Car Show Articles and Reviews

SEMA 2022 Top 10 Trucks

Published on November 25, 2022

SEMA 2022 Top 10 Trucks – Today we are taking a look at the top truck builds of SEMA Show 2022. Every truck on this list would easily win best in show at your local car show. Choosing between them was not easy. But since this is a top 10, I had to make some difficult choices and pick a winner. So without further ado, let’s jump in.

10. A 1932 pickup rat rod is my number 10 pick. Unlike most rat rods I see, it was actually clean and very well put together. The interior, air ride, and custom hood ornament particularly caught my eye. Overall a nice build to start my list.

9. Checking at number 9 is a black brodozer put together by Zelich Customs. There were a couple dozen heavily lifted trucks at the SEMA Show, but this was especially well put together. Every component of the suspension is either powder coated or chromed. The only reason I didn’t rate it higher is because the truck is so big that I couldn’t see the interior, and I can’t rate what I can’t see.

8. Number 8 is a 1967 C10 pickup built by Tyler Adams. This truck finished in the top 40 of the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition in the Young Guns category. A complete frame off restoration, the truck was rebuilt with an LS3 motor paired with an 6L80E transmission. The firewall has been shaved and even the gas filler is hidden behind a custom swingout taillight.

7. Sancha, a 1972 Chevy K5 Blazer task the number 7 spot. The top has been removed turning the truck into a permanent roadster. For crisp clean look, the firewall, door handles and gas filler cap have been shaved. A custom red-on-red interior in the cherry on top.

6. Coming in at number 6 is a 1931 Mercury roadster truck called Twelve Pack. Built by Roosterz Rod Shop in Clearwater, FL with a Mercury 312 cubic inch motor paired with a T5 transmission. The contrast of the root beer paint and the chrome is quite striking. What I particularly noticed was the custom interior. Those seats cannot be comfortable, but they sure are unique.

5. Taking the number 5 slot is an all-custom semi. Without any paint to hide behind, it was easy to appreciate to top notch metal work on this truck. A lot of engineering went into this truck converting it from a front-engine to a mid-engine drivetrain. Combining the sinister front end with the air ride suspension, this truck just screams havoc.

4. A 1976 Blazer named Lolita comes in at number 4. Starting up front, the engine compartment is clean and unique. The custom interior has lots of tan leather and fits the truck very nicely. I particularly liked how the seats seem to blend in the interior trim panel behind them. In the bed, a custom bedcover can be closed to hide the custom suspension underneath.

3. At number 3 is a white and orange C10 pickup. Check out the engine compartment, save for the brake booster, there isn’t a single wire or bolt on the firewall or inner aprons. It was this engine compartment that gave this truck the edge over my number 4 pick. The truck bed has been notched to fit the power coated air ride suspension. On the inside, I don’t think there is anything left from the stock interior, it is all completely custom. Every aspect of this truck is done extremely well.

2. Number 2 is an orange low rider style pickup. Like many of the other trucks on this list, it sits on air ride suspension, has a very custom interior, and custom bodywork. And then after building it, they had to paint it. My goodness, I cannot imagine the countless hours that went into pinstriping and airbrushing this truck. This truck is rolling piece of art.

1. Drum roll please…the number 1 pick is a 1951 Studebaker pickup. “Bertha” was shortened 6” so that it would fit onto a 2012 Corvette chassis and drivetrain. Chopped 3” and widened 4”, you won’t find another one like this truck. The engine component is very clean, revealing just a hint of that 500hp LS3. A 1949 Ford grille gives the front end a unique look. On the interior, a 1950 Plymouth dash was customized to hold the Corvette instrumentation. It was easy to see why this truck finished in the Ridler Great 8 at Detriot Motorama and it is my top truck of SEMA 2022.