Battle of the Builders - group of cool cars and trucks from various eras. Battle of the Builders - group of cool cars and trucks from various eras.

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2023 SEMA Battle of the Builders Champion - Andy Leach

2023 Champion Andy Leach standing next to his 1960 Buick Invicta Custom

1960 Buick Invicta Custom

Booth: CleanTools

Booth/Location: Central 23621

The "X-60," a custom 1960 Buick Invicta, was meticulously crafted by Andy Leach at CAL Automotive Creations. This build showcases concept-car styling, featuring a wedge-sectioned body adorned with machined brass trim. The unique chassis, complete with sculpted floors, is a one-off design boasting an I-beam-style derived from both an IFS and IRS.

The car rides on nine-piece layered wheels and is powered by a 401 Nailhead motor, equipped with a crank-mounted procharger. Every component of this vehicle is scratch-built, including the hand-made interior. The interior trim has been machined to resemble what could have been a factory finish. This labor of love took nine years to build, reflecting the dedication and craftsmanship that went into its creation.

2023 Top 4 Builder Finalists

Hot Rod/ Hot Rod Truck

1960 Buick Invicta Custom on display in booth

Andy Leach

1960 Buick Invicta Custom

Booth: CleanTools

Booth/Location: Central 23621

The "X-60," a custom 1960 Buick Invicta, was meticulously crafted by Andy Leach at CAL Automotive Creations. This build showcases concept-car styling, featuring a wedge-sectioned body adorned with machined brass trim. The unique chassis, complete with sculpted floors, is a one-off design boasting an I-beam-style derived from both an IFS and IRS.

The car rides on nine-piece layered wheels and is powered by a 401 Nailhead motor, equipped with a crank-mounted procharger. Every component of this vehicle is scratch-built, including the hand-made interior. The interior trim has been machined to resemble what could have been a factory finish. This labor of love took nine years to build, reflecting the dedication and craftsmanship that went into its creation.

Sport Compact, Luxury & Exotics

1987 Merkur XR4TI on display

Jordan Henke

1987 Merkur XR4TI

Booth: Toyo Treadpass

Booth/Location: 24499

Jordan Henke and his team 3D-scanned the body of this build to make a custom widebody kit and carbon-fiber hood. The original 2.3L four-cyliner is replaced by a Ford Performance 2.3L EcoBoost short-block, turbo and camshafts. Tremec TKX five-speed and a 2018 Mustang rear 8.8 differential with Wilwood 14-in. front and rear disc brakes for stopping power.

The re-engineered suspension is based on Corvette C6 hubs and QA1 coilovers. Inside, the leather-wrapped Recaro front seats feature classic Recaro fabric inserts, which is highlighted on the door panels as well. Custom Dakota Digital gauges inset the leather-wrapped dashboard. Painted Ford Area51 blue and highlighter orange accent color has been added to the American Racing VF529 wheels wrapped up with Toyo Proxes tires.

4-Wheel Drive & Off-Road

1978 Jeep Cherokee Chief S on display

Jared Hancock

1978 Jeep Cherokee Chief S

Booth: HRIA

Booth/Location: Central 23295

This 1978 Chief is powered by a GM connect & Cruise drivetrain with a L96 6.0L crate motor paired to a 6L80E trans. The frame has been replaced and the Jeep now rides on a fully-linked, coil-sprung Art Morrison chassis. Baer disc brakes are on all four corners, with 14" rotors and 6 piston custom painted calipers.

The wheels on this build are custom painted Fifteen52 Patrols, measuring 17"x8.5" and wrapped in BF Goodrich K02s-285/70/17. The body wears PaintHouse Gold and painted with black striping and patterns, while the roof features a custom rack and inset panoramic glass roof. The interior work was completed by McFarland Upholstery and features black leather seating surfaces, with vintage gold fabric inserts throughout.

