STANG Magazine SEMA 2021 Special Edition Issue

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SEMA L A S VEGA S CONVENTI ON CENTER

LAS VEGAS, NV

11.2.21 — 11.5.21 T HE S H OW , T HE M USTAN G S , T HE A DVE NT U RE !

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Mustang enthusiasts have asked for a magazine that has no ads, no sales pitches, and no bogus “fillers” to eat up space. They have asked for a magazine that is free, easy to access, and nothing but focused on Mustang pictures and content. They have asked for a magazine produced and written by Mustang owners. They have asked for a magazine that highlights the daily drivers and the average Mustang that is driven and is not a trailer queen. They have asked for the chance to one day have their ride, their group, their club, or their cause to be recognized in print or online. It is our absolute pleasure to meet these standards and to give you STANG Magazine. We hope that both our message and our image will be seen in every Mustang community out there. Thank you Mustang fans and enjoy your ride! - Daniel Ramey, Editor-In-Chief

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TABLE OF CON T EN T S

TALKING WITH TJ FLY BY THE SEAT OF YOUR PANTS SEMA 101 Daniel Ramey SEMA 2021 Daniel Ramey COBRA JET 1400 Doug Smith

MY SEMA EXPERIENCE Doug Smith SEMA FIRST TIMER Robert Moorman

SEMA ROOKIE Joyce Galanti

STANG SEMA CREW Daniel Ramey

SEMA SEMA SEMA Kaitlyn Ramey

IN THE “HEADLIGHTS” Autoshocker

SHELBY EDITION MACH-E Anastasia Chernyavskaya

MUSTANGS OF SEMA OUR STAFF

SHELBY HERITAGE MUSEUM Doug Smith SHELBY VIP PARTY Mark Dennis w w w.stangmagazine.com

H T I W G N I K TAL

J T

As we begin our journey into the descent of madness that is my mind and the crazy antics of my life, I would

FLY BY THE SEAT OF YOUR PANTS

like to first introduce myself. My name is TJ, blah blah

SEMA 2021! STANG Mag has a philosophy, don’t make

blah, that sums it up and all you need to know. Whew…

plans and fly by the seat of your pants. What does this

got past the CRAP no one cares about! Now for the

mean? We pick a location or event to go to and

good stuff.

completely impromptu the event. SEMA 2021 was the

Mustang culture is one that is very unique and brings

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together people from all walks of life. One thing is for sure though, the STANG Mag crew isn’t your typical

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crew. We are a bunch of weirdos, oddballs, and outcasts. We party hard and live by our ride or die motto

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and have adventures like no other.

main event so of course staff went to SEMA, but everything else was not planned. Each night we just walked around and whatever looked cool we would go there. Get with your friends, create a public event for others in your community to join, and go where life takes you. Yes, I know it can be hard for people who are organized and must travel by itineraries, but let go of

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From partying in various spots all over the U.S., to

the control because you will find the coolest spots off

touring some of America’s most haunted sites,

the beaten path and those make the greatest memories.

to having my ass spanked by a beautiful Latina in Las Vegas in front of a restaurant packed full of guests (and owning it), it’s never a dull moment! All I can say is... strap in, rev the shit out of your motor, and let’s go!

Here in SEMA, we wandered the strip at night, visited many of the great local establishments during the day,

visited the infamous Fremont Street, took Slingshots to

strangers, who over time become a part of your family,

the Hoover Dam, and met a lot of fine people along the

is a unique thing that I feel many in this world don’t

way. The Slingshots to Hoover Dam was not on my mind

get to experience. A lot of people are so isolated and

coming up to Las Vegas. It was a last second idea, but it

disconnected from each other trying to build their life,

was the highlight of the trip. Honestly, I never cared for

that they end up missing out on experiencing life to

the Slingshots, but damn, to be in one and drive it out

its fullest. Get out and put yourself out there because

in the desert was an experience to say the least! I highly

I promise you will find others just like you with similar

urge anyone to try it. It was so much fun. Speeding down

interests who want to explore what life has to offer. I urge

the highway with our crew, sharing smiles, and creating

everyone to connect with their local community and

memories of a lifetime. That is what it is all about.

create events to bring local enthusiasts together

This STANG Mag philosophy has led to many of the greatest memories of my life. To create bonds with

because once you walk down this road, it will change your life forever.

SEMA 101 D A N I E L

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S E MA 101 DANIEL RAMEY

IF YOU GO ONCE, YOU WILL NEVER STOP GOING AND IF YOU EXPERIENCE SEMA IN ALL OF ITS GLORY, THERE IS NO OTHER AUTO EVENT OR SHOW THAT YOU WILL EVER ATTEND IN YOUR LIFETIME THAT WILL EVEN COMPARE. If you have never heard of SEMA, you should be smacked straight in the face and really hard. The SEMA Show is the ultimate destination and event for auto fans, builders, and manufacturers from all over the world. We are not talking about people just from the United States, we are talking from every country on the planet. Lucky for us, Las Vegas, Nevada is not that far away and because we have busted our ass to be the best Mustang magazine ever published, we get passes every year to attend, review, and enjoy the eye candy stretching for nearly a square mile in every direction. SEMA is the Mecca for auto enthusiasts and has hundreds of custom autos on display, new products being released and never seen yet to hit the market, and buildings full of advancing ideas in automotive technology that would make your head spin. SEMA is the birthplace of auto invention, innovation, customization, and global networking. If you go once, you will never stop going and

if you experience SEMA in all of its glory, there is no other auto event or show that you will ever attend in your lifetime that will even compare. I guess to start, I need to educate you on SEMA attendance, etiquette, and expectations. So sit down, grab a beer, and get ready for a crash course in SEMA-101.

First thing is first and Lesson One of SEMA-101 is very important. Let’s talk about attendance. Not everyone can attend and you should know that SEMA is a week long event. SEMA was designed to be the ultimate auto enthusiast adventure so getting in to the show is almost impossible unless you are a custom builder with a vehicle on display, an auto manufacturer showing off your new goodies, a buyer traveling across the globe to make those bills rain on something you have to have for your personal collection, or you are a verified media member with credentials to attend after engaging in a scrutinous review of your published product, purpose, and potential. Consider yourself lucky if you have ever attended or have earned a pass. It is a week long event packed full of exhibits, seminars, new releases, meetings, conferences, competitions, and guest appearances from almost every auto celebrity ever in existence and then some. The point being made here - attending SEMA is a PRIVILEGE and those who do attend have earned it. Those who have

attended put in the work, time, and effort to fulfill that

new sneakers walking at the SEMA show year after year.

dream bucket wish list of walking those halls, smelling

It is massive and it is awesome.

those auto vapors, and wearing the SEMA shades of protection to thwart off the blinding auto glare bursting from every inch of that holy land. If you see me wearing my shades, it is because I earned them and need them in more ways than one. Trust me by day three of ©

experiencing the full SEMA and Vegas adventure, those

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shades are not only a status symbol, they are a life saver.

