SEMA 2024 is approaching quickly, and SEMA prep is in full swing as builders put the last minute touches - or in some cases, last minute scrambles for big jobs - on their projects before they show the world their work on the SEMA show floor. Every year we love to see what surfaces on social media, or is kept just barely under wraps as the big show approaches, giving us hints at what to expect when we go searching for hidden gems inside the Las Vegas Convention Center. Here are just a few builds we can't wait to see up close.
Zach Eason's 1978 Datsun B210
Zach Eason will be competing in Battle of the Builders Young Guns category, and he's hoping to break through to the judges with his classic Datsun B210. The ethos behind his build is about turning the cute little underappreciated Datsun coupe into a monster, inspired by the track weapons of 1970s SCCA. Step 1? Swapping in a KA24 from a 240sx and adding a big turbo. Custom coilovers based on 280zx struts, bigger brakes, and some fresh styling will set this Datsun apart.
Preston Ingrassia's 1968 OUTLAW Mustang
This Mustang is one of 25 OUTLAW Mustangs produced by The Mustang Brothers, and will blend modern customization, fit, and finish with the iconic style of the 1968 Fastback that everyone loves. The custom panoramic glass roof and translucent hood window radically transform the vibe of this classic Mustang, and if that wasn't enough to live up to the OUTLAW name, it will also be converted to right-hand drive. Powering this awesome take on a classic will be a 2012 5.4L engine mated to a Tremec 6-speed.
Shawn Bassett's 1976 Toyota Celica
Our friend Shawn Bassett from Attacking The Clock Racing is back with another hit in the Toyo Treadpass for SEMA 2024. How will he be topping the Time Attack Kei Truck seen around the world from last year? With a 1976 Toyota Celica with a 700 horsepower Toyota V12 that revs to 10,000 RPM - that's how. The Celica will also feature custom cantilever suspension, a bespoke leather and alcantara interior, and the usual ATC Racing dose of carbon fiber bodywork.
Dillon Houck's Overlanding 2015 Porsche Cayenne
The first generation of Porsche Cayenne from 2003-2010 was touted as one of the best off-roading and overlanding vehicles to date. Dillon Houck decided to see if he can get a 2nd gen 2015 Cayenne to be just as overland-ready with his build for Battle of the Builders Young Guns category. With very few aftermarket parts available for the platform in the overlanding space, most of the mods here are going to be prototype collaborations, or fully custom fabricated. Cut and rolled wheel arches, an auxiliary solar system, Hertz waterproof exterior audio system, and a prototype roof rack with a tent are just some of the modifications that turn this would-be luxury commuter into a true overland-ready vehicle.
Throttle Thrashers' R32 Skyline GT-R
Our friends Cole and Chelsie of Throttle Thrashers Garage are back again with another creation for SEMA 2024 - this time in the form of a custom R32 GT-R. This tue Godzilla is equipped with a beautiful custom interior unlike any we've seen before, and a freshly assembled RB26 build color-matched to the interior (and brake calipers) with the orange finish. We don't know the full scope of this build just yet, but we know the TTG couple always delivers some show-stopping quality. We'll just have to see it on the show floor.
Peter Ashby's MkIV Toyota Supra
Peter Ashby has been meticulously building his MkIV Supra for over a decade now, with a commitment to having it truly SEMA-ready to show the world. Its exterior and interior will be adorned by multiple one-off carbon fiber components from SEIBON and Pro Spec, and a three-stage nitrous system will help the bored and stroked 2JZ push an earth-moving 2,000 horsepower. You'll also find a full Kicker audio system in custom enclosures under the trunk lid, so we're especially excited to see Ashby's vision of the perfect Supra.
TJ Hunt's RB26 Mustang
The first-generation Mustang with an RB26 engine swap from Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift was always one of Hollywoods most diabolical "what-if" hypotheticals. When you're TJ Hunt, ideas like that don't have to remain hypothetical, and he actually committed to this idea a couple years back. Debuting at SEMA 2024 will be the finished iteration of his RB26-swapped first-gen Mustang with a top-mount turbo setup, custom paint, and more. We're obviously excited about the upcoming StreetHunter kit for the S650 Mustang as well, but something about slapping an RB in a classic makes it even more exciting.
These are just a few of the exciting builds we can't wait to see in person, but there are so many more on the horizon we can barely keep track. If you've got something special for us to check out at SEMA 2024, don't hesitate to reach out and let us know! We'll see you there.
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