The MuscleCar Place

In this second episode of our SEMA 2025 series, we dive headfirst into the builders and brands that continue to reshape the automotive world. From the groundbreaking work of Ringbrothers and their jaw-dropping carbon-fiber Aston Martin “Octavio” build, to the bold vision of Trick Rides and their all-carbon widebody ’69 Mustang “Scorched” series, this episode is packed with innovation, craftsmanship, and next-level thinking. We also step into the world of modern car care with Mothers, highlighting the latest in ceramic protection, paint correction, HydroClay technology, and easy-to-apply spray ceramic coatings that are changing how enthusiasts maintain their builds. We also connect with longtime industry leaders at Vintage Air, where Rick Love walks us through the latest airflow upgrades, RGB-lit control panels, Dakota Digital integration, expanded builder systems, and new Jeep-specific solutions — all as the company approaches its 50th anniversary. From million-dollar custom builds to practical products you can use in your own garage, this episode delivers the real stories, real tech, and real passion you only get when walking the SEMA show floor with The Muscle Car Place crew. The post TMCP #628: SEMA 2025 Show Spectacular #2 – Mike and Jim The Ring Brothers, – Jim Dvorak with Mothers Car Care, Jason Engel and Jared Morris Trick Rides Fully Custom 1969 Mustang, Rick Love with Vintage Air first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

SEMA 2025 delivered big moments, bigger stories, and some truly unforgettable conversations—and in this episode, we’re bringing you the first wave of highlights straight from the show floor. Rob and the TMCP team hit Vegas wide open, reconnecting with industry friends and discovering new innovators pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the automotive world. From modern tech hidden inside classic radio faces to the future of suspension engineering, to a brand-new ’67 Shelby GT500 built entirely from fresh parts, the range of insights and creativity on display this year was off the charts. You’ll hear directly from the people building, engineering, and preserving the cars we love—Steve and Kenley from Retro Manufacturing, Dave Cass from QA1 and Detroit Speed, Todd Andrews from Superformance/High Tech Legends, and Jason and Matt from the Coker Group. Each brings a unique perspective on where the industry is heading and how today’s products are reshaping the driving experience for classic-car enthusiasts. This episode is packed with stories, passion, and behind-the-scenes details that set the stage for a multi-part SEMA series you won’t want to miss. The post TMCP #627: SEMA 2025 Show Spectacular #1 – Steve and Kenly with RetroSound Radio, – Dave Kass with QA1/Speedtech/Detroit Speed, Todd Andrews new ’67 GT500’s with Superformance/High Tech Legends, Jason and Matt with Coker Group / Coker Tires! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

It’s one of the biggest months of the year — SEMA, MCACN, and Thanksgiving! In this episode, Rick Schmidt joins Rob to tackle the real questions everyone’s asking: turkey, beef, or ham? Cranberries from the can? And of course, what makes MCACN (the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals) such a world-class event. Rick gives us an inside look at his 13-mile 1964 Ford Galaxie XL, shares why authenticity matters more than perfection, and explains why this show has earned its nickname: “The Pebble Beach of Muscle Cars.” From Thanksgiving table debates to restoration realities, Rick dives into the surprising truth about American vs. Taiwan-made panels, plus which cars—classic or modern—could be future MCACN stars. Whether you’re restoring, collecting, or just daydreaming, this one’s packed with laughs, insight, and muscle car wisdom. Tune in and find out: is Rick Team Turkey or Team Ham? The post TMCP #626: Ask Rick – Preview for the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals 2025, “The Pebble Beach of Muscle Car Shows” first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

This week on The MuscleCar Place, Rob Kibbe welcomes Dan Kahn, president and CEO of Kahn Media, for an insider’s masterclass on how to get the absolute most out of SEMA 2025. Dan’s deep roots in the automotive world—spanning journalism, car building, agency leadership, and service within SEMA itself—give him a uniquely panoramic view of the industry. As the author of The New Rules of the Road, he’s built his career around helping brands and creators tell authentic stories that connect passion with professionalism. In this episode, Dan shares proven strategies for creators, builders, and businesses alike: how to navigate SEMA effectively, build meaningful relationships, and create content that truly stands out. From the etiquette of approaching brands to leveraging media credentials for access, Dan breaks down what separates those who simply “walk the floor” from those who maximize the experience. Whether you’re an industry veteran or a first-time attendee, this conversation is a blueprint for turning SEMA into opportunity, influence, and long-term success. The post TMCP #625: Dan Kahn – A Crashers Guide to SEMA 2025! What To Know If This Is Your First Time At The Big Show! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