I have attended SEMA three times and I have yet to

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see everything. There are buildings upon buildings and more parking lots than you can count of things to

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see and do. You will not get to experience everything in one mere visit. I literally have burned holes in brand

That leads us to Lesson Two of SEMA-101 which is etiquette. I’m just shooting straight to the point that I want to make on this lesson, which is RESPECT. Every person, every build, every invention, every idea, and literally everything you see or interact with at the SEMA show deserves nothing but your full RESPECT. From the staff to the builders, the designers to the innovators, the buyers to the shiners, every person, automobile, and object on display in that place has earned the privilege to be there. Don’t be that fool who bashes on anyone or anything. Show respect. Trust me, the auto world is very small and being disrespectful is definitely not going to

get you far. My advice is enjoy the time you spend there,

it all soak in and definitely get an event map because

be respectful to those you meet, and have the courage

you are going to get lost. You will have sensation

to interact with everyone. The networking potential at

overload and will easily get frustrated if you can’t

SEMA is endless and most of the goals you have set

find your way. The best friends you will ever make

for your auto passion can be accomplished through

at SEMA will be the staff standing at every entrance

a simple smile and handshake at SEMA. Dress the part,

and exit to the buildings. They know when you are lost

act the part, and be a part of the SEMA experience.

because they see it all the time. Take a map, take your

SEMA was designed to be for the best of the best so

time, and just enjoy it for everything it is. With that being

keep it that way.

said, your SEMA-101 crash course has ended. Now

Lesson Three of SEMA-101 deals with expectations.

You should have really high expectations if you get the chance to attend SEMA. Everything great that people talked about is nothing compared to the experience in real life. It is so much BETTER. Take your time to let

let’s get into the review of SEMA 2021. We welcome you and please enjoy the journey as you explore this STANG Magazine SEMA 2021 Special Edition Issue.

PHOTO CRED: DANIEL RAMEY

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IT IS FUNNY THAT THE MORE YOU MAKE THE SEMA TRIP, A.K.A. THE JOURNEY TO THE AUTO HOLY LAND, THE MORE YOU PICK UP ON THE LITTLE THINGS.

up on the little things. Airport ironic comedy for one.

That’s all I can say and the best way to describe it. The irony - we all get there super early to get through security, just to find ourselves sitting around for what seems forever for your plane to arrive. The bad comedy - as you look around, people are so damn miserable, anxious, or just simply put, lost in their own

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are like me, like a big kid too excited about the next day,

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you are up all night pondering the upcoming auto adventure. Then before you can even get a minute or two

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of sleep, the alarm goes off and it is time to head out to the airport. We grabbed our bags and off we went.

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It is funny that the more you make the SEMA trip, a.k.a. the journey to the auto holy land, the more you pick

worlds of technology. Nobody is talking to anyone and nobody really gives a crap about anyone around them.

It is sad really. Whatever happened to the thrill of adventure? After all, pretty sure that no matter the destination of where you are flying, it has to be better than sitting on your ass at home doing nothing.

The airport misery never affects our crew though. We actually embrace it and see it as our first duty and good

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deed of the day to make people happy as we embark on

the rest of the crew for brunch and more go-go juice, and

our SEMA excursion. Our job is to bring the energy like we

SEMA. Do not stop for anything, do not get delayed for any

always do. We always find a way to get people connecting

reason, and do not FOR THE LOVE OF GOD fall for the

and to enjoy every minute of life. Even in the airport. And

hustlers on the Vegas strip.

just like every trip, we find a way to make it awesome. So without further delay, we check in, get through security, and it’s time to hit an open bar. You have to have some early mimosas because you need orange juice for breakfast.

It is the best way to mingle with potential SEMA adventurers or just the random weary traveler. Within minutes, we are the life of the party and drawing in people into our conversations. Pretty sure we met just about everyone on our flight simply through car talk and laughter. No matter which airport you are flying from during SEMA week, it is a guarantee that someone around you is going to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show.

If you have ever been to Vegas, you know it is all about the “hustle”. Unfortunately, some of our crew were rookies to the SEMA experience and fell for the hustle. Some lost a few hundred bucks within minutes by posing with show girls, some got suckered by that dumb ass steak dinner offer, and some couldn’t get past collecting the exotic call girl cards that are given out by the hustlers on the corner that I like to call the “flippers”. They can flip and snap those cards like champs trying to make that money. I won’t lie, we try to collect as many cards as we can every year and trade with each other. We like to compare which cards we have from year to year and see if we can collect the whole set

Time to fly. The plane arrives and we are surrounded by

like Pokemon junkies. Side note - one of our SEMA rookies

all Las Vegas adventurers. Some are locals, some are

decided to get heavily intoxicated and impersonate a

first timers, but most are bound for SEMA. The flight goes

flipper. He almost got punched a few times by pedestrians

quick because everyone is talking about their past

because he took his fake job a little too serious. Don’t do

adventures, potential adventures, or simply trying to catch

that. It was hilarious but when he saw the videos the next

a few minutes of rest before hitting that Vegas strip. Not us

day after an infusion and hours of black out, he decided

though, we are wide-eyed and ready to party. We already

not to go that hardcore again on night one of the SEMA

have the day planned from the second we hit the airport

adventure. We will get into the night life later, but for now,

until the second we finally crash from exhaustion. Here is

let’s get back to landing and heading to SEMA.

the agenda - land, drive, check in at Bally’s, meet up with

We followed the agenda for the most part. We land-

of this world. All the hustlers come out in full force and

ed and took the quick ride from the airport to Bally’s,

there is no limit to what they will do in order to make

while soaking in the Vegas scenery. We checked in,

some loot. From music, to art, to the craziest talents

unloaded our bags, and did a quick Facetime conference

and extreme outfits to draw in attention, you will see

call to the whole crew to get this adventure underway.

it and finally realize what the hype is all about. On that

Two of us walked to the local beer shop and picked up

note, I made sure to take it easy on the crew for night

the essentials, two of us passed out in the hotel room

one. On night two after our STANG Mag VIP party, we

before the adventure even began (the wives who were

did hit up Fremont Street to make sure our crew knew

exhausted from the morning airport process), two of us

exactly what the real Vegas was about. That’s a whole

got delayed and were wandering around Vegas, and

article in itself so I won’t digress. After walking the strip

one of us, I won’t mention any names TJ, already had

on night one and settling just outside of Bally’s to night

to try the best local Sushi spot. We met up, had some

cap it off, the adventure continued and before you

pre-game fun, and off we went to enjoy the Vegas strip.

knew it, everyone was waking up with hangovers and

For me being somewhat of a semi-seasoned SEMA adventurer, I wanted to show the rest of the STANG Mag crew what I liked the best about Vegas without doing too much of the tourist stuff. Sure we went and watched the fountains at the Bellagio, walked through most of the casinos, watched the wicked rides rip up

laps of memory. Some of us even had a little too much fun and almost lived in the local trash can for the night.

Let us be clear, that did not stop our SEMA mission. As always, we have a job to do and that is to cover the event from every angle known to man. As always, I was the first awake and ready to roll at 5:00 a.m.

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and down the street, and bar hopped from one iconic

Onward to SEMA! As you start walking from Bally’s to

foodie spot to the other, but what I wanted them to

the monorail to catch a ride to the Las Vegas Convention

experience was the night life, the scenery, and take

Center, you can feel the energy all around you. You

in the full experience that Vegas offers... meaning

start to remember past years and the friendships and

ANYTHING is possible. You will see just about anything

memories made during this iconic week. For begin-

and everything. If you can imagine it, someone already

ners, simply put... you are walking those final steps to

did it, and it needs to be done at a whole new level. For

see Atlantis. You heard about this legendary site un-

example, if I wanted to see tigers playing ping pong

seen and you would basically do anything to just stand

while wearing scuba suits, it has probably already been

there in person. I can’t express this enough, SEMA is

done. No lie. To say the least, the Vegas night life is out

more than you can ever imagine. As you come off

the monorail, the escalator slowly brings you down to your

As we picked up our media badges, were greeted by the

final destination. On both sides is nothing but magical

wonderful staff, and started to wrangle our excitement, it

madness. From one end of the horizon to the other, the Las

was time to get to work and get the job done. First

Vegas Convention Center is gleaming with the world’s

mission, let’s hit up every outdoor display in the early morn-

most fantastic vehicles ever to be made. You are finally

ing before it gets too hot and before the rest of the mas-

home. The rest of the day will be a complete blur. There is a

sive crowd shows up from their own hangovers. The crew

psychological reason for that. SENSORY OVERLOAD. The

went to work and we ran off in every direction with smiles

sights, the sounds, the smells, and the wave of emotions

so big that our faces hurt. We took photos, talked with

that you will go through is like something you will never feel

builders, met other SEMA adventurers, and did our re-

again in your life. Trust me, once you go to SEMA, there is

search on the evolving auto scene. Every vehicle on display

absolutely no other car show, event, or location in the world

was nothing but perfection. Even though we were there as

that will give you back that same feeling. Everything else is

huge Mustang enthusiasts, all of us are gear heads. We

literally “not good enough”. This is why SEMA is and will

love every make and model of vehicle and SEMA offers

always be, a BIG deal.

