Some 200 entries were narrowed down to a final selection of project builds at the 2025 edition of the SEMA Show, with Troy Trepanier’s 1936 Ford Roadster “Fenderless” taking top honours.

Completed in January of 2025 and winner of the GNRS AMBR Award, this is a completely scratch-built vehicle designed to resemble a 1936 Roadster, with all the dimensions changed for proper proportions as an open-wheel car.

Rad Rides by Troy made the body, chassis, suspension and all machined parts in-house.

In addition, all body/paint and interior work were completed by Rad Rides as well. The roadster also features a supercharged Ford 312 ci Y-block engine, a quick-change rear axle and full torsion bar suspension.

Troy Trepanier is a former SEMA Battle of the Builders Overall Winner, taking home the trophy in 2017.

Vying for top honours on the last day of the show in the SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Polish competition were the Top 4 finalists won their respective category.

Aside from the winning, Troy Trepanier1936 Ford Roadster, which also took honours in Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck category, Top 4 finalists included:

SPORT COMPACT/IMPORT PERFORMANCE WINNER

Tim Franklin — 1960 Porsche Custom 356

Tim Franklin and his team started with a 1960 Porsche 356B in absolutely terrible condition. The transformation features contoured body/rolled rocker panels for a fresh streamlined look. The custom wheels were designed in-house. Then, Franklin added roof slots for brake lights/safety.

Everything is symmetrical: two roof brake lights, two rear deck trim sets, two taillights and two exhausts. The rear deck is one-piece aluminum. The original 356 engine has been modified from its original 70 hp to a more useable 165 hp.

The semaphores have been recreated and work.

The car features electric A/C and disc brakes.

Each and every design and fabrication element-except the wheels-was done in-house.

OFF-ROAD

Ron Jones — 1973 VW Thing

Ron Jones Garage has brought a stunning and completely coach-built 1973 VW Thing to this year’s SEMA Battle of the Builders. Created from the ground up, the car sits on a one-off chromoly long-travel tube chassis. Fox Factory long-travel coil overs give it its off-road stance.

The Thing is completely Porsche-powered, featuring an air-cooled 930 engine stroked to a 3.2L. The engine is converted to fuel injection and controlled by a MoTec stand-alone ECU.

The gearbox is out of a Porsche 996, and the torque tube and front differential are from a Porsche 997.

With the exception of the windshield frame, each and every body panel was hand-built. There are more than 350 machined pieces on this build and comfort is provided by a stunning interior from PJ’s Upholestery in Commerce City, Colorado. This VW is truly an original piece of art and function.

YOUNG GUNS

Thomas Dickerson — 1967 Chevrolet C10

Thomas Dickerson executed a full custom build from the ground up, fabricating the engine bay and underside of the truck with precision and originality. He installed flush-mounted custom glass, including door glass, and designed one-off custom headlights to complement the vehicle’s sleek profile.

The bed was entirely fabricated and finished with Brazilian ironwood sourced directly from Brazil, set between machined runners that elevate both form and function.

A custom electric bed door adds modern utility, while the Art Morrison chassis was tailored and smoothed, with the frame meticulously body-worked for a seamless finish.

The exhaust system was TIG-welded and polished, featuring machined, one-off exhaust tips that underscore the build’s bespoke nature. Inside, the truck showcases a fully custom interior with numerous 3D-printed and machined components-all crafted to match the vehicle’s elevated aesthetic. Every inch of the bodywork and paint reflects Thomas’ commitment to detail and craftsmanship.

This entire project – from concept to completion – was executed solely by Dickerson himself.

For more information and to see the rest of the entries, visit the SEMA Show Battle of the Builders