The start of November saw over 100,000 visitors descend on the Las Vegas Convention Center as exhibitors, manufacturers, buyers and motoring enthusiasts attended the 2021 edition of the SEMA Show.
Thousands of modified cars, trucks, SUVs, overlanders, electric vehicles and just about anything on wheels were on show in Nevada’s biggest city, as the world’s most iconic motoring show made its triumphant return.
Having been cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, motoring fanatics and pundits everywhere were eagerly awaiting this year’s event – and they weren’t disappointed.
Read on to find out our highlights of the 2021 SEMA Show.
What is the SEMA Show?
Created in 1963 with the first show taking place in 1967, the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show was formed to provide a place for all areas of automation to come together, share ideas, network and display new innovations.
The original intention of the show was to inform rather than entertain, but over the years it’s transformed from a few humble stalls to extravagant exhibitions featuring all manner of wild and wacky products. It’s become famous for its display of modified and custom vehicles, with many exhibitors working all year round to get their cars ready for SEMA.
These days, it’s one of the most important car conventions of the year, featuring some of the industry’s top manufacturers, car enthusiasts, celebrity guests and a whole host of automotive YouTubers.
2021 Highlights
Despite seeing more than 100,000 people attend, the 2021 event was actually somewhat of a sedate affair when compared to previous years. The COVID-19 pandemic inevitably had an impact as many international exhibitors and guests were unable to attend. Regardless, there were still plenty of highlights worthy of a mention.
The Stradman’s Lamborghini Aventador
James Lucas Condon, AKA The Stradman, is one of the most famous automotive YouTubers around. At this year’s SEMA Show he displayed his pink Lamborghini Aventador. After installing a widebody kit complete with front and rear bumpers, overfenders and side skirts, it was painted pink with white pinstripes. A bold choice, but one in line with his ambition to own a car collection featuring every colour of the rainbow.
TJ Hunt’s Lamborghini Huracan
One of the show’s most inspired builds that featured at the show was TJ Hunt’s Lamborghini Huracan, complete with a twin-turbo engine. As well as using a twin-turbo kit, the project included a wide body kit, a new Z1 Single Exit exhaust and performance wheels. In fact, it was so well-loved he even received a number of cash offers from visitors to the show!
TJ Hunt’s Corvette C8
As well as his Lamborghini, the show saw Hunt unveil one of his most ambitious projects, his Corvette C8. Using a 3D-printed body kit that he created himself, the design was inspired by GT3 racing cars of the past, also featuring a twin-turbo kit and new wheels.
Ford ‘Chia’ Bronco
Ford always occupies a significant section of SEMA’s exhibits and this year was no different. This year there was a big focus on the Ford Bronco with many guests even being allowed behind the wheel during a whole host of demonstrations.
But, undoubtedly the standout Bronco on show was the ‘Chia’ Bronco. Taking the phrase ‘going green’ to a whole new level, this Bronco was covered in real grass which even featured real chia seeds that needed frequent watering.
Overall, SEMA Show 2021 was a huge success and is set to return to Vegas once again in 2022. Next year it will be taking place between 1st-4th November.
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