When it comes to automotive events, you’ll find nothing larger or more recognized than the SEMA Show. While most people perceive this event to be a car-and-truck show, it isn’t. It’s an industry-only trade show designed for aftermarket manufacturers, distributors, and related companies to network and show off the latest and greatest parts.
Are most of these parts installed on top-notch vehicles? Yes. Are there more high-end builds than any other automotive event? Yes. So, in a way, you can say it’s a “show” but on a totally different level.
Each year people from all over the world travel to Las Vegas the first week of November to attend this event, and this was the 60th year they have done so. SEMA organizers recorded more than 130,000 attendees with 70,000-plus buyers and 3,000-plus media personal, all from over 140 countries. While the size of the crowd was massive, the size of the venue was even more impressive: With over a million square feet indoors plus all the massive outdoor areas, attendees had literally no way to see every vehicle.
Engaged Media, the parent company of Street Trucks magazine and our sister titles, sent the editorial team to SEMA so that we could give our readers the best truck coverage possible. The company also hosted a booth in the Central Hall, right in the middle of Hot Rod Alley. In the booth, we debuted our Sergeant Square C10 build you’ve seen for several months throughout the build process, which was done to benefit Mission 22. The booth stayed packed from opening to closing each day as attendees stopped by to salute the Sergeant in person.
We also debuted our Project Stockish, a ’23 Sierra build you’ve also seen on these pages. It starred in the Dropstars Wheels booth after making its way from North Carolina to Las Vegas to represent the wheel company as well as Street Trucks.
To get you the best print and digital coverage in the world, we packed our most comfortable shoes and stocked up on plenty of water and energy drinks to prepare for the miles we would walk each day as we tracked down the best trucks and the newest products.
This is one event we refuse to miss. And because it’s open only to the automotive industry, it’s a must for us that we attend to bring you as much coverage as possible. Follow our social media pages as well as the Motortopia YouTube channel for even more content from the show!
The Trail Blade MTS is the first tire in Atturo’s Trail Blade Sport series. Atturo Trail Blade MTS offers three new 26-inch tires, 12-ply rated for the and 1 ton market. Similar to the popular Trail Blade M/T, the tread pattern of the Trail Blade MTS is based on Atturo’s short-course successes, and features distinct grooves, sipes, and four-lug design. The intimidating sidewall treatment of the Trail Blade MTS carries over similar features from the knife blade-inspired tread.
Atturo Tire
(855)632-8031
atturo.com
Introducing the Chevrolet Cateye Silverado NOVA-series full LED headlights, designed to elevate your driving experience. These headlights feature three of Alphrex’s exclusive 3D ice-cube projectors, accompanied by matching bumper lights. With a versatile light tube, the headlights and bumper lights serve as both DRL and turn signal lights on both sides. You have the option to configure the light tube to display white as the default DRL color or switch to amber.
Alpharex
(888)924-5888
alpharexusa.com
This simple plug and play harness will give your 2017-2022 Super Duty or 2015-2020 F-150 mirror spotlights the ability to come on and stay on whenever the factory button is pressed.
Limitless Autoworks
(610)203-1305
limitlessautoworksllc.com
Rigid’s Radiance+ RBGW XL Pod goes big in style and size. The light takes design notes from RIGID’s popular D-XL PRO and adds a stylish flair with the ability to toggle between eight available backlight options with the flip of a switch: red, green, blue, light blue, purple, amber, white, or demo. The Radiance+ RBGW XL Pod is a stand-out addition to any vehicle platform.
Rigid Industries
(866)520-7292
rigidindustries.com
The factory power steering pressure hoses in 01-10 Duramax equipped pickups are notorious for leaking at their poorly designed, crimped-on fittings. If you are looking for a true “once and for all” solution to this common problem….look no further. Driven Diesel’s kits consist of CNC bent stainless steel tubing sections modeled after the OEM bends and top quality hydraulic hose to prevent additional noise from the pump. The tubing sections are designed to be installed independently of the hose, making installation easier and allowing the hose section to be replaced in the unlikely event of a leak.
