Category Archives: Car Shows

SEMA 2024: 1993 Chevrolet Corvette C4 Mercedes Turbo Diesel Swap – Kustom by Keck

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The Malaise Era of 1975 to 1985 was a dark time for automotive enthusiasts. With new emissions and safety regulations from the Federal government, cars quickly got slower, heavier, and uglier.

The 1972 Corvette was rated at a dismal 200 horsepower, while the full-size 1977 Monte Carlo was available with a 140 horsepower 305 V8 or a 170 horsepower 350 V8. The era of the muscle car had come to an end, and a new era had begun that was focused on efficiency, not performance.In an effort to increase the average fuel economy of its fleet, General Motors experimented with smaller engines, turbochargers, and other tricks and technologies to get more MPGs.

With so much attention on smog pumps and secondary air injectors, there was one thing General Motors never built: a diesel-engine Corvette. To do so would be unthinkable; it would be a sacrilege of the highest degree. While there were many prototype and experimental vehicles throughout Corvette’s history, no customer cars ever left the production line with a diesel engine from the factory.

However, Tennessee-based Kustom by Keck has transformed his 1993 Chevrolet Corvette C4 Greenwood Edition into a diesel-powered sports car. I saw his custom Corvette at the 2024 SEMA Show, at the Air Lift Performance booth in the Central Hall.The Corvette’s original powerplant has been swapped with a 1999 Mercedes-Benz 3.0L OM606 turbo diesel engine. It is paired to a 700R4 transmission from Transmission Mafia in Gainesville, Georgia.

This is the kind of weird engine swap I would have loved reading about in Grassroots Motorsports or Car Craft magazine back in the day (after reading about V8 S10 swaps, of course).

The Corvette rides on Air Lift Performance suspension, allowing for adjustable ride height at the touch of a button to achieve the perfect stance.The exterior of the car is a visual blast from the late ’80s and early ’90s, and it’s over the top in the best way possible. The car gives serious Miami Vice vibes with its white wheels and teal and purple custom pinstripe graphics.

Kustom by Keck didn’t stop with the visuals, either. This car is filled with unique custom touches, including a standout set of custom infinity mirror taillights from RetroVette, which provide a high-tech, futuristic flair to set it apart from every other Corvette. Every corner of this C4 has been considered, detailed, and reimagined.

In a world full of LS swaps and carbon-fiber everything, this diesel-powered, 90’s throwback C4 show car breaks the mold and refuses to fit in. It’s more Radwood than SEMA, and I enjoy highlighting custom car builders that do their own thing.

This one-of-a-kind car was recently advertised for sale on social media in June 2025, with an asking price of $15,000.

For more, follow @kustom_by_keck on Instagram.

SEMA 2024: 1993 Honda Civic EG Hatch Tesla Swapped by RyWire

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The 1990s Honda Civic hatchback is one of those cars where you either had one, knew someone who had one, or wanted one. Cheap to own and endlessly modifiable, the Civic EG hatch was a favorite among tuners.

I remember high school classmates rolling up in Civics with neon underglow, painted interior bits, and the ever-present “fart can” exhaust. This was an era of questionable taste and boundless creativity. Keep in mind, this was only a few years after the original Fast and the Furious movie came out.

Fast forward to 2024, and the Civic is still a staple in the tuning world, but the game has changed. At the 2024 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the Toyo Tires Treadpass area featured a remarkable build that represents just how far this 30+ year-old platform can be pushed. Enter RyWire Motorsports’ fully electric 1993 Honda Civic EG hatchback, which combines JDM style with cutting-edge EV tech.The car was built by Ryan Basseri of RyWire Motorsports of Santa Ana, California. Basseri is no stranger to high-end vehicle builds and custom wiring. He previously did a full EV conversion on a Honda S2000, which is documented on the RyWire YouTube channel. But this Civic? It’s next-level.

Gone is the original gas-powered Honda engine, replaced with a Tesla-sourced electric powertrain. He salvaged a Tesla motor, inverter, and charge controller and adapted them to fit the EG chassis.

Under the hood, the exceptionally clean installation shows off Basseri’s attention to detail. The electric motor delivers an estimated 300 horsepower, which is triple the car’s original 90 horsepower. In the trunk is a 16 kWh battery pack, which was salvaged from a Chrysler Pacifica hybrid. The pack runs through an AEM battery management system and offers roughly 70 miles of range, which is more than enough for short trips around the neighborhood or silently rolling up to the local cars and coffee.

