HOTRODS @ SEMA

I just returned from four fun-filled days at the giant SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Show in Las Vegas. It’s an annual event for me. More than 175,000 people attended and there were some 1500 cars, trucks and SUVs on display. The SEMA Show is simply enormous, and traversing the show will test your powers of endurance. I walked nearly six miles each day and I still didn’t see it all.

Just as a reminder, SEMA was initially called the Speed Equipment Manufacturer’s Association when it began in 1963. The name was changed as the group’s membership broadened from less than 20 founders with names such as Vic Edelbrock, Sr., Phil Weiand and Ed Iskenderian. It has now has 6300 members spanning the entire automotive parts and accessories industry. The SEMA Show is not open to the general public — you have to be part of the industry in some fashion in order to snag a coveted pass (or be an automotive writer).

During the SEMA Show, exhibitors from dozens of countries overflow the huge wheel, tire, accessory, tool, truck and off-road companies, but this column will focus on the hot rods there.