Strictly Diesel
(623)582-4404
strictlydiesel.com
Sometimes someone unexpected comes into your life out of nowhere, makes your heart race, and changes you forever. We call those people ‘cops.’” —Author unknown
There are a couple of ways to take that quote. The mind of a gearhead will instantly think of speeding tickets, equipment violations, and traffic school. As the saying goes, “You’ve gotta pay to play.” Gearhead cops, on the other hand, are an interesting bunch unto themselves, as they are no doubt caught in a never-ending conundrum of, “Do I pull that car over because it was speeding?” or “Do I pull that car over because it was speeding … and I need to know what exhaust it has?”
Lance Laquay, a retired police officer, has always had a love for fast vehicles. Among the fleet he has owned, however, none has captured his heart quite like his ’68 Chevy C10 pickup. This truck isn’t just a ride: it’s his pride, his joy, and, let’s be real—probably his favorite family member!
His passion for racing has never been a secret. Lance was determined that his latest truck build would scream “Fast and Furious” while still making Vin Diesel jealous. Pairing a boxed and reinforced frame from Finch Performance with a Magnuson-supercharged Gen IV-based 454 drivetrain with the right peripherals gave Lance a potent package that was ready to outrun and out-handle just about anything on the Truetrac track. Come on—he’s still obligated to keep things civil on the street.
With an 11.0:1 compression ratio and that Roots-style Magnuson 2650R hot rod supercharger kit set up by Diligent Speed Shop, you can bet that Lance’s engine is more pumped up than a bodybuilder on protein shakes. It must take a lot of willpower to not light up those fat 335-millimeter Michelin rear tires! A T-56 Magnum 6-speed built by LuxSpeed was bolted up behind the 454 using a McCleod clutch to transfer the power to the floater 31-spline Ford 9-inch and Detroit TrueTrac limited-slip differential.
Even with that impressive performance setup, it’s the wheels that truly make jaws drop and eyes pop at first glance. Lance went all-in with a combo of 19×11- and 20×12-inch Forgeline DE3C wheels. As you can tell, these babies aren’t just eye candy—they are the cherry on top of this Anniversary Gold and Off-White sundae as they enhance the handling and performance to another level while looking good doing it!
If you’re wondering about the awe-striking chassis, it’s equipped with the latest and greatest from Detroit Speed, as well as tubular trailing arms from Porterbuilt and AFCO Racing coilovers at each corner—not to mention 14-inch Wilwood brakes behind each wheel.
The interior is every bit as impressive as the rest of the truck with door bars tying into the chassis for added rigidity, low-back ProCar Rally bucket seats, and carbon fiber door panels. This Chevy isn’t completely devoid of convenience features as it is equipped with power windows. To tell the truth, though, they’re a bit necessary—imagine trying to roll down the passenger window while strapped into the G-Force 4-point safety harness! Just in case Lance runs out of gas and the truck is quiet enough to hear it, he has a JVC double-DIN head unit mounted in the dash for entertainment.
Since completion, weekends for Lance consist of enjoying every minute of his C10, both off and-on the track. Whether it’s driving or wrenching, the truck remains tip-top at all times and is always ready to rock. Wait, we forgot that he’s retired, so he gets to do this every day—livin’ the dream!
Owner
Chassis & Suspension
Wheels, Tires, & Brakes
Engine & Drivetrain
Body & Paint
Interior & Stereo
There’s nothing more awe-inspiring than going to a custom truck show, especially if it’s one as epic as Lone Star Throwdown in Conroe, Texas. This is where Mike Guillot of Millbrook, Alabama, first felt the itch to bump his project 2007 Chevy Silverado up a few more notches. Of course, he had already completed a few basic modifications before the fateful trip to LST in 2014, but it wasn’t until then when he felt compelled to transform his truck into one that would be more memorable—even in a crowd of that magnitude.
“ My truck had already been ‘bagged back when I attended LST that year,” Mike says. “I was just blown away by the level of trucks that were there. I couldn’t wait to get back home so I could pick back up on my Silverado.”
To get the truck to sit as low and ride as comfortably as possible, Mike enlisted the help of Ekstensive Metal Works in Houston to perform a stock-floor bodydrop, as well as assemble and mount premium air-ride components to give his Chevy on-the-fly ride height adjustability.
While at Ekstensive, the Silverado was also treated to a rear 2-link setup and notched framerails to make ample space for suspension system travel.
“In my mind, Ekstensive was the only shop I could think of that could pull off exactly what I wanted done to the truck,” adds Mike. “I didn’t want to think twice about the quality of workmanship, so they were the only natural option for me.”