Young Guns | 29 & Under

1969 Chevrolet C10 on display

Charles D Spencer

1969 Chevrolet C10

Booth: Battle of the Builders

Booth/Location: North 10967

This 1969 Chevy C10 sits on a RideTech suspension, built 350 small-block, and Wilwood disc brakes. Featuring Vintage Air, TMI bucket seats recovered in charcoal grey, Ron Davis Racing radiator, this build has been gapped and body worked until straight, then finished in Axalta Indigo blue. Builder, Charles D. Spencer, started this project when he was just 14 years old and finished it four years later with help from his dad, grandpa and brothers.

Further customizations include a matte finish in the engine bay, the inside of the cab and shiny on the outside, custom tailgate hinges and latch, LED taillights, head lights, turn signals, marker lights, and a custom Flow Master 50 Series exhaust. Dakota Digital gauges and Pioneer radio and speakers, add to this build's impressive list of unique features. To top this build off, the team has incorporated a Billet Specialties serpentine system, ididit steering column, Fast Fuel injection and U.S. Mag wheels.

2023 Top 12 Builder Finalists

Hot Rod/ Hot Rod Truck

1968 Chevrolet Camaro on display at SEMA

Tyler Nelson

1968 Chevrolet Camaro

Booth: BASF

Booth/Location: Central 20365

After last year's top 3 finish, Tyler Nelson, returns with this custom-built 1968 Camaro at SEMA this year. It sits on a full IRS Art Morrison Chassis. It's powered by a GM Performance LT1 with 535 hp and is backed by a GM eight-speed transmission.

It has a full custom engine bay with a custom-built hood. The body has had numerous subtle modifications and is sprayed with a custom-mixed Glasurit blue with some accent stripes. The interior is custom built out of aluminum and wrapped in Hydes leather. It is also packed with tons of one-off machined parts from top to bottom.

1969 Ford Mustang on display

Jonathan Goolsby

1969 Ford Mustang

Booth: BASF

Booth/Location: Central 20365

Modern-styled Fastback with a redefined body. Modifications include: reprofiled and extended the rockers making the lower door line flow; hand-fabricated aluminum front spoiler, side skirts, rear diffusor and engine bay; reworked and smoothed front and rear bumpers; custom hood scoop; tons of sheetmetal work throughout; Roadster Shop fast-track chassis; Roush-built supercharged Coyote motor; six-speed manual transmission; custom Baer six-piston brakes; one-off 19x9.5 and 20x12 wheels; fully modern custom leather interior; one-off design gauges; one-off machined parts taillights, quarter vents, emblems, valve covers and door handles; BASF Yachting blue metallic paint with satin accents; and a complete JBL audio system.

1960 Buick Invicta Custom on display on grass

Andy Leach

1960 Buick Invicta Custom

Booth: CleanTools

Booth/Location: Central 23621

The "X-60," a custom 1960 Buick Invicta, was meticulously crafted by Andy Leach at CAL Automotive Creations. This build showcases concept-car styling, featuring a wedge-sectioned body adorned with machined brass trim. The unique chassis, complete with sculpted floors, is a one-off design boasting an I-beam-style derived from both an IFS and IRS.

The car rides on nine-piece layered wheels and is powered by a 401 Nailhead motor, equipped with a crank-mounted procharger. Every component of this vehicle is scratch-built, including the hand-made interior. The interior trim has been machined to resemble what could have been a factory finish. This labor of love took nine years to build, reflecting the dedication and craftsmanship that went into its creation.

Sport Compact, Luxury & Exotics

1990 Porsche 911/964 on display

Allen Bischofberger

1990 Porsche 911/964

Booth: Mothers

Booth/Location: Silver Lot 81240

Meticulously designed by Allen Bischofberger, this custom 1990 911 Porsche, features a Rothsport 4.0 engine, carbon bumpers, rockers and fenders. The quarters on this custom build are all painted and seamlessly integrated into the steel tub—showcasing the style and functionality of this custom build.

The sunroof has been removed on this build. It also features an acid-dipped tub and seam-welded to Euro cup specs driprails. With a one-off interior designed in CAD, this build is made as a production car. Featuring hand-laid carbon seats, this car is truly one-of-a-kind with no detail left undone.

