Sometimes it seems a shame that the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas, Nevada isn't open to the public. As a trade show the SEMA event showcases newly introduced items that are often kept top secret until the last moment. Exhibitors don't want anyone to foul up the timing of an introduction or steal the thunder from their latest masterpiece. Hence the exhibits are strictly off limits to public scrutiny and security personnel at the Las Vegas Convention Center check identification at every juncture.
The truth is that the enormous halls are jammed to the doorways with new and exciting products for the entire automotive aftermarket industry. The manufacturers often need a vehicle to show off their wares and it's these cars that the public would certainly enjoy. There's also a lot of history on display at the SEMA show every year and vintage a Ford enthusiast could spend days surveying all of the beautiful exhibits. The vintage cars are growing in popularity more now than ever before and this is one reason why some manufacturers, Ford included, have new versions of classic models that harken back to the high performance days of yore.
SEMA is also a showcase for the newest and most radical custom cars around and these creative efforts were everywhere we turned at the week long gear head gathering. There was also an increased emphasis on high performance engines with Ford, Roush, World and others leading the way in the development of new technology. What's old is truly again new as reproduction Mustang bodies, killer FE engine combinations and enlarged versions of famous OE factory wheels abound. Come along with us for a stroll through the SEMA halls and we'll have a look at some of the best that the 2006 SEMA convention had to offer.
Here are some of the cars...
Here are some of the cars that Unique Performace brought to the SEMA show. Their reproduction Shelby cars have become quite the talk of the Mustang community. Here we see a blue G.T.350SR Fastback with a G.T.500E, both of which were made while working closely with Carroll Shelby himself.
This exquisite '68 Shelby...
This exquisite '68 Shelby GT500KR is one example of the vintage classic concept carried on to create a new version of the car. The new model of the Shelby is shown behind the original FE 428 powered car. Just as with the original the Shelby version of the new Mustang is more powerful and more expensive than a regular GT Mustang.
Speaking of Shelby Mustangs,...
Speaking of Shelby Mustangs, a perennial favorite is the Hertz GT350. The original rent a racer was first available in 1966. Most were the beautiful black and gold combination you see here but other color combinations were also available. Hertz Rent a Car and Shelby have teamed up once again to create a modern version of this timeless classic.
The Ford Mustang has had so...
The Ford Mustang has had so many successful incarnations that replicas and modern interpretations abound. Can you tell if this is Parnelli Jones' genuine 1970 Trans Am racer? The car behind it is an exact interpretation of the original color scheme on the modern Mustang platform and will be sold by Saleen.
We know for certain that this...
We know for certain that this '70 Mustang is a genuine Boss 302. The dedicated owner is a young lady who isn't afraid to drive the car and she keeps the Boss stock except for the Super Lite style wheels and Goodyear rubber and a few goodies under the hood.
Another historic racer on...
Another historic racer on deck at the SEMA bash was Connie Kalitta's "Bounty Hunter" Mustang funny car. It's powered by the original blown Boss 429 engine. It's a good example of a racer with the early flopper funny car body.
This beautiful creation comes...
This beautiful creation comes from the team at Autoworks International. Called Obsidian for a reason, the car is both sharp and black. The exotic design comes from the fertile mind of Matt Couper who is able to both conceive the vision and then create it expertly.
Another look at the Obsidian...
Another look at the Obsidian '67 Mustang reveals the amount of work and time that went into sculpting the car to new body parts, such as the S197 headlights.
Here is a closer look at the...
Here is a closer look at the supreme fit and finish on the Autoworks International S197 headlight incorporation.
Autoworks didn't skimp on...
Autoworks didn't skimp on the old family recipe when it came time to power the car. A 393 cubic inch Windsor is force fed by twin intercooled superchargers. Expect around 900 dependable horsepower.
Like every car at SEMA, the...
Like every car at SEMA, the interior was dressed to impress as well. The car featured a whole new console, seats, dash, and even a large monitor incorporated into the console.
Here's an overall shot from...
Here's an overall shot from inside the main convention hall. It's hog heaven for any gear head with go fast goodies for as far as the eye can see.
In one corner of the main...
In one corner of the main hall both Roush Performance and the Ring brothers had lots to display. Here Jack Roush and the Ring brothers pause for a photo while also inspecting the latest R B creation.
Ring Brothers Mustangs feature...