The expertise of Ekstensive proved to be valuable throughout the chassis overhaul, especially when prepping the truck for a large set of wheels. The exact dimensions of front 26×10 and rear 26×12 Intro Twisted Blade billets were calculated to ensure a perfect fitment at each corner.
TO get the truck to sit as low and ride as comfortable as possible, Mike enlisted the help of Ekstensive Metal Works in Houston to perform a stock-floor bodydrop, as well as assemble and mount premium air-ride components…”
With the Silverado now sitting as low as it could go, Mike then reached the next order of business of having its exterior cleaned up a bit before any paint was applied. First, the factory gas door, antenna, mirrors, stake pockets, and third brake light were 86’d for cleanliness’ sake. Next, a 2015 GMC Denali front clip was imported and grafted into the factory fender to match up the front and rear fenders. A custom engine cover and bay panels, along with front wheel tubs, were fabricated before Scott Refice was asked to wield his spray gun filled with Tamco My Boy Blue paint, which proved to be a great color selection for the Silverado. A one-off bead-rolled bed with center fuel filler and custom tubs have since been created and finished off with spray-in bed coating to allow the box to function while being well-protected.
A one-off bead-rolled bed with center fuel filler and custom tubs have since been created and finished off with spray-in bed coating to allow the box to function while being well-protected.”
To get the interior in order, Miguel “Mike” Tornero whipped up custom front and rear seats and covered them in gray Ultraleather material with one-off center inserts. The dash, headliner, and door panels have also been recovered with the same upholstery work for a seamless transition throughout the cab space. The rear bench was split in half to squeeze a custom console between them that houses two Phoenix Gold Elite 12-inch subwoofers for plenty of thump. Additional Phoenix Gold audio products in the shape of two amplifiers and 6.5-inch component speakers in the door panels have also been wired up to enhance cruise sessions around town.
THE exact dimensions of front 26×10 and rear 26×12 Intro Twisted Blade billets were calculated to ensure a perfect fitment at each corner.”
Mike will be the first to admit that while his Chevy looks great as it sits, there are improvements that he’d like to see done before calling it “complete.”
“I’d possibly like to add some graphics to the exterior and maybe touch up the interior to give it more depth,” he admits. “These truck projects are never done.”
Nevertheless, Mike’s Silverado is magazine-worthy as-is and is sure to be one of the most memorable pickups to be found in any given show field.
Owner
Engine & Drivetrain
Chassis & Suspension
Wheels & Tires
Body & Paint
Interior & Stereo
A the dust settles on SEMA Show 2023, one thing is clear: this year’s show was an absolute triumph for auto enthusiasts of all persuasions, and we were proud to see the diesel folks show up and show out. This year, Diesel World Magazine and our team descended upon Las Vegas to soak in the sights, sounds, and innovations that make the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show the most exciting event of the year for the whole automotive industry.
With over 70,000 domestic and international buyers, manufacturers, and enthusiasts in attendance, SEMA Show 2023 was nothing short of an automotive oasis. But of course, we had our eyes open for the diesel power on display. Walking through the crowded halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center, it was evident that diesel power is only getting stronger. The sheer number of trucks, each more decked out than the last, was enough to make any diesel heart beat a little faster.
SEMA Show 2023 wasn’t just about products; it was a showcase of innovation and customization. The Battle of the Builders competition brought together the finest craftsmen in the automotive world, and the diesel category was no exception. After witnessing the creativity and ingenuity on display and getting to shoot some awesome trucks you may see on these pages soon, we’re now even more excited about the future of diesel.
Our journey through SEMA Show began with a pilgrimage to the most impressive booths on the floor. One standout was the 1 Way Diesel showcase, where we got a chance to see how they’re merging raw power with cutting-edge technology. 1 Way Diesel has long been a standby for diesel enthusiasts, and their SEMA Show display did not disappoint. From performance upgrades to diesel-specific accessories, the array of products left us eager to enhance our own rigs. It’s safe to say that 1 Way Diesel is at the forefront of pushing the limits of diesel performance.
Liberty Forged Wheels was another heavyweight in the diesel showroom, showcasing their latest designs that seamlessly blend form and function. The attention to detail on their forged wheels was nothing short of spectacular. These wheels aren’t just an upgrade; they’re a statement. They were also the first wheel company to actually manufacture a set of wheels in their booth at SEMA Show, with the help of HAAS automation. Liberty Forged Wheels are a testament to the fact that diesel enthusiasts crave both performance and aesthetics, and these wheels deliver on both fronts. You’ve seen them on these pages before, and we think it’s a safe bet you’ll see a lot more in the future.