And yes, it even has air conditioning! A stock Tesla compressor has been adapted to work in this setup, ensuring the essential passenger comfort of cooled air on a Southern California day.

Braking has also received a high-tech overhaul. The factory vacuum-assisted system has been swapped for a Bosch iBooster unit from a Honda CR-V, complete with a custom reservoir. The fully electric iBooster provides consistent and reliable brake pressure, which is essential when dealing with instant torque.

Inside, the car is just as impressive. Instead of the rattle-can-painted dash, the RyWire EG features Recaro DC2 JDM Type-R front seats, with the rear seat reupholstered to match in black suede with red stitching. The cockpit is rounded out with a fully digital AEM dash and a Spoon steering wheel.

The stance is proper, sitting on custom Nitron springs and a set of 15-inch Volk Racing TE37 wheels in dark silver. These one-piece forged wheels are a favorite among JDM enthusiasts and lend a timeless motorsport look to the modernized hatch.

The RyWire Civic wasn’t alone at SEMA this year. Sharing the spotlight was a second Civic in the CSF Radiators booth. That car was a red 1999 EK hatch with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive swap and a larger 85 kWh battery pack built into a custom-fabricated floor. But while that car was technically more impressive, the 1993 EG in the Toyo Tires pavilion was the one that caught my eye for its super clean setup.

This build is more than just a show car, it is pushing the boundaries of the Honda tuning scene into the EV era. While many see electric conversions as soulless, RyWire has shown that with craftsmanship, creativity, and respect for the platform, even the humble Civic hatch can be reborn as something truly electrifying.

For more, follow @rywire_motorsport on Instagram.

Celebrate the Art of Engineering at the 2025 Arizona Concours d’Elegance

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Car enthusiasts and lovers of fine craftsmanship, mark your calendars! The 2025 Arizona Concours d’Elegance is set to return on Sunday, January 19, 2025, promising a spectacular celebration of automotive beauty and innovation. Hosted at the Scottsdale Civic Center, this highly anticipated event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering an unforgettable day of automotive excellence and artistry.

Celebrating The Art of Engineering

The Arizona Concours d’Elegance is more than just a car show; it is a celebration of the Art of Engineering. This year’s theme highlights the balance between design and technology that makes these classic and exotic cars a work of art. Whether it’s the graceful lines of a vintage automobile or the cutting-edge precision of modern engineering, the event honors the craftsmanship and creativity that define automotive history.

A Showcase of Over 100 Remarkable Vehicles

This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring more than 100 distinct vehicles presented in 16 unique classes. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to see some of the world’s most stunning automobiles up close, including:

  • Timeless pre-war classics that capture the essence of a bygone era
  • Impeccably restored mid-century marvels that shaped automotive design
  • Cutting-edge modern exotics showcasing innovation and performance

Each car on display tells its own story, offering visitors a glimpse into the evolution of automotive engineering and style over the decades.

The Perfect Setting: Scottsdale Civic Center

The Scottsdale Civic Center serves as the ideal backdrop for this annual event. Located in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, the beautifully landscaped grounds provide an elegant and inviting atmosphere for showcasing these iconic vehicles. Stroll through lush gardens, take in the beauty of the meticulously restored automobiles, and enjoy a day immersed in automotive culture and history.

Why You Should Attend

The Arizona Concours d’Elegance is a must-attend event for car enthusiasts of all ages. Here’s what makes this show stand out:

  • Unparalleled Variety: From classic icons to modern masterpieces, the diverse lineup ensures there is something for everyone to admire.
  • A Celebration of Innovation: Explore how automotive engineering has evolved over the years, blending art and function.
  • Stunning Venue: Enjoy a day in Scottsdale’s Civic Center, surrounded by elegant cars, beautiful scenery, and like-minded enthusiasts.
  • Community & Culture: The event brings together passionate collectors, industry experts, and fans to celebrate a shared love of automobiles.

Event Information

  • Date: Sunday, January 19, 2025
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  • Location: Scottsdale Civic Center, Scottsdale, Arizona

Mark your calendars now and don’t miss this extraordinary event. Whether you’re a lifelong car enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of world-class design and engineering, the 2025 Arizona Concours d’Elegance offers an unforgettable experience that celebrates the artistry of the automobile.

