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FEATURE INTERVIEWS:

SEMA SHOW SPECIAL 2025 – Episode #1:

2025 was an unforgettable year at the SEMA Show for the TMCP crew. From early morning walks through the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center to late-night conversations on the strip, we reconnected with longtime friends, met incredible new voices, and gathered some of the best stories we’ve ever brought home. The energy was electric, the innovation was off the charts, and everywhere we turned there was another moment we couldn’t wait to share with you.

This episode kicks off a multi-part series diving into the highlights, interviews, and behind-the-scenes experiences that made SEMA 2025 our most exciting trip yet.

Retro Manufacturing –

Steve Harrington President &
Kenley Henry Director, Sales & Marketing:

Retro Manufacturing is dedicated to bringing modern audio technology to classic vehicles—without sacrificing the original look and feel that makes those cars special. Steve shared how many of the innovations we now take for granted in audio electronics simply didn’t exist when our favorite classics rolled off the assembly line. Retro began by retooling modern radios with custom faceplates so they looked era-correct once installed, but the company has since evolved that idea into a complete product line under the RetroSound brand.

For many enthusiasts, the radio is the centerpiece of the interior. No two classic dashboards are alike, but RetroSound has figured out how to recreate the authentic faces and controls while integrating today’s must-have features like Bluetooth, HD Radio, and expanded tuning options that weren’t even on the radar a few years ago. Steve emphasized how seriously they take accuracy—everything from knob orientation to bezel fitment to button styling is engineered to look factory-original while performing like a modern unit.

Learn more at RetroManufacturing.com
or follow them at Facebook.com/RetroManufacturing.

QA1, Detroit Speed, SpeedTech

Dave Kass Director of Marketing: 

QA1 has been improving suspension performance for more than 38 years, helping cars handle better, ride smoother, and drive faster. Recently, the company has expanded its reach by bringing premium suspension brands like SpeedTech Performance and Detroit Speed under the QA1 umbrella. Dave explained that although these brands now share resources, each is intentionally kept as a distinct entity so they can continue delivering the specialized products and customer experiences their fans expect.

The real advantage of this consolidation is in the combined strength behind the scenes. Increased buying power, shared engineering, and unified manufacturing elevate the overall quality and value across all three brands. Dave highlighted how impressive it is to see some of the best minds in suspension technology working side-by-side, collaborating on innovations that will shape future products. For enthusiasts, this means QA1 has essentially become a one-stop shop for anything chassis or suspension related, regardless of the style or level of build.

Learn more at
QA1.net
Detroitspeed.com
Speedtechperformance.com

Superformance / High Tech Legends –

Todd Andrews:

SEMA has a way of surprising you when you least expect it, and Rob experienced exactly that moment in the Superformance booth—stopped in his tracks by a pristine 1967 Ford Shelby GT500. Like many standout builds at the show, its striking exterior was only the beginning of the story. Todd Andrews explained that this isn’t a restored vehicle at all but a brand new car built entirely from fresh components by High Tech Legends. Sold as an MSO (Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin) vehicle, it’s delivered without an engine or drivetrain, giving owners the freedom to finish the powertrain however they choose.

The GT500 displayed at SEMA was an actual customer car, meaning these aren’t one-off showpieces—they’re real, orderable vehicles built to spec. Todd described the build philosophy as “more retro-mod than OEM,” and that approach allows them to improve on nearly every aspect of the original ’67 design. Modern A/C, better glass, tighter door seals, refined fit-and-finish, and even a reshaped transmission tunnel for improved interior ergonomics show how far the quality can be elevated while keeping the iconic style intact.

You can learn more at hi-tech Legends

Coker Group,

Jason White Marketing Manager &
Matt Millsaps Product Manager:

Jason has been with Coker for two decades, and together with Matt, the pair has watched the classic-car world evolve dramatically over their many years at SEMA. They explained that the market has shifted from the traditional “day two car”—the lightly modified version you’d build the day after driving it home—to what they call a “six-month car.” Today’s enthusiast wants a vehicle that not only looks era-correct but also performs better on modern roads, at modern speeds, and with the comfort and confidence expected in contemporary driving.

Despite that evolution, one thing about Coker hasn’t changed: its customer-centric heart. Talking with Jason and Matt, it’s clear they take pride in supporting the classic-car community with products that allow enthusiasts to drive and enjoy their vehicles more often and with more style. They admit they can’t build tires for every single application, but their mission is to fill as many gaps in the market as possible—responsibly and authentically.

After Coker was acquired in 2018 along with Wheel Vintiques and Universal Vintage Tire, rumors circulated that the company might lose its soul. The opposite has proven true. Many of the same team members are still there, still passionate, and now backed by the resources to innovate even faster. The infusion of capital and energy has led to an impressive wave of new products, shaped directly by the voices and needs of their customers.

Learn more at Cokertire.com.