1987 Merkur XR4TI with TOYO Tires

Jordan Henke

1987 Merkur XR4TI

Booth: Toyo Treadpass

Booth/Location: 24499

Jordan Henke and his team 3D-scanned the body of this build to make a custom widebody kit and carbon-fiber hood. The original 2.3L four-cyliner is replaced by a Ford Performance 2.3L EcoBoost short-block, turbo and camshafts. Tremec TKX five-speed and a 2018 Mustang rear 8.8 differential with Wilwood 14-in. front and rear disc brakes for stopping power.

The re-engineered suspension is based on Corvette C6 hubs and QA1 coilovers. Inside, the leather-wrapped Recaro front seats feature classic Recaro fabric inserts, which is highlighted on the door panels as well. Custom Dakota Digital gauges inset the leather-wrapped dashboard. Painted Ford Area51 blue and highlighter orange accent color has been added to the American Racing VF529 wheels wrapped up with Toyo Proxes tires.

1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E on display

Dom Tucci

1989 Mercedes-Benz 190E

Booth: HP Tuners

Booth/Location: Central 23351

For this build, Dom Tucci and his team wanted to create an alternative history where Ford and Mercedes worked together through their mutual connection to Cosworth. Therefore, they decided on a 3.5 EcoBoost engine out of a Ford Raptor, with larger turbos and a manual transmission to power this car.

Starting with a completely bare shell, Tucci and team completed a ton of metal work. The engine was pushed back as far as possible; the front and rear stock suspension were cut out for new, redesigned parts to be grafted in; and they fabricated large wheel tubs to accommodate the much lower stance. The Evo II body panels on this build are sourced from the United Kingdom. The interior has been revamped with RECARO Classic seats, along with sourcing the actual leather RECARO used to complete the rest of the inside.

4-Wheel Drive & Off-Road

1970 Travel All on display

Cort Sessions

1970 Travel All

Mothers

Booth/Location: Silver Lot 81040

This 1970 International Harvester Travel All sits on a 2008 Ram Chassis, with AAM Axels and Evod Custom Wheels. The power plant is a Hell Cat Motor, with injectors, pully and headers, and 8HP95 Trans, and AMW Transfer case. The body lines have been sharpened to highlight the Custom PPG Paint Job.

This build features custom made bumpers at each end, with custom power steps from Rockslide Engineering. The inside is by Seams Imposable Custom Interiors, which uses Hydes to blend modern comforts with O.E.M. styling. This build also features Dakota Digital custom gages, Evod custom steering wheel, badges, and emblems with a touch of Ogden Chrome to pull this look together.

1968 Jeep Wagoneer on display

Andy Leach

1968 Jeep Wagoneer

Booth: Keystone

Booth/Location: Central 21249

This 1968 Jeep Super Wagoneer has been transformed into a unique custom build. Built on a custom 4x4 chassis from the esteemed Roadster Shop, it boasts enhanced off-road capabilities and a distinctive aesthetic appeal.

Under the hood, it houses an LT4 engine, renowned for its high performance and reliability. This is complemented by a 4L80E transmission system, ensuring seamless gear shifts and an unmatched driving experience. The vehicle also features an Atlas transfer case, enhancing its off-road prowess.

The Super Wagoneer rides on Forgline wheels, adding to its rugged appeal while offering excellent performance. The body has undergone subtle modifications for enhanced visual appeal and aerodynamics. The machined side trim adds a touch of sophistication, and the entire body has been reworked for a smooth flow.

1978 Jeep Cherokee Chief S on display

Jared Hancock

1978 Jeep Cherokee Chief S

Booth: HRIA

Booth/Location: Central 23295

This 1978 Chief is powered by a GM connect & Cruise drivetrain with a L96 6.0L crate motor paired to a 6L80E trans. The frame has been replaced and the Jeep now rides on a fully-linked, coil-sprung Art Morrison chassis. Baer disc brakes are on all four corners, with 14" rotors and 6 piston custom painted calipers.

The wheels on this build are custom painted Fifteen52 Patrols, measuring 17"x8.5" and wrapped in BF Goodrich K02s-285/70/17. The body wears PaintHouse Gold and painted with black striping and patterns, while the roof features a custom rack and inset panoramic glass roof. The interior work was completed by McFarland Upholstery and features black leather seating surfaces, with vintage gold fabric inserts throughout.

