For Vintage Dream Machines, SEMA has always been more than a car show. It's a proving ground, a launchpad, and a place where big ideas turn into bigger opportunities. From our humble beginnings to showcasing custom builds, here's a look at our SEMA 2025 experience.
TOP 40 IN BATTLE OF THE BUILDERS
- Top 10
- Off-Road category
- Top 40
- Overall selection
Our beautiful 1946 4-Door Dodge Power Wagon received Top 40 in Battle of the Builders at SEMA 2025. This prestigious recognition places us among the best custom builders in the world.
SEMA’s November 5 announcement lists James Amerson and the 1946 Dodge Power Wagon among the ten selected Off-Road builds. Those ten entries form part of the Top 40 across all four competition categories.
Battle of the Builders is one of the most competitive events at SEMA, featuring hundreds of the world's best custom vehicles. Placing in the Top 40 is a testament to the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and passion that goes into every Vintage Dream Machines build.
The recognition follows a review of each entry’s build description and photographs, with judges also inspecting selected vehicles on the show floor. The 2025 competition rules (PDF, opens in a new tab) describe how up to ten finalists from each category make up the Top 40.
THE JOURNEY TO SEMA
Getting to SEMA has been a dream for Vintage Dream Machines. The SEMA Show is the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world, drawing the industry's brightest minds and most innovative builders to Las Vegas.
This year, we had the incredible opportunity to attend and experience firsthand the cutting-edge builds, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and showcase what Vintage Dream Machines is all about.
- Booth
- NL01
- Listed exhibitor
- RestoMod Vette
Show-floor details for James Amerson’s 1946 Dodge Power Wagon, as recorded in SEMA’s 2025 Battle of the Builders roster.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SHOW
SEMA 2025 delivered exactly what we expected and more. From jaw-dropping custom builds to the latest in automotive technology, the show floor was packed with inspiration at every turn.
Walking the halls, we saw everything from classic muscle car restorations to futuristic builds pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The attention to detail and craftsmanship on display was truly inspiring.
Maxlider Motors also interviewed Vintage Dream Machines at SEMA. Their video gives this chapter of our story another home beyond the photographs. You can watch the interview in the SEMA 2025 coverage section below.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR VINTAGE DREAM MACHINES
SEMA 2025 has fueled our passion and given us fresh ideas to bring back to the shop. We're more committed than ever to creating custom builds that turn heads and exceed expectations.
Stay tuned for updates on new projects inspired by what we saw at SEMA. The best is yet to come.
[ From the show floor ]
SEMA 2025 COVERAGE
The conversations, the recognition, and a closer look at our time in Las Vegas.
