Toyo Tires announced that their exhibit booth will feature world debuts for many top vehicles at the 2018 SEMA show from October 30 to November 2 in Las Vegas.

The Toyo Tires display located in front of the South Hall will feature three “must see” vehicles: a fully custom Chevy Bel Air, a full-tilt McLaren 720S, and a “very special, soon-to-be announced vehicle project. (Look for announcement on Oct 24.”)

The Toyo Tires Treadpass provides an immersive experience with nearly 30 specialty cars and trucks, while also serving as an area to take a moment and relax during the busy show. Here is just a small sample of the vehicles that show attendees will be able to view up close in the Toyo Tires Treadpass.

The Gullwing

John Sarkisyan of S Klub in Stanton, CA, gained SEMA Show builder fame last year with his two vehicles in the Treadpass, a gray 356 and a matching gray 912 Porsche. Both cars were over-the-top in their design and workmanship. This year, Sarkisyan returns with an incredible 1955 Mercedes Gullwing body perched on top of a modern SLK32 Mercedes chassis. Power is provided by a 400-hp AMG supercharged V6 engine tuned by NeedsWings. The interior and dash are custom, with workmanship that must be viewed in person.

A KW suspension lowers the Gullwing’s stance, while HRE 305 wheels are wrapped with 18-inch Toyo Proxes Sport max performance summer tires.

This astonishing creation took only six months to build.

Button Built Ferrari “BB328"

Exoticar, Inc. of Los Angeles, CA, built this sinister 1988 Ferrari 328GTS starting with a long-term project abandoned for several years by a previous builder. Luckily for this Ferrari, it has taken on its own unique identity with a Carbon Kevlar widebody kit along with original carbon fiber Ferrari 458 GT3 side view mirrors… the car fully stripped and painted in original Ferrari PPG Grigio Medio paint.

The 400-horsepower engine has stainless steel headers and a megaphone exhaust system which gives it a rasp. JRZ struts combined with an AccuAir e-level air ride system lower the car over the 18X9.5” front and 19X12.5” rear Rotiform DNO wheels finished in Matte Death Bronze with Satin Black hardware. The tires are Toyo Proxes R888R DOT competition rubber.

Shawn Bassett 240Z

Shawn Bassett of Attacking the Clock Racing in Apopka, FL, built this remarkable 1972 Datsun 240Z. Constructed in an 800 sq. ft. home garage, this “extreme Z” sits on a full FIA spec tube chassis outfitted with an all custom or aftermarket S13 (240SX) based suspension and BC Racing ZR coil overs.

The 240 Z has a full custom carbon fiber body that is approximately 12-inches wider than a stock 240Z. It includes a custom carbon fiber wing and other aero components. The cockpit of the car has a carbon fiber hand-fabricated dash with Autometer gauges, Titan seats, Wilwood pedal box and a hand-made brake.

To provide the thrust for this machine, it is fitted with a mildly-built aluminum Chevrolet 5.3-liter LS engine mated to a T56 transmission. A custom Driveshaft Shop carbon fiber driveshaft delivers power to the rear axle. To help stop the car, a Wilwood big brake kit is used up front along with dual rear calipers and EBC brake components. Custom built 18-inch BC forged wheels are wrapped with 295-front and 315-rear Toyo Proxes RR two-groove DOT competition tires.

SquareD 1981 Chevy K20 by HS Customs

This custom 1981 Chevy K20 truck (called “SquareD”) was constructed by HS Customs from Logan, Utah. Powered by a modified LBZ Duramax diesel with an anticipated 1,100 lbs. ft. of torque and Allison transmission, the truck has a square body style melded with modern reliability, hot rod styling and a flawless PPG Envirobase and Vibrance paint finish.

The custom interior uses Italian leather by Hydes, stitched up by Interior Revolution, and sound by Kicker. EVOD billet wheels have been designed specifically for SquareD, and the wheels are wrapped with Toyo Open Country R/T tires.

Trimble Wolfe Customs Jeep CJ-7

Nat Wolfe of Trimble Wolfe Customs located in Sherrills Ford, NC, took a tired 1983 Jeep CJ-7 and turned it into this show stopper. Taking approximately one-year for the build, a GM LS376/480 crate engine and 4L70E Connect & Cruise package were adapted to a Dana 300 Transfer case, with mods the powertrain makes a total of 495-horsepower. A Fluidyne 2 pass radiator and B&M trans cooler were also mounted under the rear of the body with custom mounts to help cool the more powerful package.

The driveline includes the original front Dana 30 axle assembly, while the rear is a narrowed Dana 60, both with 3.73 gears and Detroit TrueTrac differentials. Fox Shocks are combined with 2.5-inch BDS Springs for the correct rates and ride height. The rear shocks were also moved to the outside of the chassis. An AGR steering box with heavy duty mount and links is combined with a Turn One pump which also feeds the hydro boost brakes. Fuel Anza 15-inch wheels are wrapped with a set of 33-inch Toyo Open Country M/T maximum traction tires.

The body of the CJ-7 was modified to remove all unneeded holes. In addition, the windshield hinges were slicked off and the windshield and roll bar were cropped three-inches. The gauge package is a modernized Jeep CJ cluster from Speedhut, while the interior includes Bestop seats and a custom stitched carpet.

Toyo Tires SEMA Top Build Awards Presentation

Winners of the Toyo Tires SEMA Top Build will be announced on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 1pm in the Toyo Tires Treadpass. Eligible vehicles registered in advance for the contest and will be on display throughout the 2018 SEMA Show equipped with Toyo tires. Two prizes will be awarded, a Best Toyo Tires SEMA Car Build and a Best Toyo Tires SEMA Truck/SUV Build. Each winner will receive $5,000, a Toyo Tires trophy, and will be featured on Toyo Tires’ social channels.

Toyo Tires' display is located at the South Hall entrance (Exhibit #62122)

Tagged: The Gullwing

Toyo Tires to host vehicle debuts at 2018 SEMA Show