I’m back at SEMA this year, and once again, this place has completely blown me away. We’re only halfway through the show and there’s no shortage of wild engineering and stunning builds in every hall – but I’ve tried to pick a few cars and builders that genuinely stopped me in my tracks. The ones that had me pulling out the camera, circling for details, and grinning like a kid on Christmas morning.

This list isn’t ranked – they’re all incredible in their own right – but if I had to choose a personal favourite, the first one below takes that spot.

Ringbrothers: 1971 Aston Martin DBS – ‘Octavia’

This car is something else. Built by Ringbrothers and dubbed ‘Octavia’, this 1971 Aston Martin DBS is like James Bond crossed with Captain America. It had already debuted earlier this year at Monterey Car Week, but this was its first showing at SEMA to the wider general public and it didn’t disappoint.

Everything about it screams OEM+ (double or triple + to be honest!) – but with that signature Ringbrothers twist. It rides on a custom Roadster Shop chassis, is powered by a Wegner Automotive-built 805hp, supercharged 5.0-litre Ford Coyote V8, and features flawless carbon touches throughout. The restraint in the design is what elevates it. It’s sophisticated, but not subtle.

Builder: Ringbrothers
@ringbrothers

Ringbrothers: 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 – ‘Kingpin’

Also from the Ringbrothers stable is the 1969 Mustang Mach 1 known as ‘Kingpin’. Like the Aston, this car was Designed by Gary Ragle, this thing looks like Ford could’ve built it as a factory concept – it’s that well put together.

It’s got an 800hp Wegner Automotive 5.0L Coyote V8 with a Whipple supercharger under the bonnet and sits on a custom Roadster Shop FAST TRACK Stage III chassis. Ringbrothers have once again blurred the line between OEM prototype and show car fantasy – and they’ve done it twice in one year.

Builder: Ringbrothers
@ringbrothers

Mike Goldman Customs: 1964 Corvette

Some cars hit you with colour. Others with stance. This one got me with both – then kept hitting me with detail. Mike Goldman Customs’ 1964 Corvette is a perfect blend of timeless curves and show-stopping execution.

It’s been fully reimagined with tucked bumpers, subtle reshaping, and a ride height that is just bang-on. There is a near 500hp LS3 with Borla eight-stack injection and a custom set of wheels – it’s one of those cars you just keep coming back to.

Builder: Mike Goldman Customs
@mikegoldmancustoms

Vini’s Hot Rods: 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

There’s something incredibly refined about this build – it’s a 1969 Mach 1, but you wouldn’t guess just how much work went into it until you get close. Built by Vini’s Hot Rods for Dave Boroughs, the car has been digitally scanned, CAD-modelled, and reshaped with serious precision.

The stance is killer. The colour is unique. And the whole car is one of the best-balanced customs I saw at the show. It’s the kind of build that might not yell the loudest, but it absolutely deserves to be front and centre.

Builder: Vini’s Hot Rods
@vinishotrods

Dutchboys Hotrods: 1969 Ford Torino

Dutchboys don’t miss. Last year, they nailed it with a GNX build that made my top list – and this year, their 1969 Torino is just as good. This thing is big, mean, and elegant all at once. From the black chrome trim to the impeccable fabrication, every panel feels intentional.

It’s got all the power and presence you’d expect, but it’s the attention to finish that really makes it special. Think modern performance wrapped in a vintage silhouette, finished like a luxury coach-built muscle car.

Builder: Dutchboys Hotrods
@dutchboys_hotrods

Nostalgia Hot Rods: 1970 Firebird – ‘DraKon’

DraKon is the right name for this beast. It’s wild. It’s angry. It looks ready to inhale cones and exhale tyre smoke. Built by Nostalgia Hot Rods, this 1970 Pontiac Firebird has been widened, slammed, and fitted with a 1600hp, twin-turbo, 427ci Nelson Racing Engines heart.

From the stunning deep and dark metallic green to the impossibly low stance, it was impossible to walk past without snapping photos. Pro touring? Street fighter? Call it whatever you want – it’s an apex predator.

Builder: Nostalgia Hot Rods
@nostalgiahotrods

GAP Industries: 1972 Corvette

GAP Industries came out swinging with this widebody 1972 Corvette. Sitting low and wide in deep Candy Apple Red, it combines classic proportions with all the right pro touring muscle.

It’s packing a Sonny’s Racing 582ci big-block with over 1000hp, backed by a Bowler T56, Greening Auto wheels (18×11 front, 18×12 rear), and a custom Classic Car Studio interior with Recaro Sportster seats. The details are everywhere – including bespoke side-exit exhausts that I’m sure sound as mean as they look.

Builder: GAP Industries
@gap_industries

Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts: 1966 Corvette – ‘Sirius 66’

The ‘Sirius 66’ is a car that stops you quietly. Built by Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts, this ’66 Corvette is a precision tool dressed in a gentleman’s suit.

Art Morrison chassis. Supercharged LT4. Le Mans Blue and satin gold. Everything from the dash knobs to the engine bay details has been custom modelled and 3D printed. It’s a love letter to craftsmanship and CAD.

Builder: Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts
@kckuhnhausen

Cameron Cocalis: 1988 BMW E30 Widebody

This was the wildcard of the show for me – and that’s why I loved it. Built by Cameron Cocalis, this 1988 E30 BMW is an over-the-top, motorsport-inspired widebody coupe that breaks every rule in the best way.

It’s refreshing to see a younger builder push boundaries and create something that isn’t trying to fit into a category. It’s not about being traditional – it’s about making a statement. And this one did exactly that.

Builder: Cameron Cocalis
@camcocalis

Hot Rod Garage: 1970 Dodge Charger – ‘Relentless’

This Charger landed in the Top 5 for Street Machine of the Year at the Goodguys Nationals – and also took home the Best Interior award from TMI Products. It’s called ‘Relentless’, and it lives up to the name.

Built by Hot Rod Garage in Oklahoma for Steve Nettleingham, it’s powered by a twin-turbo 428ci Nelson Racing Engines Mopar small-block, backed by a six-speed manual, and finished with a mix of satin and gloss textures that highlight every curve. Underneath it all is an Art Morrison chassis and enough attention to detail to fill a magazine spread.

Builder: Hot Rod Garage
@hotrodgarageinc

Thanks for checking out my top builds from SEMA 2025. Whether you’re into widebody aggression or subtle design mastery, there was something for everyone this year – and these were the ones I kept coming back to.