Every year the automotive world gathers in Las Vegas for the Specialty Equipment Manufacturer's Association show. SEMA brings together manufacturers, distributors, and the press to see the latest aftermarket parts at this industry-only trade show.
While other parts of the show are for new vehicles, the import market, or the truck market, classic Ford muscle can always be found. This year was no exception, as we saw fastbacks, Cobras, trucks, and even one or two Eleanor lookalikes.
While we'll be showing you the latest parts throughout the year, we wanted to show you a few pieces of automotive art we found--and yes, like you, we want them all in our garage!
The Ring brother's latest...
The Ring brother's latest creation, the Kona, was on display at the Optima Batteries booth. The Kona certainly is sharp and something to behold in person. Look for a full feature on it in the next issue of Mustang & Fords.
This great looking Hertz car...
This great looking Hertz car was outside welcoming those entering the SEMA show. It looked ready to race with a wide stance, rolling stock, and side-exit exhaust.
The folks from Unique Performance...
The folks from Unique Performance had an awesome display in the lot outside with a full lineup of GT500E cars, the new Foose '05 Mustang, Foose '69 Camaro, and others.
Near the Unique display was...
Near the Unique display was another one-of-a-kind GT500E, that of Paul Teutul Jr. from Orange County Choppers fame. Apparently it wasn't enough his dad, Paul Sr., had his own GT500E unveiled at last year's SEMA show, Paulie had to have his own built. This two-tone show-stopper is packed with a blown big-block, making it the cream of the crop of E cars. Look for a feature on this car just as soon as we can get it.
Another of Unique's creations...
Another of Unique's creations is the Shelby 40th Anniversary GT-350 SR, shown here in the Barrett-Jackson display area. This fastback, serial #001, was recently auctioned off at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Arizona this past January.
When we stopped by this outdoor...
When we stopped by this outdoor exhibit of muscle, this '69 SportsRoof stopped us in our tracks. Then we realized it was the Blackened Mustang built by Year One for Bud Brutsman, producer of Overhaulin'. We're trying to get this one in front of our cameras for you as well.
The crew from Gateway Classic...
The crew from Gateway Classic Mustangs had this Cleveland-powered Eleanor clone on display with a huge crowd around it most of the weekend. We didn't get too many details, but if you're going to the World Ford Challenge in St. Louis this May, check them out there where GCM will have a full display of its latest build projects.
Chip Foose's Project Overlord...
Chip Foose's Project Overlord truck was one of the key points of the Roush Performance Parts booth. This truck was featured on one of the episodes of Overhaulin' and was actually built for Foose by his father...
...Of course, being in the...
...Of course, being in the Roush booth, it's powered by a Roush crate engine, in this case, one of its new stroked big-blocks.
Over in the Ford display,...
Over in the Ford display, among the '05 Mustangs, Ford trucks, and other street-rod stuff, was this CSX1000 continuation Cobra that was raffled off to benefit the Carroll Shelby Children's Foundation. Check out www.winashelby.com for more info on the next raffle.
While walking the many isles...
While walking the many isles of the SEMA show, we found this clean '72 convertible taking up much of the booth at the Barker Gang Garage display. The drop-top had some nice detailing and custom touches, including late-model Cobra wheels. The vert is powered by a 351C with aftermarket heads and a tweaked Q-jet carb (one of the Barker Gang's specialties).
Back outside again, we came...
Back outside again, we came across the super-sweet ride of Allen Cornelius...
...His '69 SportsRoof had...
...His '69 SportsRoof had some real outrageous upgrades, including a Paxton NOVI-blown Windsor, custom DuPont Hot Hues paint, Air Ride suspension at all four corners, and a jaw-dropping TMI Upholstery-based carbon-fiber interior...
...We've already got this...
...We've already got this one on film, so look for it in an upcoming issue of Mustang & Fords.