clean simplicity of the build. The white wheels with white-letter tires really pop against the marigold orange. Less is often times more, and "Infamous Aero" proves that point perfectly.
Straight out of Texas is the Lean Queen 6.7 owned by Meghan. Gotta love a girl who loves trucks! A product of True Horsepower Diesel Performance and Truck Gurus, you have to really see this one in person to appreciate it. This thing is HUGE! You need 2 steps to get up to the bed. This build really shines at night. Go on over to Instagram @Leanqueen6.7 to see more about this incredible build.
It's not black, it's green. This Lexus LS500, crafted by Auto Fashion (@autofashion_usa), exudes elegance under the sunlight. The seamless integration of Job Design aerodynamics and Weds 22” Kranze Vierharm wheels in custom Lime Gold, combined with a Universal Air lowered chassis, bestows upon this creation a sharp, pristine, and sophisticated allure.
Meet the twin mid-engined 1944 Ford COE beast, leaving us wondering: Can it still be called a COE with the engine positioned behind the cab? Debate aside, what's undeniable is the sheer awesomeness of this truck! Every angle exudes intimidation. Owned by Josh Feldman, it's been expertly chopped, bagged, and cruises on Detroit Steel Wheels. The meticulous time and attention invested in this build are evident, where art and engineering seamlessly converge to craft a true masterpiece.
Here we have a 2024 GMC Denali Ultimate by Richline Motorsports. Decked out in orange with blue accents, this wild build showcases some of the latest goodies from Richline, including front and rear BodyGuard bumpers, new for the 2024 model year. Just look at the chassis detail underneath!
1953 Studebaker Commander
It's hard not to appreciate a classic like this. This triple black 1969 Cadillac Deville convertible from Celebrity Cars had us drooling. It's just like the one that Abraham Lincoln Hogg drove in that episode of the Dukes of Hazzard.
This 300SL Roadster built by S Klub's Slang500 for his father is no ordinary Mercedes. Underneath is a full 2023 AMG drivetrain.
Starting with a 2013 Ram 2500 chassis, John McKeehan transformed the Gladiator into a towering off-road behemoth that's 2 feet taller, 25.2 inches wider, and 26 inches longer than the stock version. We really love the custom bedsides. They can be raised with linear actuators for added versatility, and inside, you'll find a treasure trove of recovery gear and a Power Tank to reinflate those massive tires. With a 6.7-liter Cummins powerplant under the hood, this Gladiator is ready to conquer any terrain.
This SEMA 2023 Battle of the Builders Top 12 Finalist is a 1970 International Harvester Travel All built by Cort Session. It sits on a 2008 Ram chassis with AAM Axels and Evod Custom Wheels. It's powered by a Hell Cat Motor with injectors, pulleys, headers, an 8H95 Trans, and an AMW transfer case.
It includes tailor-made bumpers, Rockslide Engineering power steps, and a Seams Imposable Custom Interiors-crafted interior with Hydes for contemporary comfort in an OEM-style design. It also boasts Dakota Digital custom gauges, an Evod custom steering wheel, and Ogden Chrome accents on badges and emblems to complete the look, making this off-road beast a true beauty!
The FJ Bruiser, is a high-powered, modified concept paying tribute to the 1966 FJ45 pickup. Departing from the original's six-cylinder engine, it now boasts a NASCAR Cup Car-derived 725-hp V-8 and a fabricated full tube frame combined with a vintage FJ body. The vehicle features a full trailing-arm suspension, Method Double Standard beadlock wheels with 42-inch BFGoodrich Krawler T/A KX tires, and a three-speed automatic transmission.
Spotted at the Hawk Performance booth, this C1 blue beauty, equipped with custom chrome wheels, looks fast while sitting still. It undoubtedly stood out as one of the most beautiful Corvettes at the show, which is a noteworthy accomplishment considering the high standards set at SEMA.
This slammed Buick Riviera at the Ridler looked stunning with chrome wheels and modern whitewall tires.
The SteerSmarts Ice Cream Jeep "Freeze" was unveiled at SEMA 2023, and the off-road ice cream truck was a highlight of the show. It features a Stinger Electronics' clearview HD backup camera and a replacement rearview mirror with a full-screen monitor kit and built-in DVR, allowing for simultaneous streaming and recording of both rear and forward-facing cameras, making it the ideal addition for their unique vehicle.
