SEMA 2018 best restomod
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Sema 2018: The Best 6 'Restomod' And Some More Surprises

If we tell you that the way the motor world is lived in the United States is very different from what we have in Europe… We are not discovering anything new for you. You know, that if F1 really is driving while NASCAR is just going around an oval ... What if in Europe we are more given to serenely restoring the classics while there they happily subject them to dubious modifications ... What if putting automatic transmission even to a Ferrari already defines what those people have in mind ... Anyway, all sterile controversies since at this point in the game we should know that pleasures are not exclusive.

Anyway, there is one thing in which we do not believe that there can be controversy: American motor racing is pure spectacle. In short, we are talking about a society where everything has always been a great representation of the masses and that is noticeable even in its conception of the engine, always in a big way, excessive. A good example of this is the SEMA show; the annual fair for modifications and customization industry that since 1967 has been feeding an American hobby with a taste for modifying their cars since the days when youth gangs drove their “hot rod"Humming to Buddy holly.

In this 2018 edition, the roster of creations with bright colors and shapes of those that make you rethink how open the approval criteria are often has been the most extensive. But since we are a magazine of classic irons ... Let's focus on a selection with the best "r”Of this SEMA 2018. If you are a restoration purist, you are going to have more than one fright and shock - we have had it, at least with what they have done to a certain Ferrari that you are going to see below - but at the same time we recognize that they like them more. or less ... None of these cars leave you indifferent.

DODGE CHARGER. LONG (AND NEW) LIFE OF THIS MUSCLE CAR

As soon as Ford launched the Mustang in 1964, the rest of the brands knew that they were either jumping on the bandwagon of that prodigious formula or running out of a good chunk of the pie in the motorsports business. Suddenly the American public not only demanded huge cars for serene driving but they also wanted the thrust of a rear-wheel drive making a coupe gallop with some nerve. The "muscle car" and that same year Pontiac joined the trend with the GTO to be followed two years later by Chrysler's response to this phenomenon: the Dodge Charger.

Such was the impact of the model that Dodge continues to appeal to it as a bulwark of its brand philosophy, featuring its latest - and most powerful - engine crammed into a '68 Charger used as the basis for this fantastic "r”. An engineering work in which operations as complex as the lengthening of the wheelbase have been carried out -which forces to be a handyman modifying the chassis-, changing the axles for larger ones capable of housing the huge tires and incorporating a new braking system capable of stopping 1014CV -look at the figure- delivered by the engine 8-liter Hellephant V7.

Somewhat behind -but only for 5CV- is the Modified 1970 Charger by the carbon fiber specialist company Speedkore Performance. As workers of this material they have been used thoroughly to reduce the weight of this "r", Leaving 1451 kilos to this"muscle car", Which is not bad considering that we are talking about a car that has been installed engine of a current Challenger SRT Denom supercharged, making this 8-liter V6 go up to 2CV. We would put weight on the trunk simply by not trying not to fly away ...

IN SEMA SHOW: AMERICAN ESSENCE WRAPPED IN RUST

Lately we are seeing more and more restorations that keep the car rust -In the body, another thing is the poor condition of the metal in the chassis or the engine- appealing to the charm that the patina of time can have on the steel. In some models ... It does not seem to finish fitting, but the truth is that the latest creation of the modification company SUVs ICON4x4 It fits him like a glove. Because yes, it gives it that industrial and dirty touch perfect for touring the swamps of Louisiana listening to the blues at full volume.

Anyway, and beyond the aesthetic section ... The most impressive thing about this car is the contrast between the old and the new. And is that, while the body can not have a taste more "oldies”Under it hides a 100% electric car. Very interesting this initiative that rescues a classic for the new times 1949 Mercury Coupe; sure to delight Neil Young, who made time between tours to pioneer electrifying old American classics to give them a new life. Anyway, gentlemen, Dylan already said that “the times they Are a changing".