Final Thoughts

The Arizona Concours d’Elegance isn’t just an event; it’s a journey through history, innovation, and craftsmanship. Join fellow enthusiasts in celebrating The Art of Engineering at this premier automotive showcase. Be ready to marvel at more than 100 remarkable vehicles, enjoy Scottsdale’s vibrant setting, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

See you at the 2025 Arizona Concours d’Elegance!

SEMA 2024: 1959 Chevrolet Apache Pickup by Stafford’s Garage

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The introduction of the Chevrolet C/K series in 1960 was a turning point for pickup trucks. More than 60 years later, the C/K series is still highly regarded by enthusiasts and collectors. But before that was the Task Force line of trucks from 1955-1959.

At the 2024 SEMA Show, nestled among the heavy hitters in the Toyo Tires Treadpass pavilion, I stopped in my tracks to admire this custom 1959 Chevrolet Apache Fleetside nicknamed “Thunderchief.”

This stunning ride was built by Chris Stafford of Stafford’s Garage. Based in Las Vegas, Stafford’s Garage turns vintage metal into rolling pieces of art. With “Thunderchief,” Stafford has raised the bar for what a restomod can be, blending postwar design with modern materials and craftsmanship.

The Apache’s big window cab distinguishes it from the small back window C10s that followed, but it’s the deep, dark gray metallic paint that pulls you in. The color is rich and lustrous, looking elegant in the shade, but sparkling in the sunlight.

Against this moody exterior, the truck has a full custom red interior. I’m talking seats, carpet, dash, door panels, everything! Bits of chrome accents break up the sea of redness.

Inside, every detail is executed with care. The interior maintains the truck’s heritage with new reproduction gauges and an original-style radio. The red leather-wrapped chrome steering wheel with flat bottom is a modern touch in this classic truck interior.

“Thunderchief” rides on a set of 20-inch Raceline billet wheels. The wheels have a slotted design with a polished lip and are color matched red with silver accents.

They sort of remind me of monoblock style wheels on a Mercedes, but with tri-bar center caps. I think these wheels complement the truck’s smooth body lines and aggressive stance. It’s the kind of setup that says this is a show truck, but it can still haul stuff if needed.

One of the standout features of this build is the flawless chrome work. Every piece, from the bumpers to the trim, is polished to a mirror finish. The side of the bed has beautiful chrome and red trim pieces that just work on a 1950s era truck. It’s the kind of meticulous detail that separates good builds from great ones — and “Thunderchief” is firmly in the latter category.

Among the thousands of vehicles at SEMA, only about two dozen have the honor of getting invited to the Toyo Tires Treadpass pavilion. This area houses a curated group of elite custom builds, any one of which could be on a magazine cover. This Apache pickup certainly deserved its place among these special vehicles.

I will keep my eyes out for more vehicles from Chris Stafford and Stafford’s Garage in the future. The craftsmanship and detail shown in “Thunderchief” really shows what they are capable of building, while staying true to the spirit of the original truck.

For more, follow @staffords_garage on Instagram.

1953 Allstate Custom Coupe – The Mail Order Car

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You’ve never heard of an Allstate car? Well, I hadn’t either until I was standing in front of one at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall auction. This 1953 Allstate Custom Coupe is a curious piece of automotive history, representing a brief period when Sears ventured into the car business.

In response to surging demand for new cars as part of the postwar economic boom, companies like Crosley were cranking out small, basic cars at an affordable price. Not wanting to miss out, the Sears company partnered with the struggling Kaiser-Frazer corporation to offer a mail-order car. Sold exclusively through the Sears & Roebuck catalog in 1952 and 1953, only 797 examples of this unique vehicle were ever produced. The original price was $1,589, equivalent to about $18,775 in 2024.

Despite being 7 decades old, this Allstate has been transformed into a stunning custom creation, and recently sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall collector car auction for $17,270. Let’s explore what makes this car so special.

The Original Allstate: A Catalog Car with Character

In the early 1950s, Sears sought to extend its influence into the automotive world by offering a car that could be purchased alongside home appliances and garden tools. The Allstate was essentially a rebadged Henry J, tailored for Sears customers with unique branding and slight modifications. While it wasn’t a high-performance vehicle, it stood out for its affordability, becoming a rare collectible over time.

Modern Performance: A Custom Transformation

This particular 1953 Allstate Custom Coupe has undergone a complete transformation, blending its vintage design with modern performance. Under the hood is a Ford 302 V8 engine equipped with an HEI distributor, headers, and an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor. This powerful setup delivers far more punch than the original Henry J, which was offered with a 68 horsepower inline-4 engine and later, an 80 horsepower inline-6 engine. Paired with a 3-speed C4 automatic transmission and a Hurst Pro-Matic 2 shifter, the car offers smooth and spirited driving.