that and more. Since STANG Magazine launched a sister

As the day seemed to go by with lightning speed, we

two birds with one stone. We just took pictures of EV-

dove into the indoor displays and like always, had to

ERYTHING. We knew that once the SEMA staff got a

consult the oracles, a.k.a. SEMA staff, for directions

look at this STANG Mag issue, they would flip out of

because it is way too easy to get lost in that mouse

their chairs when they see the SEMA Locked & Loaded

maze. With thousands of people going in every direction

issue. The reason why we had to do both and want to

and thousands of displays to see, your day comes to a

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continue to do both... SEMA is more than Mustangs. It is

quick end. Even though you leave day one feeling like

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everything. SEMA is the best of the best car, truck,

you missed out on something, don’t worry because you

rat rod, motorcycle, off-road vehicle, dropped, raised,

have the rest of the week to get the mission done. My

supercharged, and mean machine on the planet. We

advice to you, take your time and enjoy the emotions.

could never do a full review of SEMA without including

On day two and three, come up with a better plan than

everything. So we did and now you know to check out

you did on day one. Most importantly, wear brand new

the SEMA Locked & Loaded issue for more SEMA

sneakers. Your feet will thank you by the end of the

coverage. Both issues will make you drool guaranteed.

week. As the crew finished up SEMA day one, enjoyed

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magazine called Locked & Loaded, we decided to kill

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the Vegas night life once again, and proceeded to

never seen by most of the SEMA adventurers flocking

repeat this process for the rest of the week, our time in

directly to the main displays. I literally know nothing

Vegas flew by. We found ourselves working hard during

about this Mustang other than what I could see, which

the day, editing and reviewing hundreds of pictures

makes it even more fascinating. I am hoping that the

and content, and networking with more people than

owner stumbles across this issue and sheds light on

you can imagine. Even after the show hours, everyone

the build. For starters, the iconic Ford Blue with White

from SEMA is out enjoying the Vegas scenery and the

stripes drew me over like a drooling dog wanting to

networking never ends. That’s the best part of SEMA

play with a brand new toy. The paint on this pony was

besides the eye candy. For some of us, it is a family

immaculate so of course I had to wear my sunglasses,

reunion. We get to see friends from all over the world,

but then had to remove them off and on to see this

for a week straight, and talk about what we all love -

beauty with the naked eye. Point I need to make here...

muscle machines. The SEMA adventure every day, from

always take your sunglasses off and see a ride with the

minute one when you wake up to the last minute before

naked eye. The paint and the detail are like HD in real

you pass out, is legendary.

life versus a filtered sunglasses view. Don’t cheat

So let’s review my favorite Mustang builds from SEMA 2021. Even though I loved every vehicle there, a few

yourself by always wearing shades, even though you need them from the constant glare.

Mustangs stood out that really peaked my interest for

This Mustang was screaming out to me “James Bond”.

several reasons. Just so you know, I seem to gravitate

Everything about it was awesome. I noticed the unique

to the vehicles that are not the lime lights of the show.

and classic Shelby badging and the supercharged

I like to find ones that are somewhat hidden and do

engine, the retro tail lights and upgraded headlights,

not have massive amounts of hype around them. Don’t

and the super clean lines and engine bay. This baby

worry, the Mustangs that everyone heard about will be

was flush in every way, the lines were perfect, and it

covered by other staff later in this issue. I want to tell

was very simple and elegant. For seeing a build

you about two Mustangs that people might not see

as the builder’s artwork, this Mustang was a Picasso

in pictures or hear about. The two that I loved the most

masterpiece. I couldn’t get enough of it and spent way

were the Mustang we chose for the cover of this issue

more time looking this Mustang over than I really should

and the “Surfer” Mustang from Ford’s main display.

have. Even my wife reminded me that we needed to get

Our cover Mustang was definitely a jaw dropper.

Hidden off to the side, this Mustang was probably

moving so we could see the rest of SEMA and had to literally pull me away. As I walked away and took a look

back, I noticed one other thing about this Mustang

in my tracks because I knew this was different. I see

that blew my mind! Flush door handles. WHAT!?! This

hundreds, if not thousands of Mustangs every day.

artist made sure to capture this Mustang’s beauty and

People send me pictures, ask me to do articles, invite

smooth lines and went as far as making every detail

me to shows and events, and to be honest after years

flush, smooth, and amazing. If there was ever a James

of seeing so many Mustangs, very few get me to stop

Bond movie where he would be driving a Mustang, this

in my tracks anymore. For this Mustang to be a stock

hot rod needs to be in it! My hat goes off to the

GT and really nothing extreme about her, I knew she

owner, the builder, and the lucky person who gets to

would be one of my favorites. She met my criteria of

drive this beauty around. Job amazingly well done! This

being unique, not a lime light build, and invoking some

was my vote for the best Mustang on display at SEMA.

raw emotion within me that is very difficult to pull out.

She wasn’t in the lime light, she was mysterious

The icing on the cake was the roof rack and surf boards.

regarding her history, and she was a treasure to be

Hot damn!

seen off the beaten path. Hands down, she was my favorite of the show.

Most people would barf at the idea of adding a roof rack or ruining the image of the Mustang by adding

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My second favorite Mustang of the SEMA 2021 was

some unwanted cargo. They would immediately say a

inside at the Ford display. She wasn’t the lime light of

Mustang is not a grocery getter or an “import piece of

the Ford display and she was another Mustang that

crap”. However, let me remind you of a classic Mustang

everyone seemed to just walk by. She wasn’t a

long forgotten and not too many people remember

massively expensive build and in fact, she looked to

that also screamed ADVENTURE. One that did help

be just a stock 2021 Mustang GT. What I liked the most

invoke emotions, create immediate sales, and was used

about her though was she captured and screamed one

to build the Mustang legacy, history, tradition, and

word that STANG Magazine and our whole crew is all

power. That Mustang was the 1967 Ford Mustang Ski

about... ADVENTURE. If you were ever to see a Mustang

Country Special Edition. Google it, do your research,

on display or in an advertisement and were immediately

and maybe one day you might come across one of

compelled to buy it, because the image alone captured

these rare beauties. Lucky for me, I actually saw one

that feeling of Ford Mustang legacy, history, tradition,

with my naked eye when in traveling through San

and power, this Mustang did it for me. I call this Mustang

Antonio, Texas and I will never forget it.

