SEMA Scenes – Highlights from the 2021 SEMA Show
The hot rod and automotive aftermarket industry flocked to the bright lights of Las Vegas once again as the 2021 SEMA Show returned to an in-person trade event in Sin City for the first time in two years. After a “virtual” year in 2020, many companies, builders, shops, and retailers were ready to get back out and check out the industry’s latest offerings in person. And despite a reduced number of displaying companies and attendees, the crowds, cars, and parts on hand at the Las Vegas Convention Center are all good signs that performance automotive hobby is healthy, strong, and ready for the road ahead.
One constant with the SEMA Show is the glitz and flash behind many of the displays. Companies pull out all the stops to show off their latest wares and attract attention. A standout display vehicle is one way to do that – especially if it’s a fresh debut, of which there were many this year.
SEMA also celebrated the legacy of car designer, builder, and celebrity Chip Foose with a special display highlighting some of the groundbreaking machines he’s designed or built over the past 25 years. It’s amazing to see the evolution of his style – and the consistent thread of great design in all the builds.
The SEMA Show is also a wonderful venue for trendspotting. The big takeaways this year? One was retrofitting electric motors into classic vehicles, with Chevrolet and Ford teaming up with builders to showcase new EV drivetrains (including the storied Project X ’57 Chevy) and other builders plugging in with electric conversions of their own. And it’s no surprise that vintage trucks and 4x4s are still hot, too, with plenty of Broncos, Jeeps, and other rugged rides on display.
While Goodguys did not have a booth of its own at SEMA this year, we had plenty of friends and contributors there checking out the scene – including regular contributor Todd Ryden, who gathered the photos here. The accompanying gallery is a small taste of the spectacle that is SEMA and should whet your appetite for some of the custom vehicles, trends, and parts to look for in the coming year.
2021 SEMA Show Photo Extra!
Photos by Todd Ryden
