Miguel Sánchez
Since 1963 SEMA show It is the largest showcase for the prepared vehicle industry in the US Which means it is arguably the world as well. The taste that in America they have for the preparation and customization of their cars dates back to the golden years of the "Muscle car": cars like him Mustang or super bird they were intended for an audience passionate about making their car special. And from what we have seen in this year's edition ... the taste remains.
At SEMA Show there are stalls of brands and workshops specialized in the preparation and individualized development of vehicles, and among them ... an impressive exhibition of models of all types and conditions. However, since in La Escudería we have a taste for the old, we're going to focus on a selection of modified classics that will blow your mind. Who knows, you might come up with an idea for yours ... Stay until the end because it will surprise you. Let's go with it!
FROM ROLLS TO MUSTANG PASSING BY PLANE
In the video that we have linked above, belonging to the magazine AutoGuide, you can put a face to some of the most striking classics of the SEMA Show 2017. The first that catches our attention is the 1958 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, and not only because of its charming green tones, but because of how strange this type of car is in the world of customization. Commonly, these fairs are full of sports cars, so we meet this Rolls totally rebuilt and motorized by a mechanic Chevy LS7 is a curious surprise.
After the 'british ' From the Rolls, we go to the other end with mid-century American voluptuousness. A tucker 48 modified to look sportier with lowered suspension and very wide rims, but just as particular as in 1948 thanks to its characteristic three-headlight front. But nevertheless… If what we want is authentic American flavor we have to go to the next one on the list: the 302 Mustang Boss 1970 prepared by Speedkore - under Ford's own supervision - for actor Robert Downey Jr. A whole muscle car that, despite incorporating modern carbon fiber parts, perfectly maintains that touch 'oldie '.
We are still in America and we can't let the Cunningham C3 Vignale from 1952 present in this edition of the SEMA Show. The exclusive brand founded by Briggs Cunningham to power yachts and sports cars made very few units of this C3, a car that was seen from "you to you" with the Ferraris of the time - in fact it reminds us quite of the 250 Europe-. Although the mechanics are perfectly restored, the original patina has been left in its state of conservation, even keeping part of the rust. A curious and rough preparation, where elegance goes hand in hand with a certain touch 'Rat Look '.
But if there is one who has made us smile ... that is the '32 Ford Roadster prepared by Chip Foose to pay tribute to the aviation aces of WWII That lead to vintage military aircraft tops a hot rod In all rules. A brilliant unit.
IN SEARCH OF THE BEST 'RESTOMOD'
The previous ones were fantastic, but there are two modified classics that have caught our attention even more. They exemplify like no other the concept of 'modified restoration' or 'restomod' thanks to their more or less magnified bodies and a completely new mechanics. We are talking about a BMW E9 CS or with a Dodge Charger, the first work by Ringbrothers and the second by the individual from New York, Willy Izaguirre.
Externally, the Dodge does not excessively alter its appearance with respect to the original that left the factory in 1969, although it does have certain chrome details and wide wheels typical of these customizations. Mechanically, it pays tribute to the model, as it incorporates the 6-liter engine that powers the current Charger. It has the best of each era (although regarding the propeller we doubt it! 😉
But if we talk about a car that enters through the eyes ... For us the palm of the SEMA Show 2017 goes to this BMW E9 CS. Have you seen that rear? It is clear that Izaguirre's efforts in customizing his classic have paid off. The bodywork incorporates a large number of fiberglass panels to be able to mold new shapes that, especially at the rear, are spectacular thanks to its huge wheels. For the rest, a radical preparation has been made, in which there is not the slightest gap to the accessory that pays tribute to the DTM CSLs and the European Touring Car Championship.
The motorization is on account of a six-cylinder from a specification E36 M3 Yankee, which yields about 240 hp, so the power-to-weight ratio must be quite good and fairly classic. Having seen what we have seen ... it is clear that, although controversial as it alters the original state of the car, the 'restomod' trend provides spectacular creations.