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the “Surfer” for obvious reasons. The Teel Green paint with White wheels locked me up tight. I just stopped

The second I saw those surf boards on top, I wanted to buy this Mustang and cruise to the beach. I don’t

even surf! This Mustang was screaming ADVENTURE

SEMA 2021 was an adventure that none of us will ever

and I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear thinking,

forget, especially yours truly. The older I get and the

“Ford you did it again! Even if this was some fluke and

more times I return to Vegas, I have learned to enjoy

you didn’t mean to recreate that late 1960s to early

the little things, explore the off the beaten path

70s Mustang passion, you did it. For the next generation,

adventures, and always do it with more friends.

you recreated magic.” The feeling I had was over-

SEMA is a show unlike any other and by far the best

whelming. Looking at this Mustang, I felt the emotions

and most unique one you will ever have the blessings

that our Mustang fathers and grandfathers went

to attend. If you ever get the chance, do it and try

through when they first saw classic Mustangs being

to bring some friend sbecause nobody will ever

released to the public. Ford was able to recycle history,

believe the tall tales you have to share when you

maybe by mistake or planned, and that history was

return. Nobody will ever believe the legend you help

happening right before my eyes, within my soul, and

to build called SEMA.

here at SEMA. This “Surfer” Mustang, in all of its basic beauty, took my breath away, in subtle ways, and on a very personal level.

PHOTO CRED: DANIEL RAMEY

COBRA JET 1400 D O U G

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C OBR A JET 1400 DOUG SMITH

OK, WE HAVE THE COOL NAME THAT GIVES HOMAGE TO ITS PREDECESSORS, BUT THAT’S ABOUT WHERE IT ENDS, BECAUSE UNLIKE THE OLD SCHOOL MASSIVE V8 MOTOR, THIS RUNNER IS POWERED

BY ELECTRICITY ONLY.

if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all, right? Well, no.

Far from it. This one caught my eye, and taking a closer look, I’m glad it did. It was the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 all Electric Dragster. Like many of you, I’m still a purist. I like big, loud, fast V8s, with the smell of the fuel and the thunder blowing out of the exhaust. So, an electric dragster? Doesn’t seem right. But start digging into this thing a little bit and it’s an absolutely amazing vehicle and probably my favorite of the entire SEMA

While walking the expansive grounds of SEMA 2021

show. So, let’s get started, shall we?

at the Las Vegas Convention Center, I wandered to an area at the rear of the Ford Interactive Experience and saw a Mustang. Of course, with the sheer number of Mustangs at SEMA, it’s easy to pass a few by, because

Starting with the name, Cobra Jet 1400. The Cobra Jet is a shoutout to the original Cobra Jet engine which was the name of the V8 racing engine that debuted

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C OBR A JET 1400 DOUG SMITH

in a Ford Mustang in 1968. Imagine squeezing a huge

What does all of this jargon mean and what does it get

428 c.i. displacement motor into a compact Mustang

you? As of July 2021, Bob Tasca III drove a one-of-a-kind

for drag racing. The 1400 is assumed to be the target

Cobra Jet 1400 to a quarter mile time of 8.12 seconds

wheel horsepower rating that they were trying to get

at 171 MPH at Summit Motorsports Park in Ohio, setting

out of this electric drag machine. Sadly, Ford missed

a new world record for an all-electric vehicle in its class.

the mark a little bit on that one, because of instead

That’s impressive!

of 1400 HP, this thing is pushing out 1502 rear wheel horsepower, and 1100 ft. pounds of torque! Go big or go home, I guess.

This one would have to be my pick of SEMA. Unfortunately, I did not get to see it actually run, but I’m sure someday I’ll have the opportunity to see it in action.

Ok, we have the cool name that gives homage to its

The Ford Electric Vehicle program is picking up steam

predecessors, but that’s about where it ends, because

and they are definitely on track to make some pretty

unlike the old school massive V8 motor, this runner is

amazing things happen.

powered by electricity only. How does it work you may ask? It starts by running four power inverters. A power inverter is a transformer that takes 12-volt direct current (DC) and changes it to 120-volt alternating current (AC).

These inverters are heavy duty. So much so that in this car, they are actually water cooled to keep them from overheating. Once the DC current from the battery has been converted to AC, it’s pushed to two Cascadia Motion Dual Stack electric motors running at 10,000 RPMs. That power is then transferred to a gearbox connecting to the top and bottom motor stacks for a single output to a pneumatically actuated three speed transmission.

Simple as that right?

PHOTO CRED: DOUG SMITH DANIEL RAMEY

MY SEMA EXPERIENCE D O U G

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MY S E MA E X PE RIE NC E DOUG SMITH

SPANNING ALL FIVE HALLS OF THE LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER, OUTSIDE DISPLAYS, AND TWO RACE/ DRIFTING TRACKS, IT’S AN AUTOMOBILE LOVER’S DREAM ON EVERY LEVEL.

that were to be part of Ford’s “reveal” for the 2021 SEMA show. Obviously, I had to stick around for that and it was amazing. The first reveal was a restored 1969 Mustang that was just beautiful. Dark blue, with black stripes and accents, custom grilles, wheels, rear spoiler, and it sounded amazing. What made it more special was that the car was restored with the help of Jay Leno and Jay was there to present the car to its new owner

SEMA 2021 – where does one even begin? This was the first time that I had personally attended the event, so as a SEMA novice, it was quite an overwhelming experience. Spanning all five halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center, outside displays, and two race/ drifting tracks, it’s an automobile lover’s dream on every level. From cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even a couple boats, to tools, body repair, and paint booths, it is massive.

Now it’s true that I am a little biased. I can’t deny that.

So of course, on day one, I shot straight to the massive Ford display in Hall C and was not disappointed. Upon arrival, there was a stage with two vehicles, covered,

– none other than Keith Urban. Without question, one of the more memorable moments of the show.

The second reveal was the prototype for the new Ford Maverick pickup truck. The really cool thing

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MY S E MA E X PE RIE NC E DOUG SMITH

about this Maverick is that, while the new Maverick

were plenty and a mini car show with some beautiful

is modeled after the older (70s – 80s) body styles of

Ford classics.

the F-150, this was an actual pickup from ’82 that was restored and converted to a hybrid vehicle which was definitely one of a kind.

For a SEMA newbie, there was so much to take in and see and only three days to get it done, but an experience that I personally will never forget. I was fortunate

The rest of Ford’s display was equally impressive,

enough to meet a lot of great people and make some

which included a wide range of custom F-150s, Mustangs,

new friends throughout this trip. I am already looking

Broncos and even a Shelby Mustang Mach-E GT

forward to SEMA 2022 and who knows, maybe I will see

prototype. Now I know a lot of you are cringing

some of you there!

right now. I get it. How can Shelby use a Mustang Mach-E? Trust me when I say, I too prefer old school

PHOTO CRED: JOYCE GALANTI

V8s and the sound and power that come along with it.

DOUG SMITH

That said, Ford is really bringing their A-Game to the

ROBERT MOORMAN

EV market, even displaying a Mustang Cobra Jet 1400 electric dragster!

The fun did not stop inside! In front of the Convention Center was a huge Ford Interactive Experience so you could get up close and personal, and in some cases, inside a very wide range of Ford’s fleet. This area contained a simulated off-road course that let you take a new Ford Bronco for a ride to get a feel for its handling and suspension. Add to that a giant drift track in the center, with professional drifters giving ride-alongs to any willing participant, of which there

DANIEL RAMEY

SEMA ROOKIE J O Y C E

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S E MA ROOK IE JOYCE GALANTI

FROM A NOVICE, WHO HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED WITH CARS/TRUCKS FOR MOST OF MY LIFE, THIS WAS THE MOST AMAZING EXPERIENCE.

to really showcase the vehicles and the stories behind the vehicles. One of the most amazing experiences that I had was meeting one of the higher executives for Ford and talking with him extensively about STANG and then finding out from Daniel Ramey that he knows this person and what position he holds within the Ford company!

First things first, self-disclosure - I was never a “car girl” growing up! I know, disappointing! However, SEMA was AMAZING! I am now a Marketing Director on the board for STANG Magazine, the BEST online magazine for

I thought he was just a regular sales person. That is how friendly and welcoming he was. He took time to talk with me, not even knowing who I was, and really showed interest in what I was saying! It amazes me!

