Officially, the SEMA Show is a trade show for automotive industry professionals to meet and do business. Unofficially, the main attraction is the more than 2,000 custom vehicles on display throughout the massive convention halls.
While some custom car builders focus on originality, the cars that catch my eye are the “restomods,” cars which blend classic style with modern performance parts and technology. I love walking the show floor and discovering a great custom car build that has modern paint, suspension, brakes, and power, while retaining the character that made the car special in the first place.
One vehicle that caught my eye at the 2025 SEMA Show was this 1970 Plymouth Road Runner “Haraka” by Pure Vision Design. I have followed Steve Strope and his shop for years, and I am a big fan of their work. The name Haraka comes from the Swahili word for “speed,” which seems fitting for a car built with both performance and drivability in mind.
Finished in a striking dark purple paint color, this Roadrunner commands attention from every angle. The car rides on a set of gold HRE wheels with polished hoops, wrapped in Michelin performance tires. Behind those HRE wheels is a Wilwood disc brake system featuring the company’s new electric parking brake setup.
The suspension has also received a significant upgrade. Pure Vision equipped the car with independent front and rear suspension systems from Heidt’s, which is now available for B-body Mopar vehicles. This modern suspension setup provides a substantial improvement in handling and comfort compared to the original 1970 Road Runner.
Power comes from a Chrysler 440 V8 that has been stroked to 494 cubic inches. The engine is equipped with Edelbrock cylinder heads and a performance camshaft, producing an estimated 550 to 600 horsepower. The block is painted in Hemi Orange, which absolutely pops beneath the one-off carbon fiber cross-ram intake manifold. This custom piece really sets this car apart from other custom builds.
The engine is managed by a MoTeC ECU. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Tremec TKX five-speed manual transmission paired with an American Powertrain bellhousing.
A custom fuel tank from Rick’s Tanks houses a late-model Chevrolet Camaro Z28 fuel pump, helping supply the fuel demands of the modernized big-block engine.
“Haraka” is the first street-legal vehicle to feature a comprehensive, header-back carbon fiber exhaust system, including fully integrated carbon fiber mufflers.
While the exterior and drivetrain are impressive, the interior may be the most interesting part of the build. Rather than creating an entirely new interior, Pure Vision incorporated components from several different Chrysler vehicles. The dashboard was sourced from a 1966 Plymouth Fury II, while the center console comes from a 1972 Plymouth Duster. An overhead console from a 1973 Plymouth Barracuda Gran Coupe completes the collection of vintage Mopar parts.
The full custom interior is trimmed in brown leather and features 18-way power seats from a Porsche Panamera with both heating and cooling functions. Modern conveniences include Vintage Air climate control, Dakota Digital gauges, and a Kicker audio system with Bluetooth connectivity.
The Haraka Road Runner is an excellent example of how a builder can combine components from different eras to create something unique. From its modern suspension and fuel-injected big-block engine to its carefully curated interior, this is a car that respects its Mopar heritage while embracing modern performance and comfort. It was one of the more memorable custom builds I encountered at the 2025 SEMA Show.
Follow Pure Vision Design:
https://www.purevisiondesign.com/
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