Featured at the She Shed Collective booth was "Iron Maven," an exclusively female-led build helmed by Sara "Bogi" Lateiner from All Girls Garage. This unique project involved transforming a vintage 1961 Volvo PV544, integrating the technology of a 2019 Volvo S60 Recharge plug-in hybrid. The She Shed Collective aims to spotlight tradeswomen, spanning from seasoned professionals to passionate hobbyists, and simultaneously celebrate the craftsmanship behind three vehicles constructed by women. In looking at the showcased builds, it's clear that there's some very talented and capable women in the industry.
California's Gunther Werks presents the eye-catching Porsche 911 Speedster – a top-down overhaul featuring revised bumpers, sleek sideview mirrors, and a shortened windshield for enhanced elegance. The 4.0-liter flat-six, tuned by Oregon's Rothsport Racing to 435 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque, ensures a powerful performance, with Gunther Werks claiming a curb weight of 2590 pounds. Limited to 25 units, the exposed carbon weave and distinctive purple accents on this model add a dazzling touch under the show floor lights.
Over at the Spyder booth, we were checking out Greg English's Porsche 992 RWB, rocking the latest Inozetek Dynamic PPF Midnight Moss wrap. The car is seriously impressive up close. The play of light on the finish is something you've got to see in person; pictures just don't do it justice. Plus, it's got some slick custom LED lighting courtesy of Spyder Auto.
Do you want your S650 Mustang to stand out from all the rest? There were many options to consider on this Mustang, including hood by Carbon Creations and lighting by Alpharex.
Over at the Scorpion Coatings booth, this Jeep had a sparkling presence, coated with Scorpion Coating bed liner infused with metal flake by Wild Bill Kustom Liner Designs and Extreme Off Road Coating of Gallatin, TN.
EXTREME CLOSEUP! Scorpion Coatings proves that bedliners don't have to be boring colors anymore.
All this walking around made us hungry. We were sure to stop by the AAPEX booth to check out the custom doughnuts! They were almost too pretty to eat... almost.
The annual Pinewood Drags the TORA reception feature a lively competition where participants create miniature racing cars from pinewood blocks. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Pinewood Derby, this event brings together automotive enthusiasts to showcase their creativity and engineering skills in designing high-performance, pint-sized vehicles. The Pinewood Drags provide a fun and light-hearted break from the larger SEMA show, allowing participants to engage in friendly competition and display their innovative design approaches.
SEMA Cares, the charitable arm of the Specialty Equipment Market Association, hosts the annual Pinewood Drags event. Established in 2007, SEMA Cares is a nonprofit entity that unites the automotive aftermarket’s efforts to support children and others in need. Purchasing a pinewood car is just one way you can support them.
Inside the North Hall entrance, we spotted US 12 Speed & Custom’s 1970 Chevelle SS “TorchuRED”. It has been touring the country, winning awards wherever it goes. It was a nominee for Roadster Shop's "Best on RS" award, since it’s riding on one of their chassis.
It also competed in the Battle of the Builders with 2 other builds from US 12 Speed & Custom. Though it didn’t win, it definitely earned its place. We can't wait to see more from these guys.
If Lancia was still producing vehicles today, we could only hope they would make something like this. This amazing one of a kind custom 1978 Lancia is built by McHughs Automotive Group out of Florida, as a tribute to the iconic Lancia 037, a mid-engined sports car developed to conquer Group B rallying. Every body panel is bespoke and unique to the vehicle, and it features an NF2 Mazda/FCA subframe.
Despite the platform and modern styling, the Lancia tribute car is still registered as a 1978 Scorpion and retains the original VIN issued to the car all those years ago. The body is mostly steel, with aluminum and fiberglass also used. Other borrowed components include Porsche Macan lighting elements, Bentley stainless steel grille, new Corvette paint, and a Pontiac GTO hood scoop.
Arrington Hydrogen unveiled their groundbreaking project, "Team Throttle Monster Truck," challenging the belief that hydrogen-powered engines lack horsepower. With a 540-cid big-block Chevrolet engine, this monster truck boasts over 1,000 horsepower, demonstrating the potential of direct-fueled hydrogen engines in performance vehicles.