Ford Mustangs on the planet! I became interested in the Ford Mustang through the CEO of STANG Magazine, Daniel Ramey, and the staff of STANG Magazine and other car enthusiasts that are a part of the wonderful STANG family! This family has opened a whole new world for me!

SEMA was a mind-blowing experience for me. So many awesome cars and trucks and the wonderful people that love their jobs, their cars, and the experience! I was impressed with the amount of time and effort put forth

I was present when Ford unveiled the Keith Urban vehicle with Jay Leno! It was a show stopper for sure!

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S E MA ROOK IE JOYCE GALANTI

I took pictures of so many cars and trucks that caught

to come. SEMA isn’t just for the lifetime car/truck

my attention. There were floors and floors and

lovers. It is a show for all people and the people who

building after building of amazing craftsmanship

have put the show together. Even the staff on all the

present! Outside there were ride-alongs offered, two

floors of all the centers were amazing individuals who

tracks with professional drivers drifting, and much more!

believe in their trade, rides, and community.

From a novice, who has not been involved with cars/

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trucks for most of my life, this was the most amazing

JOYCE GALANTI

experience. I loved representing STANG Magazine

DOUG SMITH

while meeting amazing people, viewing and recording AWESOME cars/trucks, and being intrigued with future concepts and innovation for generations

ROBERT MOORMAN DANIEL RAMEY

SEMA SEMA SEMA K A I T L Y N

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S E MA S E MA S E MA KAITYLN RAMEY

THIS SHOW, HANDS DOWN, IS THE BEST SHOW EVERY YEAR THAT TAKES PLACE ON THIS PLANET!

League Edition.” This truck was to die for! The colors of lime green, dark blue, and black made this truck completely pop! The wheels were outlined with neon purple lights. Not to mention this badass vehicle had a rocket launcher, that’s right, a ROCKET LAUNCHER in

After a year without you, you came back and didn’t

the bed of the truck!

disappoint. Riding the tram through the hotels and into the Convention Center itself was a real treat! Anticipating the sights of the outside set up made me all giddy inside. The butterflies were back!

Another place that was visited was a tent displaying a Cobra Jet 1400. A matte black with several layovers of silver and dark neon blue horizontal stripes and we can’t forget the actual Cobra displayed on the side. This

As I walked toward the escalators that went down toward the outside venues, I held my breath. As soon as I peeked the top, I let it all out and had a HUGE smile on my face! I was home again! Built cars, jacked up

was a launch car built by RTR. Many other vehicles lined the outside of the Convention Center. If you want to be surrounded by complete badassness, this is where you want to be!

trucks, classic cars in so many colors, different designs, and makes. Let us not forget the burnout pit. The smell of burning rubber, screeching tires, and screaming engines is like music to my heart. There is something about waking up early, catching all the photo ops, and not having any crowds around. That’s the benefits of having a SEMA media pass.

Walking inside of the Convention Center was another breath-taking moment, not to mention the people that started to show up. With multiple levels throughout, this venue wouldn’t disappoint either. Keith Urban was present as he had his ’69 Ford Mustang restored with a 5.0L Coyote engine with a banging transmission, not to mention a Roush supercharger making it a 700 hp mon-

Many stops were made outside, two of which were my favorite. There was a showing of a Ford F-150 “Rocket

ster! Walking around Ford Performance, many vehicles

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S E MA S E MA S E MA KAITYLN RAMEY

like the Ford Lightning were present (all electric truck)

This isn’t even the entire iceberg of the SEMA Show...

which actually had the hood as trunk space. Also on

it’s just the tip. All the sights, sounds, and smells are

display were a few Mustangs, Broncos, and more gas

collectively an all in one showcase. This show, hands

powered trucks. There were many tribute cars and

down, is the best show every year that takes place on

trucks. One truck was a Ford F-250, black, and a

this planet! There is absolutely zero contemplating on

tribute to major country artists, one being Johnny Cash

whether to go or not. And as an added bonus, you meet

and Reba.

some pretty fabulous people from all over the world!

There was a live showing of a guy using a dremel tool on

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the truck to create various pictures of artists to cover the

KAITLYN RAMEY

truck. It was like an etching with all of the artists turning

DANIEL RAMEY

into a silver color with a backdrop. It was amazing to watch him create art so effortlessly and to do it on a truck!

JEFF DIXON ROBERT MOORMAN

SEMA FIRST TIMER R O B E R T

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S E MA F I RST T IME R ROBERT MOORMAN

AS I EXITED THE STATION, I STOPPED TO TAKE A DEEP BREATH SO I COULD TAKE IT ALL IN, SMILING BIGGER THAN GARFIELD LOOKING AT A DISH OF LASAGNA.

with huge banners on the building and cars lined up outside! That’s it I thought. I’ve finally made it! As I exited the station, I stopped to take a deep breath so I could take it all in, smiling bigger than Garfield looking at a dish of lasagna. Down the escalator I went to the entry way where there are large red letters that say SEMA in front of the building. As I look to the left, there

As I was catching a redeye that was headed to Vegas for SEMA 2021 I didn’t know what to expect. Would the plane be filled with a bunch of car enthusiasts who are checking

are cars 2-3 rows deep lined up and to the right are big jacked up trucks lined up the same way. I thought to myself, if there’s a heaven for car people this is it!

this off of their bucket list just as I was or would it be filled with a bunch of stuffy suits going for their 10th time because it’s a chance to make money? As I sat in the first row and watched the people board, everyone was smiling. Half of them had on shirts promoting their business, a product, or their own build which was refreshing. We landed at 4:00 a.m. which any other trip I’d of been ready for bed, but not this time as I was ready to dive right in and see if SEMA was truly the mecca for the auto industry.

After getting lost in all of the builds outside and how different each one was, I finally made my way into the building and up to the Media Center to grab my credentials. I’m guessing I was still cheesing from ear-to-ear as the lady behind the counter asked if it was my first time and I said yes, why? She smiled and said “I can tell by looking at how excited you are”. I laughed and thanked her then proceeded to check out what was available to media. They had coffee, juice, snacks, schedules for each vendor, charging ports for every

After dropping the luggage at the hotel and having an adult beverage at the bar, I jumped on the monorail at 0630 and headed to the convention center feeling like Willy Wonka on his way to the Chocolate Factory. After a few short stops I could see the giant convention center

device ever created, offices for Motor Trend and other larger media sources, desks where we could work on our articles, and even set up lunch for us to grab while on the go.

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That’s it though, no time to waste looking at the

In order to get to the South exhibit hall, I had to cut

accommodations provided for us. I need to see

through the Central exhibit hall which isn’t a big deal. I

everyone’s builds that they put money, blood, sweat,

mean what’s the worst that can happen? Well, the worst

and tears into and I need to see what the manufacturers

happened and my ADD kicked in and I was acting like

are planning for our future and the aftermarket industry.

Doug from the movie UP. First thing I see is the SEMA

There is so much to do where do I even start? I take a

builds. Now let me be clear when I say “builds”... I’m not

deep breath and realize the only way to see everything

talking about throwing a set of wheels on a car,

is to grab the giant map provided and make a plan! So,

adding some vinyl, and stereo system. We’re talking

I’ve only got 3.5 days to see every vendor and build

about cramming a 5.0 Coyote in a Datsun, twin turbos

which is stretched out between four exhibit halls, each

on a tractor that’s used on a farm, and a lifted 20 year

bigger than the last and four parking lots overflowing

old truck that’s been restored by a builder under the age

with builds and vendors, each differing from the previous.

of 18. These are BUILDS. So no worries, I only stopped

Here we go, I’ve got a plan and schedule to follow and

one time for 30 minutes. I can make that up.

it starts with a breakfast with Jay Leno and Keith

Now let me reiterate that I’m still planning to start my

Urban to discuss the unveiling of Keith’s restored

tour in the South exhibit. Well that is until I come across

1969 Mustang that was a gift from his wife. As usual,

one of the top builders in the industry, Chip Foose!