In our quest for the best, we also hit up the SSBC Brakes booth, where braking performance took center stage. We all know ensuring your ride has the stopping power it needs is a critical component of any truck build. SSBC Brakes demonstrated why they are an industry leader, with an impressive lineup of American-made and sourced high-performance brake systems designed to handle the increased demands of diesel power. When it comes to safety and stopping power, SSBC Brakes is a name that diesel enthusiasts can trust.
We couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride as we spent time at the Motortopia booth, too. Motortopia has been at the forefront of diesel journalism, and SEMA Show was the perfect platform to connect with our readers and spread the word about Diesel World Magazine. The energy at the booth was contagious, and we were stoked to see so many diesel enthusiasts eager to pick up our latest issue.
In terms of sheer numbers, SEMA Show 2023 did not disappoint. With over 2,400 exhibiting companies and 3,000 new products, the show was a massive combination of innovation and excitement. The sprawling Las Vegas Convention Center was home to over 1,500 trucks, each telling a unique story of customization and passion. Navigating the 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space, we were constantly surrounded by the hum of engines and the smell of burnt rubber. It may be a chaotic week, but at the end of the day, it’s our happy place.
As we reflect back on SEMA Show 2023, one thing becomes abundantly clear—the diesel community is stronger than ever. With brands like 1 Way Diesel, Liberty Forged Wheels, and SSBC Brakes leading the charge, the future of diesel performance is in good hands. The team at Diesel World Magazine truly is honored to be a voice of this community, and we can’t wait to share the stories and innovations we discovered at SEMA Show 2023 with our readers. The SEMA Show 2032 experience may be over, but the diesel revolution is just getting started.
Just about everyone in the Southeast US who’s into custom vehicles in any capacity is familiar with Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It has been home to numerous car and truck events for decades. Pigeon Forge is in Sevier County, which is also home to the Sevier County Fairgrounds.
Being just outside the main drag allows for cruising and hanging out after the show. It also provides a ton of hotels, Air BNB rentals, restaurants, and more things to do than you can make time for. Inside the gates of the venue itself, you’ll find plenty of parking and room for club games, truck limbo, and other events.
Held the second weekend of August each year allows more than a few showgoers to spend some extra “vacation” time in the area before kids go back to school, which is another draw for people.
This year, show organizers threw a pre-party at the Iron Forge Brewing Company, not far from the show grounds. This venue allowed people to hang out, play corn hole, grab some grub or some adult beverages. Iron Forge even parked a few show vehicles inside the brewing room that was visible from inside the main building.
For more info on next years show, make sure to check out TheSparksShow.com or @the_sparks_show on Instagram. They also have a Facebook Event page for the show every year.
This year, show organizers threw a pre-party at the Iron Forge Brewing Company, not far from the show grounds. This venue allowed people to hang out, play corn hole, grab some grub or some adult beverages.
There comes a time when you see something so cool and unique that it just gets ingrained into your memory bank, with little to no chance of it dislodging quickly. That’s pretty much how most onlookers who see Dakota Sargent’s 1951 Ford F-5 truck feel (including us). While its patina-weathered body and lifted stance give it a rugged utilitarian demeanor, there is an elevated level of sophistication to it that made us think right away that it was more than meets the eye—mainly due to some highly impressive features stashed away underneath the hood and the entirety of the truck itself. These are the characteristics that truly showcase Dakota’s engine and truck building talents.
Having a background in diesels, on-highway, and over-the-road trucks, as well as being on-contract as a U.S. Air Force mechanic, Dakota is very well versed in engine maintenance and repair. In fact, he started his own business, Fullhook Performance in Indian Springs, Nevada, a few years ago. Fullhook specializes in Dodge Cummins Ram Turbo diesel trucks as well as specialized suspension components for these pickups. In the world of performance engine building, Dakota has gained some well-deserved notoriety. He has built a solid number of engines for others over the years, but he was looking to piece together something special for himself. While his ’51 Ford truck shouldn’t have much to do with Mopar, its Dodge roots become evident the closer you look at it.
