Tag Archives: Restomod

1969 Camaro Convertible GPSTrackIT

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Just like Las Vegas itself, the SEMA show is designed to overwhelm the senses. There are literally thousands of vendors competing for your attention, and they will use any tactic they can to draw you over to their booth.

Some booths have flashing lights or sexy girls or celebrity appearances, but most vendors recognize that the way to get your attention at a car expo is to have a wicked hot rod on display. In the North Hall, I spotted this 1969 Camaro convertible at the GPSTrackIt booth and came in for a closer look.

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1973 Chevrolet Camaro “Project Envious”

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This is one of those cars that you either love or hate – there is no in between.To some, a 2nd gen Camaro with a green paint job is the definition of automotive hell. Others may see this car for what it really is: a pro-touring car that can dominate any environment from street to strip to autocross course.

Built by D&Z Customs in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, this ’73 Camaro was on display at the AutoMeter booth at SEMA 2013. The car is nicknamed “Project Envious” as in green with envy – get it?

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1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am “KLRBRD”

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It’s hard to look at a second-gen Firebird and not think of “Smokey and the Bandit.” While this car has been forever etched into our memories by the 1977 film, this car is so much more than a movie cliche.

When this car was new, people were worried about Vietnam War protests, the emerging counterculture movement, the start of punk rock, vehicle emissions laws, and The Man taking away their rights. With its Screaming Chicken logo on the hood and its utter lack of subtlety, the Firebird Trans Am is a middle-finger response to the social changes of the 1970s. As long as I’ve got my horsepower, you and your issues can sit on it and rotate!

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Gil Losi’s 1961 Impala – ‘Under PreSSure’

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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

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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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1956 Buick ‘Nailed’ by Troy Trepanier

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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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