Jay’s cracking jokes and telling us about how each car

That’s it, just rip the plan up and go with the flow. The

and build is a reflection of the person’s vision with hints

Foose display was unbelievable. You’d think these

of their personality in the build, which I believe whole

builds would be roped off so you couldn’t get close,

heartedly to be true. Keith is giving us background on

but nope. You could just walk right up to the car and

how the car was pretty much a disaster that was

stare into the PERFECT paint, immaculate interior, and

“restored”. When he got it, it wasn’t done correctly and

straightest body lines I have seen. This doesn’t surprise

he couldn’t wait to see what Ford did with it. It was being

me as he’s a perfectionist but to see it in person, it just

unveiled at the Ford booth later that day, which by the

leaves me in awe. I’m on cloud nine and just floating

way turned out to be completely restored better than

through the exhibit hall at this point, trying to take

Ford’s first go around with the Mustang. After breakfast

pictures of everything I see but at the same time,

and some laughs, we’re off like a prom dress racing to

forgetting to take pictures as senses are being

the entrance so I could make my way back to exhibit hall

overloaded from the sites of all the beautiful cars

South because that’s where I planned to start.

and trucks.

Full transparency... that day was a blur as it flew by

completely different story for another time. However,

and as I just wandered around looking at everything,

there’s no way I’m missing out on anything at SEMA so I

I’m pretty sure at one point I had to walk outside for a

just have to make up for being in a daze on the first day.

breath of fresh air and to compose myself. See while this

So, here we go!

was my first trip to SEMA, I had planned a trip in 2019 with a great friend who is no longer with us and unfortunately those plans fell through. He planned to ship his car out for SEMA to be displayed in a vendor’s booth and then we’d drive back hitting all cool things between Vegas and DC. This would have been another check off my bucket list. While that didn’t happen, I knew that he was there with me slapping my back and saying “look at that” and “wow did you see this”.

As I’m walking down the escalator, I hear tires screeching and can smell the rubber burning. I look to the right and there’s the Hoonigan crew roasting tires and putting on one hell of a show! I look to the left and Ford has five GT 500s drifting around with anyone who wanted a ride. Just past that is the Bronco course where Ford is showing off the off-road capabilities of their new design. So can you guess what happened at this point? If you said my plan was out the window again

Now, the morning of the second day started rough as

you’d be correct! I began to wander the parking lot near

someone may or may not have acted like a tourist in

Hoonigan’s camp and came across some of the most

Vegas for our first night and over did it. So much so that

beautiful and giant trucks that I’d only seen on shows or

I needed to have an IV infusion in order to get moving. I’d

in magazines.

relate it to the movie Hangover. Everyone empty their pockets so we can try to figure out what we actually did and where we went last night, but that’s a

I have to give lifted trucks credit. Cars sit low enough that we don’t have to make sure everything is perfect underneath. We can hide zip ties that are holding up

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LEDs or an exhaust system that is showing surface rust

I finally finish drooling over the truck that is hands down

or scrapes from speed bumps because we lowered

one of my favorite body styles ever built and stumble

them. Hell, even the scrapes on our lower bumper from

into the Optima Ultimate Street Car timed track event.

that time we let someone drive our car and they didn’t

Now what surprised me about this display and event

back into the parking spot (like we taught them from a

was that they didn’t have the Porsche GT3 that your rich

young age) and pulled too far over the concrete parking

dad or uncle bought during his midlife crisis, where he

stop and scraped. No these trucks are perfect! The lifts

was hitting on the local Starbucks barista that was young

themselves are highlighted with a color to make them

enough to be his daughter or granddaughter. Oh no.

stand out and the inside lip on the wheels are perfect.

They had old school Camaros, Challengers, Chargers,

Believe me, these aren’t trailer queens my friend. These

Impalas, Mustangs, Grand Nationals, Buick 442s, an LS

are trucks that are driven. You could call them pavement

swapped Porsche, a couple of newer GT 350s, a clean

prowlers because they don’t go off road, but man are

Terminator, a 67-72 Blazer, four different 67-72 short bed,

they beautiful.

Chevy trucks with one that was a full carbon fiber front

Now the next exhibit I stumble across is an instant throw back for me and any of you who played Midnight Club Dub edition. Yes that’s the one. I’m talking Ferrari 458 in highlighter yellow, two beautiful Lambos, and a gorgeous Chevelle Convertible on what I could only guess were 30 inch wheels with gold spokes and a

end, a Ford Lightning, a couple of Vipers, a Skyline, and they finished it off with the wide body, flat black, Dodge from the series Fast & Furious 8 that held the giant EMP they used to reset onboard computers on the submarine so they could steal it, which was absolutely ridiculous but I digress.

polished five inch lip. After reliving one my childhood

Let’s finally move in to the South display hall that I

memories in person of seeing crazy cars that look just

originally planned to be day one that has wheels, tires,

like the ones I’d build on the video game, I make my way

tools, and equipment. So you’re in the market for some

to the next vendor where there is an unbelievable and

new wheels, well what does your heart desire? You want

insanely built 67-69 orange, short bed, Chevrolet truck

a three piece wheel that costs more than any vehicle

that is tubbed and bagged. This baby was built by

I’ve ever owned for your 1942 Ford F100? No worries

Dropstars. Now when I say orange, I’m not talking about

we got you. How about some 36 inch, five spoke,

a basic orange, pumpkin looking truck. I’m talking about

chrome wheels that you can put on your lifted 2017

an orange that you’d see at sunrise while sitting on a

F-450 Platinum Series? Hey, but if that’s not your style

warm beach with a cold adult refreshment in your hand.

because you’re a purist, they’ve got factory looking

wheels that weigh a quarter of the weight. That’s if

Tom Cruise from Risky Business or Cocktail, Patrick

you want that original look on your build and want to

Swayze in Dirty Dancing or Ghost or Roadhouse,

shave a tenth or two off your ¼ mile time. Don’t even

or any one of the boy bands you had growing up

get me started on colors. You want a yellow wheel

(Backstreet, NSYNC, Boyz II Men, New Kids on the

with purple polka dots or a wheel that matches the

Block, or even Justin Bieber). Regardless of whatever

one off color of your newly acquired Koenigsegg

beer poster we had or dream girl/boy with scantily

Agera RS? No worries, it’s here. I have never seen

clad swimsuit on, Eleanor was best described by

so many different wheel and tire combinations or

Nicholas Cage, when he called her “The UNICORN”,

realized that I needed to have a different set for

in the infamous movie Gone in 60 Seconds. That’s

each week of the year! Now before I let the impulse

it, she’s our UNICORN! Now at this point, I’m not

of buying a new setup kick in, I’m moving to the

afraid to say I’m in love and probably being judged

next building.

by the workers of Barrett Jackson who see me look-

Now ladies and gentlemen I know this is what you’ve

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been waiting for, the Racing & Performance displays

As I drag myself away from her, I’m thankful that

and in the words of one of my favorite characters,

I’m not wearing grey sweatpants. That would clearly

the Joker and that little voice inside your head that

show how excited I was so I stumble onto another

you hear when you upset your significant other and

amazing Mustang build. It’s a 05-09 that has a

instantly regret it, “And……. Here……. We….. Go”!

body kit that makes it look like an early 70s model

As soon as you walk through the door, Lexus has their

but with all of the creature comforts we like to

display with the new RCF as well as an older GS 350

have nowadays. Beside that beautiful Mustang is

that is full on race mode. Very impressive. Continuing

the Ford display, but not your normal Ford display.

on, I stumble into the holy grail of cars. That’s right.