TWO AMERICAN LEGENDS SURROUNDING 800CV

In this of the "r”-Especially if they are high-end- there is a certain taste for putting as much power as possible. In part it reminds us of when we were little and reading the motoring press we were crazy about the bigger numbers. Then you grow up ... You drive ... And you see that power is not all clear, but in this game for adults that is to customize classics it is not bad that that little boy that we still have inside comes out with that "uah run a gazillion".

Something like this happens with the two cars with which we continue our review of SEMA 2018, because if we tell you that there are some guys who have put 815CV in a 1969 Mustang ... What does your face look like when you were little and you read those magazines? The company Classic Recreations -your website deserves a look- This 2018 has presented its particular tribute to one of the most iconic Mustangs in history: the scarce -the number of conserved units does not exceed too much- Boss 302. A beast devised by Ford to impose its law on the ovals of the NASCAR and the TransAm circuits that in its day already had a not inconsiderable 302CV.

Now this Boss 429 evolves the classic -under the collaboration of Ford- to the 815CV thanks to a current 8-liter V8 which, fortunately for the integrity of the passengers, is accompanied by a strong update in terms of brakes and safety. A perfect way to enjoy the most brutal essence of the Mustang Boss but with a necessary update. Of course, as long as you have 184.000 euros on hand.

(We take this opportunity to remind you that, if you want to see an imposing national Mustang Restomod, you have it on video here).

Even more spectacular is the transformation that Chevrolet - through its classic restoration division - has made of a 1973 Chevelle Laguna, a car that although it was mythical in the NASCAR of the '70 was born as a powerful two-door - it had a V8 - but comfortable and quiet. The typical American car to enjoy long routes with full relaxation and long gears but which, now equipped with the engine of a ZR1 -its presentation is scheduled for this coming 2019- it shoots up to 775CV. In short, a state-of-the-art supercar… With the dress and charm of an American classic from the seventies. Doesn't sound bad does it?

EXTEND A GT40, PERVERT A 328 GTS

If you are a stickler for the history of Le Mans and the Ford GT40 in particular… Don't worry, no GT40 has been injured in this recording. And it is that we are going to leave for a moment the scope of the "r"To go to the one with the replicas. And thank goodness… Because although we like some modifications of classics to put our hands on the original irons of a historical one such as this Ford would already seem too much. Something like asking a graffiti artist to restore Velázquez paintings: no matter how well he does his thing with the sprays, he is going to liquidate the painting.

As Superformance -company dedicated to the creation of GT4 replicas0 respected by Ford itself thanks to its spectacular and respectful results - it has done here an imitation of the historic Le Mans winner but with a much more current mechanics: that of an engine 6-liter EcoBoost V3.5 modified to 650CV, more than enough to offer maximum adrenaline in a car that is barely around a ton. Of course, the sound ... It is not that of the rough and aggressive V8 of the sixties. Although neither the price: this is offered for "only”181.000 euros.

And we come to the end leaving the most controversial -even painful- for this moment: a Ferrari 328 GTS ... In charge of Tokyo Tires. For many it is one of the greatest beauties to come out of the Pininfarina pencils, not to mention that practically everyone considers it one of those small Ferraris but with character in the manner of a great kart. It is like the little brother of the 288 GTO, and in fact in this preparation they have taken aesthetic elements from it such as the front auxiliary lights. Although it seems that the mechanics have not been altered and the bodywork is not that it has undergone too many changes ... Turning up a Ferrari is always controversial.

In short, controversies and debates aside ... The truth is that the SEMA has once again given a good dose of entertainment and a good string of "r”Of the most interesting. For all its audacity, the American engine is fascinating.

What do you think?

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Written by Miguel Sánchez

Through the news from La Escudería, we will travel the winding roads of Maranello listening to the roar of the Italian V12; We will travel Route66 in search of the power of the great American engines; we will get lost in the narrow English lanes tracking the elegance of their sports cars; We will speed up the braking in the curves of the Monte Carlo Rally and we will even get dusty in a garage while rescuing lost jewels.

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