“This truck used to belong to my neighbor, Buddy Seaver,” Dakota says. “Over the last 20 years, I have tried to buy this truck from him on multiple occasions, and his response was always that he had big plans for the truck. Little did he know, so did I. The last time it was driven on the road was in 1960, when it was sidelined due to an engine failure that was never fixed. I tried one last time to make an offer and was surprised to hear what his answer was. He told me that if I was there in the next 20 minutes to pick it up, I could have the truck for free. I was there in 10 with a trailer and a skid loader ready to pull it from the tree that had been slowly consuming it. I’ve slowly built it back to a daily driven rig over the last six years with the first part of that spent in my backyard working on it with basic tools and minimal support from part suppliers. Most of the early welding work completed on it was done while it was plugged into my dryer outlet because I didn’t have my shop at the time.”
With that level of commitment to this particular project, it’s no surprise what Dakota was able to accomplish. To start the ’51 Ford’s rehab phase, he knew right away there was no way the truck’s original chassis system would serve it well going forward. Instead, a 2001 Dodge frame with 2008 AAM 3rd Gen axles proved to be a much better solution since it could be upgraded exactly how Dakota envisioned. A custom front radius arm suspension setup with 2.5×12 King coilovers was put into place, and a one-off 4-link air ride system was devised for the rear end. Mounting the Ford cab to the Dodge frame required fabricating custom mounts, but that type of job is well within Dakota’s wheelhouse. To finish off the truck’s refreshed chassis, a set of 20×12 Method Racing wheels dipped in 40×15.50 Toyo M/T rubber were bolted into position to update the old Ford’s appearance.
With the Ford truck now mounted onto a rock-solid foundation, Dakota then began the process of deciding which engine to plant between the Dodge frame rails. This process didn’t take too long since he had already skipped ahead to this step before the reconstruction of this project even kicked off. A 1996 Dodge 5.9L inline-6 Cummins diesel unit was the engine of choice for his ’51 Ford truck. The compound turbo 12v has since been outfitted with enough performance goods to pump out an impressive 700hp count. Dakota thrives on engine rehab. The entire process of properly outfitting the diesel mill, including installing the ’96 NV4500 5-speed manual transmission behind it was an absolute joy for him, which is plain to see based on the cleanliness and overall performance on the road.
The exterior didn’t require much attention other than general maintenance since Dakota was dead set on preserving the Ford’s patina-clad, rugged good looks. The medium duty flatbed was left in place and only moderately updated where necessary. Inside the cab, the bench seat was wrapped in fresh leather skins and a custom gauge panel complete with Isspro gauges was created. A streamlined approach was key for properly maintaining the original feel for the more than 70-year-old Ford truck, so less amounted to more in order to achieve this goal.
“This truck is not perfect, but with every bit of imperfection came a lesson,” Dakota admits. “My friend Buddy who previously owned this truck might have had different plans than mine, but I can see how proud he is to see it still driving around town. Over the years, I have gained support from a few companies in the industry that have helped get the build to where it is today, and I must take a minute to thank Pureflow Air Dog, Northern Radiator, Smeding Diesel, and After Dark Kreations among others.” .
OWNER
Dakota Sargent
Indian Springs, NV
ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES
INTERIOR
She lives! Stock to Not has honestly been a great reintroduction to doing a driveway-built project. It wasn’t a total crap-shoot from the beginning and the 12 valve has always been a great truck to work on. With everything we need to do pretty much right there in the engine bay, she’s ready to be worked on without hassle.
Lucky for me and the talented mechanics I’ve had working on this project since we’ve had it, the engine bay of this truck was pretty well taken care of, so going through we were surprised to see that everything wasn’t absolutely covered in oil (every Dodge guys knows, if it isn’t leaking leaking oil, something’s is wrong with it). Either way, we took the time to blast as much of the old engine grime and crud that’s been there for a long time off, so we had an even cleaner workplace than we did before.
Once we got the head back from Express Engines (Deland, FL (386) 734-9302) we didn’t waste any time getting the top end back together so we were ready to film our DDP fueling product install. We used ARP 425 12MM head studs, XOTIC performance pre machined pedestals so we didn’t have to get the stock ones modified for the studs Diesel auto power 145# valve springs and diesel auto power heavy duty chromoly 7/16 pushrods so this engine can handle the higher RPM range we need to get this truck to safely and consistently put down power. Doesn’t it look pretty?!