This display looks like Ford gave a blank canvas to

Eleanor is in the booth of the Barrett Jackson display.

actual car people. While they did have the new Ford

Now I would like to explain what Eleanor is to a

Lightning (I’ll save my comments and judgments on

non-car person as this, it’s equal to either the prom

that for another time) all lit up, they also had multiple

queen/king in high school, Pam Anderson from

Broncos, including one on tracks and others with

Baywatch, Topanga from Girl Meets Boy, Bo Derek

aftermarket parts, a surprisingly good looking Ford

on the beach with braids, Rachel from FRIENDS,

Maverick, Shelby’s version of the Mustang Mach E,

and ladies I didn’t forget about you so it would be

three other Mach E models with upgraded colors and

options, a beautiful supercharged F-150, a couple of

someone can manufacturer it. You want a single piece

crazy looking S550s, and a clean Electric F-100!

carbon fiber wheel in pink and purple? No problem,

Everywhere I looked in this building something c aught my eye, whether it was the lineup that Superformance put together with breath taking Shelby

they’ve got it. So you’ve got one of those new Broncos on order and want to see what it’ll look like with every option known to man? I am positive it was at SEMA this year.

vehicles in colors and stripe packages that would

So, you’ve heard some of my favorite things at SEMA

make any purist wish they’d actually manufactured

2021. Let me give you the list of things I didn’t like.

them that way, to blank Mustang body shells by R3

Nothing. As a first timer, my only complaint would be

Performance Products, to even seatbelts by Retro

that I didn’t have enough time to go back and see

Belt USA, to even a murdered out 32 Ford Coupe. It

everything again just in case I missed it the first time. I’m

was like bringing me to an adult candy store!

sure I overlooked a number of things due to my senses

Now the greatest thing about the SEMA display was even if you weren’t into let’s say stereo systems, the builds in each booth would cause you to stop and appreciate what the time, effort, and money was invested to bring these builders’ dreams to life.

The aftermarket parts were just insane if you truly think about where we’ve come from. Back in the carburetor days, we would flip the lid upside down on air cleaners to suck more air in. Not sure if this actually improved HP, but man did we feel like it did. With the 3D printer industry moving along as fast as it is, if you can dream it up,

running wild. Now if you’re an actual car enthusiast and it doesn’t matter the make and model and you just love looking at cars, then I can’t tell you enough times to get out there and see this event. Nothing compares to this!

Las Vegas, SEMA, and all of the vendors, manufacturers, and builders, I take my hat off to you! Everyone did an amazing job this year which is why I can’t wait to see what they have in store for 2022. I plan to visit every year that I have the opportunity!

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SHELBY EDITION MACH-E A N A S T A S I A

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THE MACH-E HAS BEEN A CONTROVERSY AND A CENTER OF A LOT OF CONVERSATIONS WITHIN THE MUSTANG COMMUNITY. SEMA - a very simple word that brings different ideas.

Some people have no idea what that is and some associate it with a beautiful trip to Las Vegas, Nevada. But for car enthusiasts, SEMA means the world. It means big new

car reveals. It means incredible custom builds and passion.

What is SEMA for me? There were a lot of expectations and questions, especially after Ford Motor Company switched gears and went towards electrifying the most iconic brand - Mustang.

One of those electrified concepts is the Mach-E. The Mach-E has been a controversy and a center of a lot of conversations within the Mustang community. Some people hate it, some say it’s not a Mustang, and some

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are extremely excited to get a four door performance SUV with the magical pony on the front grille. If you didn’t know, the Ford Mustang Mach-E is a fully electric SUV Performance Edition equipped with a MagneRide dampening system, 20” wheels, seats four people comfortably, and takes you from 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds.

As a Mustang owner and Shelby driver, I was skeptical but I decided to check out the Shelby American display and let me tell you, the Shelby Edition Mach-E was something to see and talk about! This SUV is not only equipped with a custom body kit and better aero, but is also painted in traditional Shelby colors with a modern twist. The Pearl White with beautiful Blue stripes immediately catch your eye and the Shelby Edition Mach-E has a significant facelift with a new front fascia and hood, wider fenders, and bigger wheels.

Even though the SUV on display was the first prototype that the Shelby American team spent several months on to develop specifically for SEMA, I believe that they can make something extremely interesting. I can’t wait to see the final product and take it out for a spin!

PHOTO CRED: ANASTASIA CHERNYAVSKAYA

SH MU D O U G

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SHE L BY HE RITAGE MUS E UM DOUG SMITH

WHAT ELSE IS A MUST SEE WHEN IN VEGAS FOR A CAR SHOW OTHER THAN CASINOS, SHOWGIRLS, COUNTLESS BARS AND RESTAURANTS, THE HOOVER DAM, AND OTHER AWESOME THINGS?

The place is absolutely amazing! Established in 2013, the Shelby Heritage Center is part museum and part Shelby conversion shop, not to mention all the Shelby swag you could ever possibly dream of. Let’s start with the museum. It houses several dozen vehicles and it is a walk through time, showcasing some of the best and baddest that Shelby has ever created. It showcases roadsters, GT 500s, GT 350s, Super Snakes, Shelby F150s, and even the occasional Ford

Las Vegas, NV – I found myself in Las Vegas for the 2021 SEMA show and what else is a must see when in Vegas for a car show

GT 40. It is a car lover’s dream to be face to face with all of these vehicles.

other than casinos, showgirls, countless bars and restaurants, the Hoover Dam, and other awesome things? The Shelby Heritage Center and Museum of course! It is a quick fifteen minute drive from SEMA and the Las Vegas Convention Center to South Las Vegas where it is located. This is a must see destination for any car enthusiast while in Las Vegas.

Around the perimeter of the museum are countless displays depicting the life and times of Carroll Shelby and there was a lot to take in! I learned things about the man that I had not known previously. Did you know Carroll was born with a heart defect and had a successful heart transplant in 1990? After that, he started the Carroll

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Shelby Foundation in 1992 to provide kids in need with

available that get you into a restricted section of the garage

medical assistance. He was also a foodie in his time, with

and a tour guide that will explain the process of building

particular taste for chili and was involved in the founding of

these amazing machines.

the original Chili’s restaurant in Dallas, TX in 1975. Remember that the next time you stop for ribs and a margarita! I don’t even need to get into his racing career. I think we all

So the next time you’re in Las Vegas, make sure you check this stop off of your bucket list. There’s so much to see and take in. You will not be disappointed!

know how legendary that was! Just watch the movie Ford vs. Ferrari.

Carroll Hall Shelby

January 11, 1923 – May 10, 2012

The conversion shop is spectacular, lined with a dozen

“My proudest moments are beating Ferrari for the

more vehicle lifts in rows of two. The place is packed with

World Championship in 1965 and working with Ford

Mustangs and F-150s, being stripped of their Ford factory parts and upgraded to the Shelby beasts that we all know and love. While you cannot get up and personal with the individual vehicles that are being built, there are tours

to win Le Mans in 1966 and 1967.”

PHOTO CRED: DOUG SMITH

SHELBY VIP PARTY M A R K

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SHE L BY V IP PA RT Y MARK DENNIS

THIS YEAR’S PRESENTATION FOCUSED ON EDUCATION, THE INTRODUCTION OF GRAPHENE INTO THEIR...

Every year during SEMA, Shelby American holds a special VIP party at their headquarters in Las Vegas.

