SEMA 2019 was a wild ride from start to finish. Between meetings and coverage, we managed to find some time to nail down the Editor's Top 10 cars of the 2019 SEMA show, but it wasn't easy! Since I have an affinity for old Japanese cars and Porsches, you know there is going to be a proper representation of both, but there are some wildcard choices in the Top 10 this year that might surprise you. Let's jump right into it.
Photography by Adam Gordon, Gerbie Reyes, Patrick Parong. Video by Randi Bentia, Patrick Dinglasan, Patrick Beltijar.
No. 10
Owner: Daniel Wu ()
1968 Honda S800
Booth: Honda
Some of our audience may recognize Daniel Wu from AMC's hit TV series, Into The Badlands, but here at 乐播传媒 we recognize him for building cool Japanese classics. A few SEMA shows ago, we shot his beautiful Datsun 510, and this year he returned with another instant favorite, his 1968 Honda S800. It was already one of the most unique cars at the show, but his story behind the build made it all the more special. Be sure to check it out in the video above.
No. 9
LHD 2JZ-Hakosuka
Owner:
Booth: Toyo Tires Treadpass
Bringing a Hakosuka to SEMA is a sure-fire way to catch my attention. While this build may not have had all the fit and finish of the usual wild SEMA builds from the Toyo Tires Treadpass in the interior, the fact that this 2J-powered Hako was converted to LHD made it an instant favorite for me. The mighty 2JZ didn't hurt either.
No. 8
Kansei Wheels Cressida/Mark II
Owner: Rodney ()
Booth: Kansei Wheels
Breaking into the aftermarket wheel industry is no easy task, but with the help of some really great demo cars, Kansei Wheels is doing it right. This year they showcased their newest wheels on a Toyota Cressida with a Mark II front end conversion, which included custom modified fenders. Four doors, low, and frequently drifted are a recipe for a favorite in my books.
No. 7
1966 Datsun Roadster
Owner: Chris / Japanese Classics ( / )
Booth: Fortune Auto
Here's one you don't see every day, and won't see ever again in all likelihood. What you're looking at is a 1966 Datsun Roadster with all sorts of cool work put into it. First up, the top half is gone. We heard the top actually serves as a re-attachable hard top now, making it even cooler. Under the hood, a naturally aspirated SR20DE, outfitted with some rare old-logo Nismo bits. There's a lot to love about this thing.
No. 6
The Baja 911
Owner: TJ Russel / Russel Built Fabrication ()
Booth: Toyo Tires Treadpass
The term "luxury prerunner" is a new one for us, but we're happy TJ Russel of Russel Built Fabrication introduced us to this monster. It's a Porsche 911 built to the nines and ready for off-road rally action at the drop of a hat. Custom fabrication from front to back, a big set of Fifteen52 wheels wrapped in large off-road tires, and a stunningly civil and polished interior all come together to make this Porsche truly one of a kind.
No. 5
Twin Porsche 550 Spyders
Owner: 鈥淪Klub鈥� John ()
Booth: Toyo Tires Treadpass
John "SKlub", A.K.A. @slang500 has made his way into the Editor's top choices every year for the past three years, and there's a damn good reason for it. Impeccable craftsmanship on two twin Porsche 550 Spyder kit cars is just the latest of his creations. One was build for his brother with a Type 4 VW bus engine in the rear, and the other features a boosted 2-litre Subaru engine outfitted with tons of Chasing J's titanium pieces. What's not to love?
No. 4
Ballistic Beige 1964 Corvette
Builder: Kyle Kuhnhausen ()
Booth: Mothers Polish
This one is a little different from the usual choices. On the outside, it's a mostly stock C2 Corvette in beige. Nothing too special, right? That is, until you peek under the hood. Our friend Kyle Kuhnhausen, previously known to 乐播传媒 for his incredible fabrication work on the "InZanity" Datsun, had his hand in fabricating all sorts of cool racecar goods for this unassuming Vette. An LT4 powerplant sits behind the front axles thanks to a pushed back firewall, and the car achieves a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. While tame on the outside, this C2 is a bonafide racecar, and is engineered to be serviceable, reliable, and to kick ass on the autocross course. It's the perfect wolf in sheep's clothing.
No. 3
Widerstandsfahig Porsche 944 A.K.A. 948 RS
Owner: Brian ()
Booth: Racing Junk
I've been a sucker for the Porsche 944 as long as I can remember, and this one is different from every one I've ever seen. With a widebody kit never before seen, an ITB LS3, an Audi transmission, and all sorts of cool touches, this Porsche 944 is one of my absolute favorites of the show, even without the signature pop-up headlights we know and love.
No. 2
鈥淧roject #935X鈥� Porsche 930
Owner: Rod Chong ()
Booth: AEM Intakes
Where do I even start with this Porsche 930? It's worth noting that this car was found in a barn with the racing body already attached, albeit with some old technology in the drivetrain. Owner Rod Chong took this car to Bisimoto to outfit it with the latest and greatest twin-turbo technology, peeking out under the rear bumper in Bisi's signature style. Ornamental Conifer took care of some neat hand-painting for a truly one-off look, and the whole package came together so perfectly that it stopped our whole team in their tracks on our walk. There's so much to love about this car, so be sure to check out the video at the top of the article for more.
No. 1
F7LTHY Mercedes 190E
Owner: Tim Lajambe ()
Booth: Toyo Tires Treadpass
By now most of our audience is familiar with the F7LTHY name. Based in British Colombia, Canada, but with members all over the continent, the team has been pumping out stellar builds for years now. This year they got the chance to debut their latest build in the Toyo Tires Treadpass, an area of SEMA synonymous with impeccable quality. The Mercedes-Benz 190E you see here takes inspiration from the golden days of the chassis - DTM racing. The Evo2 kit was widened by three inches to make room for some big tires, which are tucked under the fenders by way of air suspension. Under the hood, a twin-turbocharged Texas Speed LS engine which makes an easy 1,000 horsepower, and is capable of up to 1,600. Inside, a beautifully reimagined red interior, complete with a F7LTHY-branded dash. The details are everything.