Soon we’ll have this truck back on the road and ripping so don’t forget to subscribe to continue seeing “Stock to Not” evolve from a good Facebook marketplace find to a high horsepower daily driver!
We’ve also had the opportunity to upgrade our intercooler to the Smeding Diesel replacement! This intercooler reduces air intake temps 25% and will get our EGT’s a little lower on the gauges, therefore keeping our engine cooler in hot situations.
Our first “stage” of turbochargers on this build is this Smeding Diesel stock replacement S362/65/14.
This turbo is a drop in turbo from the boys at Smeding, and will give us a good place to start power wise (around 550WHP) and let us get all the kinks out of the first go at this build.
Growing up in Southern, California with a fairly large age gap between myself and my two older brothers, I had the privilege of watching my brothers build some amazing cars in my parent’s garage, throughout the course of my childhood. Every penny my brothers earned from after school and summer jobs would be spent wrenching on their cars, for weeks on end. Asking questions, watching them wrench, and the pure excitement as they fired them up, rattling the windows in our parent’s and neighbor’s house, placed a smile on my face I could not begin to explain!
Then on that one special Saturday night at the age of 13 years old, my oldest brother asked if I would like to take a ride prior to him heading off to Whittier Blvd. to cruise and find a few races as they did every Saturday night. Excited beyond belief, I hopped in my brother’s car and we proceeded to drive over to the oil fields in Santa Fe Springs, CA, better known as the industrial section today. No idea what I was in for, my brother came to a complete stop dead center in the middle of the street. Curious as to why we’re in the middle of the road and before I could even ask, the engine revved, the clutch was dumped, my head whipped back as the car begin to shift to the right. Like a kid in the candy store, smiling ear-to-ear, my brother slammed the shifter into 2nd as he steered slightly back to the left and proceeded into 3rd, the sound the engine made, the smoke in the street and inside the car, was a feeling of pure adrenalin like I’ve never felt before. Holding on for dear life as we headed into 4th, I knew horsepower and muscle cars were in my blood for life!
I made the decision to tear down the entire car
Eager to build something different and slighter smaller to accommodate the build within my two-car garage, I set out to find an early Chevy Nova. After months of searching, I purchased the 65 Nova nearly 4 years ago from a gentleman in Chicago, IL where I had the car immediately shipped back to my residence in Southern CA.
Coming from a 55 Chevy with a blown big block with nearly 850 horse that I sold 6 years ago to assist with our kid’s college funds, I found driving the 65 Nova with its mild built 350, 325 horse to be quite boring to say the least.
Determined to build one of the nicest 65 Nova’s on the street, I made the decision to tear down the entire car to the shell by removing the engine, suspension, interior, wiring and glass, assuring all I had left was a body and empty canvas. Assuring the Nova had the perfect look and stance, the car was then mini-tubbed and fitted with TCI 4-Link Suspension out back and TCI Mustang 2 Rack/Pinion Power Steering up front.
Staying within the silver theme that was on the car when purchased, the car was then shipped to Auto Perfections in La Habra, CA where Loy, (owner) personally spent nearly 6 months welding, grinding, aligning every gap/seam to flawless perfection, followed by filling in every spot weld on the entire body and blocking for countless hours. With the car now laser straight, the entire car was sealed, re-blocked, followed by applying the custom mix, 2-Stage Silver Metallic, cut and buffed to a deep mirror finish.
With the body now back in my garage, this is where my own personal fun and countless hours began: covering and bagging the entire car, assuring it’s well-protected from any future overspray or scratches. With the car now bagged and ready to go, POR-15 was applied to all floor and trunk pans, followed by the same 2-Stage Silver Metallic, matching the exterior of the car to perfection. Requiring the ultimate look, the front, and rear suspension was finished to a mirrored perfection with 2-Stage Maserati Metallic Black with 10% silver metallic flake.
Starting with the front suspension install, the steering linkage was fitted with polished stainless U-joints and a chrome steering shaft. Assuring the rear can accommodate the future horsepower, the back was fitted with a custom, narrowed 9” differential with Eaton Tru-Trac Posi, 31 Spline Mosier Axels, and fully-polished aluminum pinion retainer. Requiring plenty of stopping power, all four corners were then fitted with Wilwood 12” slotted/drilled disk brakes and fully-polished brake lines. The undercarriage detail would not be complete without installing all fully-polished stainless fuel tank, and every single nut and bolt is polished stainless or chrome.
