The GM Futureliner and other unique automotive sights from Las Vegas (pictures)
The annual SEMA automotive aftermarket show in Las Vegas features plenty of modern, customized cars, but there are more than a few odd sights round the halls. Check out a rare GM Futureliner, big wheels and vintage custom rides.
GM Futureliner
This GM Futureliner was on display at SEMA. It is a rare example of a vehicle built by GM in the 1940s for exhibitions.
GM Futureliner
The "Parade of Progress" Futureliner features a flourescent lighting module that rises from the roof to help light its exhibition area.
GM Futureliner
The display side of the Futureliner opens up. This example illustrates a jet engine and the different planes it powers.
La Mona Lisa
Velocity Wheels hosts La Mona Lisa, a custom truck build from Big V Designs, in its SEMA booth.
BTK Earthmax tire
This tire, designed for construction equipment, is about 6 feet high and fits around a 35-inch wheel.
BMW 2002 tii
BMW brought a little history to SEMA. Defying all the customized cars around this fine example of a 2002 tii includes round tail lights.
Mercedes-Benz Metris
Mercedes-Benz is launching a new mid-size work van in the US called the Metris next year, and gave us a sneak peak at SEMA with several modified versions, including this DJ van.
Pomona Valley Customs VW Micro Bus
This 1961 Volkswagen 21 window bus has been fitted with a 2.2-liter four cylinder engine making 210 horsepower and an air suspension, letting it sit low.
Mopar 572 Hemi
The Mopar booth at SEMA showed off the 572 Hemi crate engine, a carbuerreted V-8 with over 9 liters of displacement. This engine makes 650 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque.
Polaris Slingshot
Polaris, maker of all-terrain vehicles, brought its new Slingshot three-wheeler to SEMA. The Slingshot runs on a 2.4-liter engine and is street legal.
Savini Wheels
Savini offers a wide range of finishes for its wheels, with color choices ranging from red to white to aqua, along with two-tones.
Savini Wheels
Savini fits a blue finish custom wheel to a Lamborghini Huracan.
Southern Crush
Vision Wheel showcased this 1/3 size monster truck, the Southern Crush, which appears at exhibition events driven by 16 year old Pleasant Cook.
Southern Crush
Southern Crush, also known as 4x4 Barbie, makes use of four wheel steering and runs a 1.6-liter four cylinder engine.
American Force Wheels
American Force had its latest two piece truck wheels on display, with a variety of different finishes available.
Starr Wheels Camaro
This Camaro sits up high on custom, 32-inch Rock N Starr wheels from Starr Wheel Group.
Continental Untamed Innovation Tour truck
For Continental, size matters. The company put its Untamed Innovation Tour Truck on the SEMA show floor. Boasting carbon fiber panels, this tractor tows a mobile showroom for Continental's automotive components.
Goodyear vintage car tires
In a simple display on the show floor, Goodyear showed off a wide variety of new tires for vintage cars.
Chevy Nomad beach custom
This beach bum customized Chevy Nomad features hand-carved woody sides.
Chevy Nomad beach custom
A nice tiki bar sets up in the back of the Chevy Nomad.
Ford RC cars
Ford offered the opportunity to race these remote control cars in its outside exhibition area.
American Pony Drive
A river of Mustangs, covering all eras, circled Ford's outside exhibition area. These cars were driven by their owners to Las Vegas as part of the American Pony Drive's celebration of Mustang's 50th anniversary.
American Pony Drive
Even the Fox body Mustang got representation, as exemplified by this SVT Cobra version.
Welderup Gasser
Custom build shop Welderup brought a number of its creations to SEMA, including the Gasser, a 1955 Chevy 150. This build uses a 498 cubic inch supercharged V-8.
La Bestioni
La Bestioni, also know as Rusty One, began life as a 1917 fire engine, but has been converted to represent a boat-tail vintage racing car.
Daystar Jeep Forward Control 170
Daystar, maker of aftermarket 4x4 parts, brought this custom creation to SEMA. Based on a Jeep Forward Control 170, it sports a 5.7-liter Hemi engine, and is seen here running tracks.
Daystar Jeep Forward Control 170
A Mattracks track set converts the FC 170 to a tracked vehicle, making it ready for ice and snow.