The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) hosts one of the world’s largest automotive trade shows each year in Las Vegas, running this year from November 5–8, 2024. SEMA draws industry professionals, from car manufacturers to custom builders, who present the latest advancements in vehicle design, customization, and technology.
It’s not a tradeshow that’s openly available to the public but with such a massive variety of builds, you can bet that any Porsche models on display will stand out and highlight the creativity and craftsmanship of builders.
For those who are lucky enough to have attended this prestigious event, you’ll understand firsthand how what it’s like to see the builds in person as Porsche enthusiasts and builders leverage the event as a platform to debut customizations that elevate both the form and function of these iconic vehicles.
Below are some of the most remarkable Porsche builds from previous SEMA events, offering a very small taste of the blend in classic design, modern innovation, and bold customization.
993 Porsche 911 Speedster
This stunning custom Porsche 993 Speedster was showcased by Toyo Tires and crafted with components from Rasant Products, standing out as a showstopper. The clean curves of the car blend retro flair with modern touches, creating a timeless design.
Its clean white exterior is subtly enhanced by gold accents, while the interior offers a pure driver-focused experience. And embodying a balance between track readiness and everyday drivability with its signature flat-six engine and striking bodywork.
TechArt Porsche 992
Another well-known name in the industry, TechArt presented a meticulously modified Porsche 992 that screamas refined customization. Known for their tasteful design approach, TechArt kept a clean aesthetic for the car, enhancing it in subtle ways such as the carbon fiber splitter and dual air vents. Inside, the carbon theme continues, complementing the sleek blue exterior
The use of a gunmetal five-spoke design wheel give it some visual interest without looking overly busy. Another striking feature is the rear spoiler, with dramatic, downward flared tips that give the car a slightly aggressive edge without compromising its elegance.
We just couldn’t get enough of the carbon!
Around the dual exhaust pipes, another carbon splitter ties the design together. While performance upgrades weren’t specified, Performance specs weren’t available but knowing TechArt’s penchant for taking everything to the next level, the build suggests they may have extracted additional power from the engine. This build is one of many that stand out at SEMA for whispering sophistication rather than shouting excess.
If understated elegance could be personified, this car would fit that bill perfectly.
Half11 1966 Porsche 911
This next car is a Frankenstein, and we mean that in the best way possible.
This build was revealed at SEMA by twin brothers Iliya and Nikita Bridan, affectionately nicknamed the “Half11,” a unique fusion of the front third of a 1966 Porsche 911 with a custom-built rear section.
Inspired by the aesthetics and raw engineering of 1970s race cars, the Half11 evokes the era when driving skill outweighed electronic aids. The flat, low bodywork and meaty Avon tires pay homage to the legendary Porsche 917. Initially, the brothers considered various engines for the build but ultimately chose the reliable LS3, which produces 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque.
The Bridan brothers’ story is as remarkable as the car itself. The duo are originally from Ukraine, and the family moved to Canada and later Italy, where the brothers honed their car design skills.
After working at major automotive companies, they now operate a design shop in California, where the Half11 was developed, and is even street-legal and track-ready with a California license plate reading “Half11.”
Got a Porsche build to show off? Get planning for 2025
Showcasing a car at the SEMA Show (Specialty Equipment Market Association) is a prestigious experience that puts your vehicle in the spotlight of the automotive world.
The SEMA experience is about storytelling, showcasing craftsmanship, and innovation. However, the logistics can be demanding, requiring careful planning for transportation, booth setup, and marketing.
You’ll need to consider how you’ll get your Porsche to the venue for display. Some may opt to drive their show car to the venue, but most of these companies use a car transport service that can provide door-to-door delivery and ensure that your ride gets there in pristine condition.
For $965, Nexus Auto Transport would be able to ship a car from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in an enclosed carrier. If you’re looking for a way to transport your ride, consider checking out their services.
STI-Swapped Porsche 911 GT3
Continuing on with our list, this DevSpeed Motorsports build is a Subaru EJ25 engine-swapped Porsche 911 GT3, dubbed the “GT3 STI.”
The build originally started out as a 2007 GT3 that had been stripped and abandoned as a shell. The project took a bold turn with the installation of a 2008 Subaru Impreza STI’s flat-four engine, further built out with a a BorgWarner turbo, upgraded fuel injectors, a custom intercooler, and a six-speed gearbox.
As a result, the engine now produces an estimated 550 horsepower—while also shedding 170 pounds compared to the original GT3 flat-six.
