SEMA reflects the best of new trends in automotive restyling, along with some seriously questionable taste. We will avoid the garish for this lineup and focus on some of our favorite builds from the show. There was certainly a trend back toward classic vehicles, which makes sense given the overly electrified, complex, bland, and inflation-riddled new vehicle landscape. Enthusiasts are embracing simplicity, history, and DIY across the board. Classics swept all four automotive categories in SEMA’s Battle of the Builders, with vehicles ranging from a 1955 Volkswagen Ghia to a 1974 Chevrolet K10, which won the off-road category.
From the overland perspective, full-size trucks continue to gain momentum and prominence, and they are some of the best OEM offerings available today. That presence reflects a substantial market: according to SEMA’s market research, pickups are now the largest vehicle segment in the specialty-equipment aftermarket, accounting for approximately 30 percent of spending, or $15 billion. The show’s expanded Powersports, Side-by-Side & Adventure Lifestyle section moved into West Hall alongside Trucks, SUVs & Off-Road, bringing motorcycles, trailers, tow vehicles, and adventure equipment together. I would have liked to see Harley include their excellent Panamerica, but Triumph showed up with several of their dual-sport offerings.
The overall mix was also more balanced than in years past, with a broad representation of Jeeps, Broncos, Toyotas, and Nissans. It seems like the industry is holding its breath for the new Xterra and the next Wrangler (with the likely option for independent front suspension). We don’t have enough space to feature every vehicle we liked, but all of these made us smile. Look for our overland coverage and 4WD feature from SEMA in the coming days.
Yakima deserves credit for always bringing cool vehicles, including this minty Toyota Pickup with Nomad wheels and a fresh set of BFGs. The KC Hilites are a nice touch, and the bed has their rack system.
I was today years old learning that Subaru made a rad little 4WD van. It was so cool I could hardly resist trying to find one from a JDM importer. It belongs to one of Yakimas designers, which makes the company that much cooler.
I have known Michael from Mega Motorsports since before he could drive, and he is now responsible for multiple unique show projects at each SEMA. This one had me at espresso maker. . .
Bettles just get cooler with time. They originally sold for $1,639 dollars (1967 sedan), which is still only $16,534 inflation adjusted. This one is near perfect.
Jeep always brings the heat to SEMA, and I really liked their Jeep Wrangler Anvil 715 concept, which includes a high roof and an emphasis on utility.
The Scrambler nearly broke the internet, mostly because of the IFS front end. And before everyone loses their mind, they made it clear that solid axles would still be an option (likely for the Rubicon). Nothing wrong with getting to chose.
Where is a Tommy Gun when you need one?
Andy and Mercedes Lilienthal have been on quite the run with significant rally entries, including their recent Subaru for the Alcan 5,000.
Toyota embraced winter with a full complement of 4WDs fitted with snow tracks. There are Trailhunter, and now Snowhunters. Bring it!
There is something about an old Ford (or Mercury in this case) pickup, and some of the builds are stunning. You can buy an old truck and easily daily drive it, take it on trips, and just giggle when a big block FE V8 roars to life. Why not own a vehicle that your kids fight over when you are gone?
There were also classic Broncos throughout the show, most tastefully restored like this pickup cab model.
Be still my beating heart, this perfect Toyota Pickup on display in the Mickey Thompson booth, finished in stock red with a small lift and copious amounts of envy.
