The 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders presented by Mothers Polish concluded with a familiar name once again rising to the top. Legendary builder Troy Trepanier secured the overall championship with his latest masterpiece — a meticulously hand-built 1936 Ford-inspired roadster nicknamed “Fenderless.” After capturing the Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck class, Trepanier advanced through a highly competitive field of category winners, edging out Tim Franklin (Sport Compact/Import Performance), Ron Jones (Off-Road), and Thomas Dickerson (BFGoodrich Young Guns) for the coveted overall title.
A Return to the Spotlight for One of the Industry’s Most Influential Builders
Trepanier’s 2025 victory marks his first Battle of the Builders championship since 2017, reaffirming his status as one of the most respected and innovative craftsmen in the automotive aftermarket. His new creation drew widespread attention throughout the 2025 SEMA Show, combining flawless workmanship with a modern interpretation of classic design.
“It felt great to compete again,” Trepanier shared. “The event has grown tremendously since our win eight years ago. This year’s field was packed with incredible builds. Making the Top 40, the Top 12, or the final four was an achievement in itself, and I’m honored to be among them.”
“Fenderless”: A Scratch-Built Vision of a Reimagined 1936 Ford
Completed in January 2025, Trepanier’s “Fenderless” is not a restored or modified factory Ford — it is a fully scratch-built vehicle, crafted from the ground up at Rad Rides by Troy in Manteno, Illinois. The team redesigned every proportion and dimension to achieve the perfect open-wheel stance while still honoring the style of a 1936 Ford roadster.
Every major element — the chassis, body, suspension, and precision-machined components — was fabricated in-house. Under the hood, the car showcases a rare 1957 McCullough-supercharged 312-cid Ford Y-block, paired with a Bowler 4R70W transmission and a quick-change rear axle supported by torsion-bar suspension. Trepanier’s crew handled the paint and finish work as well, choosing a refined, customized version of Porsche Aventurine Green Metallic to complete the roadster’s sleek aesthetic.
Celebrating Ingenuity and Craftsmanship at the 2025 SEMA Show
“This build really demonstrates the creativity and engineering talent that defines the SEMA Battle of the Builders program,” said RJ de Vera, SEMA Vice President of Marketing. “Each year, the competition inspires our industry by showcasing what’s possible when passion and innovation come together.”
The 2025 contest highlighted exceptional creativity across all categories:
Sport Compact/Import Performance – Tim Franklin
Franklin captured the class win with a 1960 Porsche Custom 356 that began as an extremely distressed shell. The revitalized Porsche now features rolled rocker panels, streamlined bodywork, and a modernized silhouette that impressed both judges and spectators.
Off-Road – Ron Jones
Jones’ class-winning 1973 VW Thing was engineered from scratch, built around a one-off chromoly long-travel tube chassis and incorporating more than 350 machined components. The final result is a purpose-built off-road machine with uncompromising fabrication quality.
BFGoodrich Young Guns – Thomas Dickerson
Dickerson earned the Young Guns title with an expertly built 1967 Chevrolet C10, a personal project he executed entirely on his own. The truck features a one-off engine bay, custom glass, redesigned headlights, and a completely tailored interior.
Learn More About the Battle of the Builders
For full details on the 2025 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition, photo galleries, and additional coverage of this year’s top builds, visit SEMA.org/BOTB.
About SEMA and the SEMA Show
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), founded in 1963, is a nonprofit trade organization that represents the worldwide automotive aftermarket. Since the first SEMA Show debuted in 1967, the annual event has become the premier gathering place for innovators, manufacturers, builders, and buyers focused on automotive customization and performance. For Daily SEMA coverage from the 2025 event make sure to visit our Daily SEMA 2025 Event Coverage.