The modifications extend beyond the engine. Widened GT3R replica panels from VAD Design accommodate large 19-inch Rotiform wheels wrapped in Toyo Proxes R888R tires. Inside, the stripped-down cabin features carbon fiber bucket seats, a roll cage, and an air jack system for quick adjustments on the go.
While purists might argue for restoring the car to its stock form, this unique build exemplifies SEMA’s spirit of creativity and performance, making it a standout with its blend of Porsche handling and Subaru power
EJ25-Powered Porsche 911
This turbocharged Subaru EJ25-powered 1976 Porsche 911 belongs to one awesome Austin Barnett of Billetworkz.
Just like the 2007 GT3 STI-swap build, this 1976 911 build started out as a shell and draws inspiration from the Mid Night Club’s iconic Blackbird 911.
To capture that aesthetic, Barnett sourced rare TBK bumpers through a JDM contact, completing the exterior with a striking Midnight Purple paint job, custom acrylic taillights, and an RSR 3.8 wing with a carbon fiber blade.
Engine modifications showcase a Garrett G30-660 turbo mounted to the EJ25 engine, with titanium piping and a custom-fabricated intercooler. A five-speed WRX transmission with PPG gears ensures smooth power delivery, and the build also integrates Elephant Racing suspension components and a Brembo big brake kit.
Austin collaborated with Quality Custom Rides in Pennsylvania to bring his vision to life and this build not only showcases creative engineering but hints at a trend toward more unconventional engine swaps in classic Porsches.
We absolutely love the combination of classic and modern elements, making this one of our favorite SEMA Porsches.
Porsche 911 SVRSR “Hoonipigasus”
A fitting addition to the list is the “Hoonipigasus”, belonging to the late Ken Block, legendary American rally driver and extreme sports icon.
This “Hoonipigasus” is a Porsche 911 SVRSR was originally unveiled at a private event in Los Angeles, a 1,400-horsepower monster built for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Developed by BBi Autosport in collaboration with Mobil 1, this mid-engine, AWD machine features a twin-turbo 4.0L flat-six engine.
The car’s standout feature is its advanced aerodynamic engineering, which generates over 5,000 pounds of downforce while keeping the total weight under 2,400 lbs. Just look at that massive unit of a rear wing.
The aggressive aero package includes a massive carbon fiber splitter, F1-style vortex generators on the rear wing, and a “Chorizo Tunnel” transmission duct for improved airflow. The build also incorporates GPS-adjusted suspension, tailored to the demands of Pikes Peak’s 12.42-mile course with 156 turns and extreme elevation changes.
The car’s striking livery, designed by street artist Trevor Andrew (Guccighost), pays homage to the iconic Porsche 917/20 “Pink Pig”, thus earning its amazing nickname.
The car made an appearance at both 2022 and 2023 SEMA, with plenty of crowds drawn to its design. As one Redditor asked “How much downforce is that thing generating?”, another answered “the technical term is a metric shit ton.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Bisimoto Porsche 930
Last but not least, we have Bisi Ezerioha’s Porsche 930, showcased at SEMA in 2014. This build is one of the finest examples of restomod craftsmanship, blending old-school aesthetics with modern engineering.
Bisi is the CEO and founder of Bisimoto Engineering, which is no surprise as to why this build is such as showstopper.
The centerpiece is a 3.4-liter flat-six engine sourced from a water-cooled 996 Porsche, a departure from the original air-cooled tradition. This force-fed engine produces over 630 kW (850 hp) and revs up to 8,100 rpm. In a unique twist, Bisimoto mounts the twin billet turbochargers outside the engine bay for optimal cooling and striking visual impact
The engine is mated to a manual transmission from a 997-generation 911, using a drive-by-wire throttle system. Bisimoto engineered the boost pressure to increase progressively through each gear, improving drivability on public roads despite the car’s immense power. This meticulous tuning makes the 930 more road-friendly while maintaining ferocious performance when needed.
Weighing only 1,090 kg (2,400 lbs), the car also features widened fenders, a GT3-style front bumper, and an IROC-inspired rear wing. Inside, the minimalist race-focused interior includes Bisimoto racing seats, a MOMO Prototipo steering wheel, and a NASA-spec chromoly roll cage.
This 930’s lightweight body, paired with cutting-edge tech like a sequential fuel injection system and methanol-water injection, ensures it performs equally well on the track. Ezerioha often uses this car as his personal race vehicle, demonstrating not only the build’s power but also its reliability and versatility. The combination of modern engineering in a classic shell makes this Porsche a standout in the world of performance cars
