SEMA 2025 Presents Diverse Array of Custom Automotive Projects

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) 2025 annual convention in Las Vegas showcased hundreds of vehicle customization projects spanning November 4-7, 2025, at the Las Vegas Convention Center and adjacent outdoor exhibition spaces. The annual trade show attracts independent customization shops, established manufacturers, and automotive enthusiasts displaying restomod vehicles, performance-enhanced platforms, and experimental design concepts.

The exhibition floor contained thousands of completed vehicles, with additional projects displayed in outdoor parking facilities surrounding the convention center. Vehicle categories represented at SEMA 2025 encompassed classic car restoration projects, contemporary vehicle modifications, luxury automotive customization, performance enhancement builds, and concept vehicle demonstrations from both independent shops and original equipment manufacturers.

Independent Workshop Presentations

Several independent customization shops utilized SEMA 2025 platform to showcase long-term project work and specialized manufacturing capabilities.

Rad Rides by Troy: 1936 Ford Roadster Build

Troy Trepanier’s Rad Rides shop presented a 1936 Ford Roadster featuring contemporary manufacturing techniques combined with traditional automotive artistry. The vehicle incorporates 3D-printed Inconel exhaust manifold components, representing advanced additive manufacturing application within automotive restoration context. Wheel construction incorporated glass-enameled inset elements, and badge detailing employed enameling techniques reflecting traditional craftsmanship methodology.

The build philosophy balanced cutting-edge manufacturing processes with hand-crafted aesthetic elements. Paint treatment employed subtle color combinations, and overall stance reflected proportional design principles developed through shop’s established design language.

Ron Jones Garage: 1973 Volkswagen Thing Conversion

Ron Jones Garage of Windsor, Colorado, displayed a 1973 Volkswagen Thing (Type 181 platform) incorporating Porsche 3.2-liter flat-six engine, 911-series transaxle assembly, and all-wheel-drive system integration. The vehicle features chrome-molybdenum tube chassis construction, Fox coil-over suspension dampers, and custom interior appointments.

The build prioritizes off-road terrain capability while maintaining distinctive visual presentation. The project demonstrates comprehensive fabrication approach, with majority of vehicle components undergoing hand-fabrication or custom modification processes. Design execution reflects restraint in modification scope, avoiding excessive customization while maintaining functional performance objectives.

7fifteen Motorworks: Troy Indy Special Roadster

7fifteen Motorworks, Wisconsin-based manufacturer, presented the Troy Indy Special, a production-available vehicle distinguished from single-off show builds. The vehicle features aluminum body construction styled to reference 1930s Indianapolis 500 racing aesthetics. Powertrain comprises Chevrolet 6.2-liter LS V-8 engine delivering 495 horsepower and 473 pound-feet torque output.

Transmission assembly uses Tremec T56 Super Magnum six-speed manual gearbox. Suspension architecture incorporates pushrod independent design philosophy. Braking systems include six-piston front caliper assembly and four-piston rear caliper arrangement. Vehicle curb weight approximates 2200 pounds.

The 7fifteen Motorworks production model retails at approximately $250,000 USD. Design color treatment—green base with gold accent components—received notable visual presentation recognition among exhibition attendees.

Jamie’s Garage: 1989 Lotus Esprit V-8 Twin-Turbo Conversion

Jamie’s Garage undertook extended development project transforming 1989 Lotus Esprit through comprehensive mechanical and structural modification. Initial maintenance work scope expanded into nearly decade-long modification campaign addressing vehicle hardware systems. Project development included fabrication of custom intercooler assemblies and associated turbo plumbing systems.

Engine modifications incorporated forged internal components, dual Garrett turbocharger installation, and custom-fabricated exhaust/intake systems sourced from Fab Factory. Limited-slip differential installation used Quaife components. Wheel specifications include OZ Futura three-piece construction, with 17-inch front and 18-inch rear sizing.

The project experienced financial and scheduling complications during development. Shop proprietor Jamie acquired the vehicle during modification process to prevent extended dormancy in incomplete state. Current project status and powertrain output specifications remain undisclosed.

Smokedogg Customs: Mercedes 300 SEL Custom Build

Smokedogg Customs, operated by specialist Alan Iwamoto, presented a customized Mercedes 300 SEL featuring proprietary bodywork modifications. The build reportedly incorporates tube chassis foundation beneath custom exterior panels. Modification approach emphasizes individual design aesthetic developed through Iwamoto’s customization portfolio specializing in luxury vehicle platforms.

