1967 Chevy Nova by Greening Auto Company

This red-hot 1967 Chevrolet Nova caught my eye as I was walking past the Magnaflow booth at SEMA 2013. Built for Jimmy Shaw, this car was done by Greening Auto Company of Nashville, TN. Jimmy’s goal with this car was to have a show car that could also perform on the autocross course. I have to say – I think they nailed it!

With so much polished chrome, this is definitely a show car. But haul it out to the track and it can lay rubber with the best of ’em, thanks to the 376cid LSX V8 under the hood! The engine features a custom intake manifold and valve covers and is mated to a Tremec 6-speed manual.

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Gil Losi’s 1961 Impala – ‘Under PreSSure’

There is an old saying that “The only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.” That’s particularly true for the owner of this 1961 Chevrolet Impala, Mr. Gil Losi.

Back in the 1980s, Gil started a company called Team Losi. Their family business grew to become a dominant player in the R/C car industry during the boom years of the 1980s and 1990s. Gil later sold the business to Horizon Hobby, but he’s not through playing with cars. These days, he’s tinkering with full size ones!

Gil’s latest toy was built by Steve Cook Creations in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I saw it on display at the Meguiar’s booth at SEMA 2013.

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SEMA 2013: Tim Allen’s 1968 COPO Camaro

The word “restomod” gets thrown around a lot these days. Most of the resto-modded cars I have seen are closer to the “modified” side than to the “restoration” side. It was refreshing to come across this 1968 Chevrolet COPO Camaro at SEMA, which is more towards the restoration side of things.

The car was on display at the Classic Industries booth and was built by veteran hot rodder Bodie Stroud. The car belongs to actor, comedian, author, and car guy Tim Allen.

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2014 Corvette Stingray Gran Turismo Concept Car

Does art imitate life, or does life imitate art? In this case, it’s both.

Here we have a car that existed first in a video game and was then re-created in real life. The 2014 Corvette Stingray Gran Turismo Concept is based on a playable car from the Gran Turismo 6 video game for PlayStation 3.

Performance wise, this car is identical to any other new Stingray. But this is SEMA, and the car is decked out in lots of appearance and trim pieces. It starts with the custom matte blue paint, which is definitely not a factory color.

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1956 Buick ‘Nailed’ by Troy Trepanier

One of the premiere builders in the hot rod scene today is Troy Trepanier. From his shop in Manteno, Illinois, Rad Rides by Troy delivers some of the most unique automotive creations on the road today.

I got to check out their 1956 Buick “Nailed” on display at the 2013 SEMA Show and based on the crowd of admirers, I could tell this car was something special. At the risk of sounding cliche, this ain’t your granddaddy’s Buick!

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1969 Camaro Convertible by Goolsby Customs

Ladies and gentlemen, this is your textbook example of a pro-touring build done right. Start with a classic body style, add modern power and handling, and you’ve got yourself a rockin’ muscle car that turns heads as well as corners.

This 1969 Chevrolet Camaro convertible was built for the Lokar Performance Products booth at SEMA 2013 by Goolsby Customs of Bessemer, Alabama.

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