Ring Brothers Mustangs feature lavish interiors and tasteful modifications. We liked the split rear window and dual roll hoops.
You can't forget the engine...
You can't forget the engine either. The Ring Brothers carried over the theme of the exterior into the interior, why not continue with the engine bay?
Here is another touch added...
Here is another touch added by the Ring Brothers. This unique fastback vent adds to the overall design and appearance of the car, while not being overstated.
Simplicity and refinement....
Simplicity and refinement. Those two words come to mind, and make the interior stand out as tasteful and functional.
Over in the Roush booth they're...
Over in the Roush booth they're working a lot on their '07 Mustang drag racer. However there was a wide selection of crate engines that would be of interest to any vintage Ford enthusiast. Some were pretty exotic such as this all aluminum FE stroker engine with eight barrel induction.
Based on the all new Boss...
Based on the all new Boss 302 block from Ford Racing Performance Parts the Boss 331 crate engine is sure to be popular. It has a 4.25 bore and a 3.1 stroke length. The engine has outstanding breathing characteristics because of the CNC ported "Z" cylinder heads. A Ford Racing solid-lifter camshaft operates the valve train. The Boss Cleveland style valve covers give the engine a vintage racing look. Ford says the new engine is good for 500 horsepower @ 7200 rpm while developing 400 ft/lbs @5000 rpm.
We love engines and this NOS...
We love engines and this NOS Boss 429 engine certainly stopped us in our tracks. Unlike the new FRPP Boss 302 or Roush 427 this historic engine wasn't for sale.
Another radical custom pony...
Another radical custom pony in the main hall was this '67 Mustang fastback. Built by Alloway's Hot Rod Shop the car's body has a host of modifications and features a killer two-tone paint job featuring DuPont Hot Hues Neptune Blue and Alloway silver.
The awesome power plant in...
The awesome power plant in Alloway's Mustang is an FRPP 4.6 modular four cam engine. Keasler's Racing custom built the sheet metal intake and two Accufab throttle bodies are fed by twin Turbonetics turbochargers. The power output was dyno checked at 839 hp and 622 ft/lbs.
Another manufacturer with...
Another manufacturer with a radical exhibit car was Optima Batteries. They certainly have a huge variety of products to showcase and this attention getting '65 Mustang 2+2 from Hot Rod's and Restos (nicknamed Rosie) is the perfect platform.
The short deck engine in the...
The short deck engine in the Hot Rod's and Restos car has plenty of go power to match the show power. The twin turbochargers force feed eight barrel "stack" induction making sure there's no restriction on the inlet side. The carbon fiber valve covers certainly look cool and match the other carbon fiber treats found on the car.
Here we show you the side...
Here we show you the side glass that mounted flush to the body, similar to that seen on modern cars, and the modern Mustang. This was followed by the entire car, as the windshield and rear glass were also flush mounted.
Just when you though we might...
Just when you though we might run out of '67 Mustangs Dynacorn steps in with a completely new Mustang fastback body shell. The classic Mustang hobby just became immortal because now you'll be able to go out and purchase a brand new platform for you project. Licensing agreements have been reached with Ford and the Dynacorn Mustang body should be available soon.
The Cobra is another area...
The Cobra is another area where there is abundant interest in reproductions. This slick Factory Five 427 Cobra should give you an idea of how authentic these cars can be. Hopefully you've been keeping up with the Factory Five build going on at Mustang & Fords.
This radical '62 Falcon shows...
This radical '62 Falcon shows that not all of the interest was in Mustangs. There was plenty of classic Ford iron other than the Mustang at the SEMA show but this little car really stood out in terms of both equipment and workmanship.
The cool Falcon is motivated...
The cool Falcon is motivated by a 32 valve 4.6 liter Cobra engine which is force fed by a centrifugal supercharger. The under hood environment is beyond sanitary with only the blower and a Be Cool radiator visible along side the engine.
The Falcon carries the austere...
The Falcon carries the austere theme on into the interior where the instrument panel is completely clean and devoid of even a speedometer. All instrumentation for this car is on the centerline with the oil, water and amp gauges housed in a custom made console.
With the big rims and two-tone...
With the big rims and two-tone paint job this vintage Comet convertible is another example of a non Mustang project at the show that was looking super good. You might remember seeing this car on a past episode of the hit television show Overhaulin'.