Educational Institution Project

Western Iowa Tech Community College: 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Restomod

Western Iowa Tech Community College automotive program students collaborated on 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer restomod project exhibited at SEMA 2025. The vehicle incorporates restrained modification philosophy emphasizing clean lines, consistent body panel gaps, and absence of excessive cosmetic additions.

Powertrain comprises Chevrolet 6.0-liter LS V-8 engine incorporating 5.3-liter cylinder head assembly and FiTech fuel injection system. Engine specifications were selected for proven reliability and functional performance rather than maximum output capability. Interior appointments include functional billet components maintaining form-follows-function design principle throughout.

The build received recognition for design restraint and technical execution quality among exhibition attendees. Project significance reflects educational program contribution to automotive craftsmanship and custom vehicle construction methodologies.

Specialty Customization Projects

Bisimoto X Jordan Distributors: Honda Odyssey Type R Sleeper Build

A collaboration between Bisimoto and Jordan Distributors produced turbocharged Honda Odyssey platform demonstrating sleeper vehicle modification philosophy. External presentation maintains largely stock minivan appearance, with subtle body kit modifications, Type R badging, and triple exhaust outlet treatment providing minimal visual differentiation.

Mechanical modifications incorporate turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine sourced from Honda Civic Type R platform. Baseline Civic Type R engine specification produces 315 horsepower. Builders applied Mitsubishi Stage 2 turbocharger system and custom Bisimoto exhaust treatment, claiming total output of approximately 550 horsepower.

The modification approach emphasizes contrast between conservative external appearance and substantial mechanical performance enhancement.

S-Klub LA: 2024 Mercedes-Benz 600 Modern Chassis Conversion

S-Klub LA presented 1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 exterior body combined with 2024 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance platform mechanical components. The vehicle utilizes 2024 model year S63 E Performance chassis, powertrain, and interior systems beneath period-correct 1971 Mercedes body styling.

Powertrain comprises twin-turbocharged V-8 hybrid engine producing 791 horsepower and 1055 pound-feet torque output. Modification includes engineered hood opening revealing contemporary engine cover assembly. Interior appointments utilize 2024 model year leather treatment and digital display technologies.

Design philosophy combines 1971 exterior aesthetic treatment with modern performance capability and contemporary comfort systems, juxtaposing historic and current automotive technology.

Classic Car Studio: 1968 Dodge Charger Build

Classic Car Studio presented 1968 Dodge Charger restomod winning 2024 Battle of the Builders competition. Vehicle construction incorporates 440-cubic-inch Dick Landy V-8 engine platform. Suspension utilizes Roadster Shop coil-over system. Visual design treatment emphasizes gold accent components rather than conventional chrome finishing.

Build quality reflects proportional stance, consistent body panel fitment, and refined aesthetic presentation. Design approach prioritizes driving functionality and visual presence suitable for regular road operation.

Original Equipment Manufacturer Concepts

Original equipment manufacturers presented modified versions of current production platforms at SEMA 2025 exhibition.

Infiniti QX80 R-Spec Concept

Infiniti displayed QX80 R-Spec concept vehicle representing performance-oriented variant of production QX80 full-size sport utility platform. Documentation indicates 1000 horsepower output capacity for concept platform. Specific technical modifications and production feasibility remain unspecified by manufacturer.

Toyota bZ Time Attack Concept

Toyota presented bZ Time Attack concept vehicle, an electric platform modified for competitive time-attack motorsport application. Specific powertrain specifications, battery capacity, and performance objectives were not disclosed at SEMA exhibition.

Industry Context and Exhibition Significance

SEMA 2025 attendance represented diverse stakeholder participation including independent customization shops, educational institutions, original equipment manufacturers, aftermarket component suppliers, and automotive enthusiasts. Exhibition vehicles ranged from single-off show pieces to production-available platforms from established manufacturers.

Projects displayed demonstrated varied modification philosophies: some builds emphasized restraint and functional performance enhancement; others incorporated substantial aesthetic modifications and experimental technology integration. Educational program participation contributed practical demonstration of automotive vocational training and technical skill development.

Independent shop participation highlighted specialized fabrication capabilities, custom design development, and long-term project execution across extended timeframe parameters.

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