The TORA Feature Vehicle Program is a centerpiece of TORA's SEMA Show activities. The customized trucks that make the cut are judged by Showgoers whose votes determine which vehicle will win an award.
The Wrangler Rubicon 392 XR was named TORA Best in Show at the 2022 SEMA Show.
Collin Coates' '22 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 XR was named TORA Best in Show at the 2022 SEMA Show, surpassing nine competitors. "When I started building Jeeps, my dream was to have a vehicle at the Show. It was very exciting to win, because it showed our dedication to quality components and the attention to detail that we put into our project vehicles.
The rolling chassis after the body had been removed from the frame. The build took three weeks and more than 200 hours to complete
"It's one thing to have the vision. Fortunately, I had the help of Matt Thompson at 3D Off Road, Baja Designs that displayed our Jeep, plus all the partners that supported the build, to bring that vision to life."
From Four Wheelers to 4x4s
Coates has been building project vehicles, displaying at consumer shows, and creating marketing content and video assets for aftermarket product sponsors for a decade – a passion fueled at a young age.
As a youngster, he rode dirt bikes and four-wheelers. At 19, he modified his first Jeep. After relocating from Ohio to California, Coates orchestrated a trade-off with an off-road shop, whereby they sourced products in exchange for displaying his newest Jeep builds at car shows.
Coates and his wife Jessica now reside in Denver. He teams with 3D Off Road, which specializes in custom fabrication. To help build a brand identity for each unique build, he launched Built2Wander in 2018.
Each build is a collaboration. Coates designs the build, sources the parts, helps at the shop and provides marketing services. 3D Off Road handles the fabrication and assembly. Coates chose the Wrangler Rubicon 392 XR for its factory V8.
"I wanted to build something more extreme. That platform made sense because it's the only Jeep that can go fast in the desert, do rock crawling and has the power to turn a 42-in. tire."
The build took three weeks and 200 hours to complete. It features products from 30-plus sponsors and required 3D Off Road to remove the body from the frame and rebuild the vehicle from the frame up.
In reflecting on the project, Coates said, "I enjoy the process of taking a factory vehicle and fully modifying it. Matt and I were proud to have the vehicle on display and to win the award. It gives us credibility and our partners are proud their components were displayed and recognized."
2023 SEMA Show TORA Feature Vehicle applications will open in July.