If you’ve ever dreamed of giving your classic A-body the precision handling of a modern performance car—this week’s MuscleCar Place episode is for you. Rob sits down with Blane Burnett of RideTech to dive into the all-new MOMENTUM Series Chassis, a complete foundation engineered for 1964–1972 GM A-bodies like the Chevelle, Tempest, Cutlass, and Skylark. Built on RideTech’s legacy of innovation—now strengthened through its partnership with Fox Factory Holding Corp—the MOMENTUM Series delivers modern geometry, rigidity, and customization in a true plug-and-play solution. Even better, a full chassis comes in at an incredibly competitive $20,000–$30,000, putting high-end engineering within reach for serious builders. Adding even more credibility to the project, long-time Optima Ultimate Street Car competitor Tom Farrington has partnered with RideTech, trusting the new chassis under his ’66 Chevelle. Farrington’s proven record as a multi-event winner in the OUSCI series speaks volumes about RideTech’s confidence and craftsmanship. Tune in to hear Blane break down the engineering, options, and vision behind the MOMENTUM Series—and see it in action at RideTech.com or YouTube.com/@RideTechTV. The post TMCP #624: SEMA 2025 Product Preview: Blaine Burnett on Ridetech’s All New Pro-Touring Chevelle (and GM A-Body) Replacement Chassis! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Don Abenante of Retro Fabworks isn’t your average YouTube builder — his story blends Hollywood grit, family legacy, and pure horsepower. After early stints on Below Deck, Horsepower Wars, and Netflix’s Resurrected Rides, Don found his true calling behind the welder instead of the camera, documenting every cut and weld for his growing audience. His current project is deeply personal: a 1970 Chevelle he first planned to build with his late father. That dream paused for years but never died — and now it’s roaring back to life. Don’s transforming the Chevelle into a Ford Coyote–powered showstopper for SEMA 2025, filming the process step by step for his followers. The twist? He plans to drive the car all the way to Vegas, proving that craftsmanship, creativity, and heart still belong on the open road. The post TMCP 623: Don Abenante – Fabricator to YouTube Star – Building And Driving a 1970 Chevelle From Rhode Island To Vegas For SEMA 2025! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

Kick off October with a fresh Ask Rick as Rick Schmidt weighs in on the value of car-show trophies, parts sourcing, and where the market’s really headed. Are small-show awards worth chasing—or are they just eating into charity budgets? Rick also unpacks the hot question in restoration parts: will manufacturing return to the U.S., or will Taiwan’s increasingly high-quality tooling keep leading the charge for low-volume classics? Then it’s “Rick’s Take – Car Deals: The Bob Lutz Edition.” Rick sizes up a supercharged ’99 Viper GTS ACR, a ’09 Solstice GXP, and a ’00 Prowler for long-term ROI in a world edging toward electrification—followed by an “Investment Hedge” round featuring a ’87 Trans Am, ’06 Ford GT, and ’87 Buick GNX. Which has already peaked, and which still has runway? Tune in to hear how Rick reads the market—and which cars he’d flip first. The post TMCP #622: Ask Rick — Can American Manufacturing Return for Restoration Parts? Rick’s Take: Bob Lutz Says EVs Will End the Internal Combustion Engine! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

While Rob stayed back to support Dallas’s racing season, the Kibbe and Friends crew stormed Holley Moparty 2025 to capture the best stories on the grounds. From drag racing icon Paul Rossi sharing his trailblazing Mopar legacy, to Dave Swearinger’s track-ready “ZomBEE” Super Bee build, to new tech insights from Holley’s Steve Sparkman and Sublime’s Blake Anderman — this episode is packed with passion, horsepower, and the future of Mopar performance. The post TMCP #621: The Moparty 2025 Spectacular! Paul Rossi – Direct Connection Drag Racer Legend, Steve Sparkman – Holley Performance Products, Dave Swearinger – Rust Bucket Restorations, Blake Anderman – Sublime Technologies first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

David Kruk – 1970 Super Bee. With the Holley MoParty kicking off in Bowling Green, Kentucky, we’re spotlighting longtime attendee David Kruk and his 1970 Dodge Super Bee. David and his wife Lizzie have become familiar faces at the event, showing off a car that’s logged over 80,000 miles and countless upgrades. What started as a $400 parts-car rescue has turned into a full-blown autocross machine. The Super Bee has evolved from a tired 440 big block into a third-gen Hemi–powered, QA1-equipped racer that can hold its own against lighter cars on the track. From the Columbus Goodguys to the Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge, David has proven that a big yellow B-body can fly. Catch him this weekend at MoParty — whether it’s on the autocross course, drag strip, or just swapping stories with fellow Mopar fans. Follow his adventures on Facebook.com/david.kruk.1, TikTok.com/@70beeracing, and YouTube.com/@david.ksuperbee. And if you’d like to park a mini version of his Super Bee on your shelf, Johnny Lightning now offers a scale replica of his car. The post TMCP #620: David Kruk And His 1970 Super Bee “Speedtech Equipped” AutoCross Monster! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

In this episode of The Muscle Car Place, Rick takes us inside the impossible yet fascinating world of OEM leadership—where shifting politics and billion-dollar bets make or break the future of the industry. Then, in true “Rick’s Take” fashion, he shifts gears to the fun side: which ’90s icons and classic rides make the best tailgate companions—and the smartest flips for ROI. From Corvettes and Cobras to Broncos and Foxbody Mustangs, Rick breaks down which cars will impress your buddies, hold value, and maybe even make you money after football season. The post TMCP #619: Ask Rick — OEMs, Politics, and Profits; Plus Cars You Can Flip for Fun (and $$) at Football Tailgates first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.