Two Custom Builds Debut at SEMA Show Booth
The Meguiar's booth in Central Hall hosts signings through Wednesday before SEMA closes November 6.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Car Culture
Las Vegas car enthusiasts heading to SEMA 2026 will see two project vehicles unveiled at Meguiar's Central Hall booth, a 1956 Ford F-100 and a TJ Hunt-built Aston Martin Vantage GT3 conversion. Meguiar's also used the week to launch its 2027 product lineup during its 125th anniversary year.
Why it matters
For a valley where the SEMA show brings the custom-car world onto the convention floor each year, the reveal sets a benchmark for high-end builds and detailing. Meguiar's framed the builds around its 125th anniversary and what good detailing looks like.
The F-100 represents roughly 15,000 hours of labor over five years and an estimated cost north of one million dollars, with its Coyote V8 rated at 800 horsepower. Both builds ride on 20-inch wheels, and the Vantage's engine is a hand-built 4.7-liter V8.
The players
Meguiar's
Detailing products company that unveiled the two builds and launched its 2027 lineup at SEMA 2026 during its 125th anniversary.
Fat Fender Garage
Gilbert, Arizona shop that built the 1956 Ford F-100 GT/FX over roughly five years.
TJ Hunt
Builder of the 2013 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 conversion shown at the Meguiar's booth.
Tony Peressini
Collector who owns the Fat Fender Garage F-100 build.
The details
Meguiar's unveiled the two vehicles during an 11:30 a.m. press conference on SEMA's opening day at its Central Hall booth. The 1956 Ford F-100 GT/FX, built by Fat Fender Garage of Gilbert, Arizona and owned by collector Tony Peressini, had its body sectioned two inches, a pancaked roof and hood, and widened fenders. TJ Hunt's 2013 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 conversion, his latest GT3 build, uses a modified Aston Martin Racing body kit and is painted Porsche Macadamia Metallic from the Paint to Sample program.
Timeline
November 4, 2026: Vehicles unveiled at 11:30 a.m. on SEMA opening day.
Tuesday: TJ Hunt signs posters at 2 p.m. at the booth.
Wednesday: Dustin Williams signs posters at 10 a.m., and Fat Fender Garage signs at 2 p.m.
November 6, 2026: SEMA 2026 closes in Las Vegas.
Beyond the Strip
SEMA has used its Las Vegas convention floor for decades to debut custom and restomod work, and this year's pair of builds continues that tradition. The F-100 and Vantage arrive as showpieces from a builder and a detailing brand, rather than as a new product category.
If you're planning to attend SEMA this week, the Meguiar's booth is worth a stop, and the signings on Tuesday and Wednesday give you a chance to meet the builders. Traffic around the convention center typically builds during show hours, so plan extra time for the trip.
The takeaway
The builds show what a high-end restomod can look like when detailing is treated as part of the craft. Check the booth schedule for the Tuesday and Wednesday signings before the show closes November 6.
What happens next
SEMA 2026 closes November 6, 2026, which is the last chance to see the F-100 and Vantage at the Meguiar's booth in Central Hall.
Further reading
For more on the custom-build scene that fills the SEMA floor each fall, browse our Car Culture coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Top Speed.