Young Guns | 29 & Under

1998 Chevrolet C1500 on display

Carson Hendershott

1998 Chevrolet C1500

Booth: Mothers

Booth/Location: Silver Lot 81240

This powerful build boasts a 1,000hp, LSX 376, Harrop TVS2650 supercharger, with a titanium intake t56 magnum carbon-fiber driveshaft and custom Moser 9-in. rearend. Custom six-piston Baer brakes are on all four corners, with 19x10 Forgeline wheels, and 285/35zr 19 tires upfront and 20x12.5 Forgeline wheels and 335/30zr20 tires in the rear.

Powered by a 20-gallon fuel cell, this one-of-a-kind Chevy also has tubular control arms with drop spindles, QA1 coilovers, a QA1 swaybar up front, a custom-built five-link rear suspension on QA1 coilovers, and a modified rear frame. With truly unique features, this build includes one-off Cobra carbon-fiber seats; a carbon/leather steering wheel; leather-wrapped '93 dash/door panels; Dakota Digital gauges and a Steve Stanford paint scheme; a narrowed front bumper and shaved tailgate; handle box sides smoothed into roll pan; extended factory wheel tubs; and a modified box floor.

1969 Chevrolet C10 at SEMA

Charles D Spencer

1969 Chevrolet C10

Booth: Battle of the Builders

Booth/Location: North 10967

This 1969 Chevy C10 sits on a RideTech suspension, built 350 small-block, and Wilwood disc brakes. Featuring Vintage Air, TMI bucket seats recovered in charcoal grey, Ron Davis Racing radiator, this build has been gapped and body worked until straight, then finished in Axalta Indigo blue. Builder, Charles D. Spencer, started this project when he was just 14 years old and finished it four years later with help from his dad, grandpa and brothers.

Further customizations include a matte finish in the engine bay, the inside of the cab and shiny on the outside, custom tailgate hinges and latch, LED taillights, head lights, turn signals, marker lights, and a custom Flow Master 50 Series exhaust. Dakota Digital gauges and Pioneer radio and speakers, add to this build's impressive list of unique features. To top this build off, the team has incorporated a Billet Specialties serpentine system, ididit steering column, Fast Fuel injection and U.S. Mag wheels.

1953 Ford F100 at SEMA

Ryan Dyer

1953 Ford F100

Booth: North Hall

Booth/Location: 10215

This turbocharged 427 from Texas Speed features four link rear Ride Tech coil overs, a Crown Vic front suspension, TMI interior and a smoothed firewall. This build also features a custom air scoop and front roll pan, custom bed and taillights, inner fenders, and a fuel cell Aeromotive fuel system. Vintage Air, a smoothed pushstyle glovebox, smooth tailgate hidden latches, and smooth running boards add this build's list of unique custom look and feel.

This build utilizes a water intercooler system, aux trans cooling, Borla custom exhaust, smoothed '54.5 grille, tilt nose and HRBB custom wheels. All components are Cerakote or painted, with tri-stage custom paint, driprail delete, vent delete, fuel door deleted, and extensive custom body and paint work. All work on this build was done by Dyer Motorsports.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

All builders with a vehicle displaying at the 2024 SEMA Show may enter the competition at www.semabotb.com before the deadline on October 18, 2024. Photos can be uploaded directly onto the online applications, which judges will use to select the finalists. Please refer to the "Submissions" section of the BOTB Terms and Conditions for all competition entry application requirements.