Thanks to the hands of Bobby at BC Performance in Santa Fe Springs, CA for building a fully custom motor, the stroked 423 SBC received a new Dart block, Scat, forged pro-series crank and rods, custom solid roller cam, Carrillo forged pistons, AFR 220cc heads, MSD ignition, and Edelbrock Vic. Jr. manifold with Quick Fuel carburetor, making slightly over 600 horse and 595 ft lbs. of torque. Assuring we have plenty to polish, the entire exterior of the AFR heads, manifold, water pump, alternator, pulleys, valve covers, Wilwood master cylinder, air cleaner, Griffin aluminum radiator, to the Billet Hood Hinges are fully polished. Assuring the engine runs cool year-round, duel Spal electrical fans and adjustable temp. control was installed.
Thanks to the extra set of eyes and hands from a dear friend, we installed the engine accompanied by a McLeod billet flywheel, RST twin disk hydraulic cluck, backed by a Tremec TKO 600 transmission coated to match the undercarriage of the car. The engine was fitted with 1-3/4” fully-polished, ceramic coated headers and fully-polished 2-1/2” exhaust fitted with 12” Dynomax bullet mufflers, assuring the old-school hot rod sound is still alive!
The car was then fitted with all new rubber seals, window regulators, tinted glass, fully polished gauge cluster with white-faced Dolphin gauges, tilt steering column and all-black leather interior followed by a fully carpeted trunk and chrome fire extinguisher.
Assuring a slightly different look from the traditional ‘65 Nova, the car was completed by installing a ‘63 grill with lower blinker signals, custom-fitted Budnik Knives Wheels, 18” X 10” rears, 17” X 7” fronts, mounted on 225 and 275 BF Goodrich tires to complete the show-quality build. Every wire in the entire engine bay and undercarriage of the car was painstakingly hidden, leaving the human eye to wonder where are the wires on this car?
In the realm of automotive design, where the marriage of classic beauty and modern engineering takes center stage, ECD Auto Design stands as a revered master. With a legacy built on restoring and enhancing Land Rovers to unparalleled luxury, ECD now makes a resounding entry into a new chapter, gracing the world with their inaugural bespoke Jaguar E-Type, aptly named Project Dallas Commission.
The journey into this enchanting piece of automotive artistry begins with ECD’s distinctive touch, where they offer a white-glove experience, spanning a meticulous 2,200 hours of dedication. Clients are presented with the choice of a Series II or Series III E-Type, alongside the option of a roadster or coupe. This is where the magic truly begins, as ECD embraces the spirit of personalization, allowing clients to choose their own adventure.
The canvas is wide open as clients delve into the realm of customization. From exterior paint hues that evoke nostalgia to the fine details of gauges, clients can curate their dream Jaguar E-Type. The interior transforms into a haven of elegance, where Spinneybeck leather, heated OEM-style seats, and a Trophy original-style steering wheel combine to create an ambiance reminiscent of classic Hollywood.
Under the historic Jaguar green exterior of Project Dallas Commission throbs the heart of modern engineering. A Corvette LT1 engine, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, ushers in a driving experience that’s both nostalgic and contemporary. It’s the perfect synergy between old-world charm and modern performance, offering a roadster that’s ready to embrace the bi-coastal weekend adventures in style.
ECD doesn’t merely transport us back in time; they infuse the Project Dallas Commission with advanced technology, including Bluetooth, push start button, blind spot assistance, and automatic headlights. It’s a beautiful synthesis of the past and the future, a testament to ECD’s commitment to redefining what it means to restore and enhance classic vehicles.
ECD’s commitment to crafting exquisite automotive masterpieces is evident in their plan to hand-build only 10 to 12 custom E-Type builds each year. This exclusivity ensures that each creation receives the undivided attention it deserves, allowing ECD to maintain their unwavering standards of quality and craftsmanship.
Project Dallas Commission is not just another car; it’s an experience, a journey through time and innovation, all wrapped in the resplendent elegance of a legendary E-Type. For those who seek a restored Jaguar E-Type like no other, a visit to ECD’s immersive luxury design experience is the first step toward owning a masterpiece that transcends eras.
Discover more about the art of restoration and luxury at ecdautodesign.com. Project Dallas Commission is the embodiment of ECD’s dedication to creating bespoke, one-of-a-kind vehicles that merge classic allure with modern performance.