The drivetrain has been upgraded with a Ford 8-inch rear end featuring 3.55 rear gears and posi-traction, ensuring excellent traction and acceleration. To keep things cool, an aluminum radiator and electric fan have been installed, making the car reliable even under demanding conditions.

Unique Restoration: A Toyota Frame

In a prior restoration, this Allstate has been swapped onto a 1977 Toyota pickup frame, which is certainly more durable than the car’s original frame which was designed to be manufactured as cheaply as possible. The frame’s manual rack and pinion steering improves handling, while the modernized suspension offers a smoother ride compared to the original chassis.

Inside, Toyota front bucket seats with fold-up armrests provide comfort and functionality, complemented by a custom center console, gauges, and a Woodward speedometer. These updates enhance the driving experience while maintaining a nod to the car’s vintage roots.

Distinctive Features: A Blend of Old and New

This custom coupe boasts several distinctive features that set it apart from other restomods. An original hood ornament that lights up with the headlamps adds a touch of whimsy, harkening back to the playful design cues of the 1950s. Though not currently installed, the listing description says that the car includes an original Allstate under-dash air conditioning unit, a rare and nostalgic accessory.

While the front bumper has been removed for a sleeker look, it is included with the car according to the listing.

A Collector’s Dream

With only 797 Allstate Coupes ever produced, finding one is a rarity. Discovering one that has been so carefully customized and modernized is even more remarkable. The $17,270 sale price at the Barrett-Jackson auction reflects the unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and performance this car offers.

Final Thoughts

The 1953 Allstate Custom Coupe is a compelling example of how vintage vehicles can be reimagined for the modern era. By combining a rare piece of automotive history with contemporary upgrades, this custom creation preserves the spirit of the original while delivering daily-driver reliability. Whether you are a fan of unique collectibles or innovative restomods, this Allstate is a true standout.

1974 Lotus Elite – Malaise Era Sports Car

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The “malaise era” of the 1970s was marked by stringent emissions regulations, rising fuel prices, and economic uncertainty. While many manufacturers struggled to adapt to new safety requirements, Lotus managed to produce cars that retained their innovative edge. The Elite’s fiberglass body and efficient powertrain showcased the company’s ability to innovate despite the challenges of the time.

The 1974 Lotus Elite is a testament to British ingenuity during the automotive industry’s “malaise era.” This wedge-shaped sports car recently sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall collector car auction for a very affordable price of $6,050. Let’s dive into what makes this Lotus Elite a fascinating piece of automotive history.

In the 1970s, the wedge-shaped design became a hallmark of sports cars such as the Bricklin SV-1 and a new prototype car called the DeLorean. The Lotus Elite (and its platform mate, the Eclat) offered a much more angular and geometric design, compared to the previous Lotus Elan. The Elite featured sharp, angular lines and an aerodynamic profile, which gave it a futuristic appearance for its time. Like its contemporaries from Italy, the car featured pop-up headlamps, a feature that screamed 70s sophistication and made the Elite stand out on the road.

The car’s red exterior, paired with a tan interior, provided a striking contrast that exuded classic sports car charm. Sitting on 14-inch wheels, this Lotus perfectly encapsulated the minimalist yet stylish ethos of the brand.

This 1974 Lotus Elite is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering respectable performance for a vehicle of its era. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, it offered a driving experience that prioritized engagement and agility over raw power. Lotus’s engineering focus on lightweight construction ensured the Elite remained nimble and responsive, true to the brand’s racing pedigree.

While many cars at Barrett-Jackson sell for six figures, there are still bargains to be had. With a hammer price of $6,050, this Lotus Elite represents a fantastic opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts. Though it may not command the astronomical prices of other classic sports cars, it offers a unique blend of history, design, and performance. For those looking to own a piece of 1970s automotive culture, this Elite ticks all the boxes.

The 1974 Lotus Elite is more than just a car; it’s a piece of automotive history that captures the spirit of a challenging yet transformative era. Its wedge-shaped design, pop-up headlamps, and lightweight engineering make it a standout choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike. With its recent sale at the Barrett-Jackson auction, this Elite proves that you don’t need to break the bank to own a car that is both unique and interesting.