Yes. A vehicle must be approved by the Show committee to be on display at the SEMA Show and can be either a feature vehicle, or a booth vehicle. You may still enter the SEMA Battle of the Builders as you work to secure your vehicle spot at the Show. However, the BOTB operations team will review all applications for the 2024 SEMA Battle of the Builders and check their status for displaying at the 2024 SEMA Show. Those vehicles who are registered for the 2024 BOTB competition, but not confirmed to display at the 2024 SEMA Show will not be allowed to continue in the BOTB competition. You must have your feature vehicle space or booth space secured by October 18, 2024 to continue in the 2024 BOTB competition. To apply for a feature vehicle space at the 2024 SEMA Show, you must first have a SEMA Show exhibiting company sponsor the space. Once you have secured such sponsorship, you may apply for the feature vehicle space here. Please read the rules and regulations for feature vehicles here. If you have questions about applying for a feature vehicle space, you may also contact Maurice O'Connell at mauriceo@sema.org.

The BOTB operations team will be in contact with you via email to confirm receipt of your application and provide you with additional information regarding dates and deadlines. The email will also provide you with contact information for the BOTB team if you have any additional questions. If you have applied in the Young Guns category, you will also receive information regarding the virtual regional Golden Ticket competition for your chance to win one of several Young Guns SEMA Show prize packages.

Only an individual may enter. If you built the vehicle with the shop, you must have acted as a builder on the vehicle project. Please refer to the "Eligibility" section of the BOTB Terms and Conditions for all eligibility requirements.

Unfortunately, no. Only the individual who acted as a builder on the vehicle project may be listed. Please refer to the "Eligibility" section of the BOTB Terms and Conditions for all eligibility requirements.

Supporting and inspiring young builders is crucial to the future of the automotive specialty equipment market. The Young Guns category is designed to encourage young builders to pursue their passions and shines the light on the up-and-coming builders.

"Young Guns" is a designation within the overall BOTB competition to recognize builders who are under the age of 29 (as of Nov. 8, 2024). Those who meet the criteria and have selected the Young Guns category on the online application are eligible to participate. Please refer to the "Eligibility" section of the BOTB Terms and Conditions for all eligibility requirements. All competitors in the Young Guns category will be competing against the overall field of builders, regardless of how they entered the competition.

All eligible Young Guns applicants who have submitted their online application before August 1, 2024 may be selected to compete in one or more virtual regional Golden Ticket competitions for the chance to win a Golden Ticket SEMA Show prize package. Those Young Guns eligible applicants who have been selected for this will be contacted via email or phone separately by the BOTB operations team. Please refer to the "Young Guns" section of the BOTB Terms and Conditions for all rules and requirements of the virtual regional Golden Ticket competitions.

With more than 300 participants, industry experts will review all qualifying applications, including vehicle descriptions and photos. Judges will then select the Top 40 finalists in the competition (10 from the hot-rod / hot-rod trucks category; 10 from the off-road / 4-wheel-drive category; 10 from the sport-compact / import performance / luxury & exotics category; and 10 from the Young Guns category). After the Top 40 finalists are announced, the judges then narrow the finalists down to the Top 12 (3 from the hot-rod / hot-rod trucks category; 3 from the off-road / 4-wheel-drive category; 3 from the sport-compact / import performance / luxury & exotics category; and 3 from the Young Guns category). The Top 12 finalists then become the judges and select from amongst themselves who are the Top 4 category winners, and who is named the Top Overall Builder of the SEMA BOTB. Please refer to the "Judging" section of the BOTB Terms and Conditions for all judging policies.

Only the regional Young Guns virtual regional Golden Ticket competitions leading up to the SEMA Show will be virtual. Once on site at the 2024 SEMA Show, all activities will be in-person.

The Top 40 winners, the Top 12 winners, the Top 4 class champions and the Top Overall BOTB Builder will all be announced live throughout the week at the Battle of the Builders Stage at the 2024 SEMA Show. Once each live announcement is made, the winners will also be announced on SEMA Show's social media channels.

Each vehicle at the SEMA Show is a unique, one-of-a-kind creation. Personal tastes may vary and opinions will differ. Industry experts with years of experience serve as judges and narrow the entries down to finalists. However, it is the Top 12 finalists themselves who will be judging, voting and selecting the ultimate winner.

As builders, the finalists know and understand the challenges and complexity involved with a vehicle build. They can assess and determine the creativity, craftsmanship and skill that went into each vehicle, before selecting the winner. Please refer to the "Judging" section of the BOTB Terms and Conditions for all judging policies.