This party is invite only and for the past six years, with the exception of 2020 SEMA being canceled, STANG Magazine has been graciously invited. In the past, there was always a presentation and cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. During which they would introduce staff and key players in the Shelby company. This included Aaron Shelby (grandson to Carroll Shelby and Co-President of the Carroll Shelby Foundation), Gary Patterson (President of Shelby American), Tracy Smith (Executive

Vice President of Licensing and Media Relations, Shelby American), and Vince LaViolette (Vice President of Production and R&D, Shelby American).

During the presentations, they would talk about the history of the company and where it plans to head in the future. They would talk about new designs and products coming to market and finish with the reveal of a new Shelby Mustang for the year. After the presentations, we would be asked to go outside, where they had turned the parking lot into a drift course. We would all take turns riding shotgun with Gary or Vince as our drivers, giving us the ride of a lifetime. In 2019, there was no drift course set up for the party. Instead, we were escorted to the movie theater across the street for a private screening of Ford vs. Ferrari. SEMA 2020

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SHE L BY V IP PA RT Y MARK DENNIS

was canceled due to COVID. In 2021, SEMA resumed

lighter than paper. The carbon atoms in graphene are

as did the Shelby party. This year there were no extra

arranged in a single honeycomb lattice layer that gives

activities after the main presentation. With COVID still

it its strength. Very interesting material.

looming, planning things are just a nightmare.

As always, after the presentation we were invited to look

This year’s presentation focused on education, the

around the museum and wander into the shop to see

introduction of graphene into their builds, and the new

the current builds going on. On display in the shop area

Mach-E concept. Students from North Texas Communi-

were some real beauties, but I was surprised to see that

ty College (NTCC) were invited out to Las Vegas to at-

most of the builds were actually trucks. It seems the new

tend SEMA and the Shelby Party. Why? Because NTCC

trend is that people aren’t happy enough with the Ford

has the Carroll Shelby Automotive Program available.

Raptors and now opt to have the Shelby Raptor, Shelby

Students can earn a Carroll Shelby Automotive Service

F-150, Shelby F-150 Super Snake, or the Shelby F-250

Technician Specialization A.A.S. Degree or one of the

Super Baja. Yes please!

following certificates: Automotive Specialist (Level 1 and 2), Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair, Carroll Shelby Performance Academy, and Auto Body

I would once again like to thank Gary Patterson and Scott Black for the invite. I can’t wait to see what you guys have in store for SEMA 2022!

Repair Tech. It was great to see the recognition they received from the President of Shelby American.

PHOTO CRED: MARK DENNIS

Although the Shelby Mustang Mach-E GT concept car was not at the party, it was unveiled at SEMA itself earlier in the week. Shelby has introduced the use of graphene into this build in the form of body components and suspension components. This obviously is used to lighten, but yet strengthen the car. According to Shelby, graphene is stronger than steel but still

STANG S E MA C REW

STAFF: DANIEL RAMEY, KAITLYN RAMEY, MARK DENNIS, DOUG SMITH, JOYCE GALANTI, ROBERT MOORMAN, ANGELA MOORMAN, TJ PERRY, ANASTASIA CHERNYAVSKAYA, BOBBY FUNKK, MARY DRESSLER, AND JEFF DIXON

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THIS YEAR’S SEMA ADVENTURE WAS ONE TO BEAT. HANDS DOWN, WE HAD MORE ADVENTURES AND FUN THAN WE HAVE EVER HAD IN THE PAST AND ALL THE CREDIT GOES TO THE HARD-WORKING STAFF THAT MAKE IT POSSIBLE. AFTER ALL, WE LIVE BY OUR MOTTO “ENJOY THE RIDE AND WHO YOU RIDE WITH”.

Special thanks to our SEMA 2021

cruising the desert with Slingshots

Special thanks to everyone who

crew who attended. Some were

up to the Hoover Dam, the STANG

made this year possible. Love you

able to get into the actual show

Mag crew had an absolute blast!

all and can’t wait for SEMA 2022.

and some were there to help us

The SEMA Show was amazing as

Check out the behind the scenes

build this STANG SEMA issue be-

usual and Vegas will always be

videos and adventures on our website

hind the scenes. From walking the

Vegas, nothing short of spectacular.

www.stangmagazine.com.

Vegas strip late at night, to getting

Shit, I even ran into my buddy Vaughn

spanked on Fremont Street, to

Gittin Jr. and got another selfie!

IN T HE “HE ADL IGHTS" BIOCIDE SYSTEMS – AUTOSHOCKER

While attending the

offensive smells and odors out of virtually anything.

SEMA show, we

Their product simply known as Autoshocker, is literally like

noticed one hell of an awesome Mustang owned

an odor hand grenade you drop in your vehicle over-

by @1lowsix on Instagram, causing us to immediately

night and by the morning it has eliminated every smell,

bee line to this interesting product display. In doing

from every crevice, and from anywhere in your car.

so, we stumbled upon one of the most interesting

Now, don’t panic. It doesn’t emit any gas fumes like a

products now on the market. Sure it isn’t a mod for

smoke bomb and it will not damage anything in your

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your Mustang in terms of appearance, performance,

precious pony. It is simply a cup of Chorine Dioxide,

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or design, but it definitely is a game changer for those

also known as ClO2, which is a natural odor eliminator

owners who want to keep their Mustangs in top notch

that sucks the odors out of the air and collects them

condition. Have you ever thought about the smell of

within the cup. Open up your doors in the morning and

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your vehicle?

toss the cup away. See ya later odors!

Well, Biocide Systems, Inc., headquartered in Los

This revolutionary technology uses the most effective

Angeles, California, specializes in the use of products

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industrial odor eliminator and literally can be used

that eliminate and completely remove all kinds of

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anywhere in your home, apartment, vehicles, gyms, and

t hat their product is natural, safe, and effective,

living spaces to eliminate odors found from mattresses,

in addition to a customer satisfaction guarantee. Just

curtains, cushions, rugs, car seats, walls, floors, ceilings,

check them out and browse their products yourself at

etc... In addition to the natural odor eliminator, the ClO2

www.biocidesystems.com.

also acts as a disinfectant thanks to proven bactericidal, fungicidal, and viricidal properties.

PHOTO CRED: 1LOWSIX

The best part about Autoshocker and Biocide Systems, Inc. products is that they of fer a 100% guarantee

CREATIVE CUSTOMS

MUSTANGS OF S E MA A FEW MORE OF OUR FAVORITE SHOTS

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MUSTANGS OF S E MA A FEW MORE OF OUR FAVORITE SHOTS

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MUSTANGS OF S E MA A FEW MORE OF OUR FAVORITE SHOTS

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

SOCIAL EVENTS DIRECTORS:

Editor-In-Chief: Daniel Ramey Executive Director: Kaitlyn Ramey Creative Director: Chuck DeKett HR Director: Anita Everett SR Director: TJ Perry Analytics Director: Tim Perry

Tija Moyer Dave Moyer Brad Peterson Michelle Van Sickler Angela Moorman Laura Mattern

HISTORY AND RESEARCH DIRECTOR:

CRUISE EVENTS DIRECTORS:

Scott Bieber

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTORS: Nicklas Bieber Lisa Cook Mike Everett

Mark Ide Laura Ide Joerg Werner

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS DIRECTOR:

Rayn Hoch

MARKETING DIRECTORS:

OPERATIONS DIRECTORS:

Doug Smith Joyce Galanti

Robert Moorman (Northeast Region) Jeff Dixon (Southeast Region) Don Houston (Midwest Region) Roberto Marty (Midwest Region) Janie Cantu (Midwest Region) Ingo Rutenberg (Canadian Region) Dawn Rutenberg (Canadian Region)

STANG SEMA RELATIONS DIRECTOR Mark Dennis

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