Here are three of the four ’14 Fiesta STs that Ford dropped off at the SEMA Garage, providing a sneak peak of the cars Ford is shipping to Southern California builders for the SEMA Show.

By SEMA Editors

Ford Motor Co. recently dropped off four ’14 Fiesta STs to the SEMA Garage, providing a sneak peak of a few of the cars Ford is shipping to Southern California builders for the SEMA Show. The cars came straight from the factory and will immediately be delivered to the SEMA-member builders selected by Ford on the basis of their proposals. Show attendees will be able to see the finished products at the SEMA Show in November.

The specific build plans for these vehicles are still confidential, but the fact that they are in play tells us that the Fiesta ST is a vehicle of keen interest to businesses in the street-performance category.

Still affordable at $21,400 starting MSRP, the Fiesta ST is the performance model in the Fiesta lineup. The ST is powered by a 1.6L, 16-valve turbocharged, direct-injection EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine that makes 197 hp at 6,000 rpm on premium fuel. Peak torque of 202 lb.-ft. comes at just 2,500 rpm. The standard transmission is a six-speed manual.

All Fiestas come with MacPherson Strut front suspensions and rear Twist-Beam setups, but the ST Fiesta also comes with high-performance four-wheel disc brakes from the factory, with advanced electronic stability control and Torque Vectoring Control (TVC). Wheels are 17-in. alloy units, and Recaro seating is an available option.

The final SEMA Show press conference schedule will be announced August 29, 2013.

The 2013 SEMA Show press conference schedule is currently being finalized. All SEMA Show exhibitors who submitted applications should have received a confirmation e-mail from Della Domingo, August 19, 2013.

Exhibitors who have not received the confirmation e-mail are
advised to contact Monika Earle at monikae@sema.org or 909-978-6722 immediately.

The final SEMA Show press conference schedule will be announced August 29, 2013.

The final SEMA Show press conference schedule will be announced August 29, 2013.

The 2013 SEMA Show press conference schedule is currently being finalized. All SEMA Show exhibitors who submitted applications should have received a confirmation e-mail from Della Domingo, August 19, 2013.

Exhibitors who have not received the confirmation e-mail are
advised to contact Monika Earle at monikae@sema.org or 909-978-6722 immediately.

The final SEMA Show press conference schedule will be announced August 29, 2013.

The final SEMA Show press conference schedule will be announced August 29, 2013.

The 2013 SEMA Show press conference schedule is currently being finalized. All SEMA Show exhibitors who submitted applications should have received a confirmation e-mail from Della Domingo, August 19, 2013.

Exhibitors who have not received the confirmation e-mail are
advised to contact Monika Earle at monikae@sema.org or 909-978-6722 immediately.

The final SEMA Show press conference schedule will be announced August 29, 2013.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Jesse Jones was the first to cross the line, but it was Jason Voss who took the win with a slightly quicker overall time.

Voss Wins, Jones Takes Second in 2013 Best in the Desert
Last weekend was the longest off-road race in the United States—the 2013 Best in the Desert, Vegas to Reno. Jesse Jones in the #76 FOX Trick Truck started the 543-mile race across the Nevada desert third off the line and the first Trick Truck out of 33. At around race mile 394, Jones ran down teammate Bryce Menzies to gain the physical lead of the race. The last 40 miles of the course were complete with switchbacks and more sharp rocks. Jones reached the finish line in nine hours and 19 minutes after he started. He was the first to cross the line, but it was Jason Voss who took the win with a slightly quicker overall time. Jones finished second overall just in front of Menzies who battled Jones for the majority of the race. Next weekend, Jones and Menzies will go head to head again with Jones' return to short-course off-road racing in his new FOX Pro-2 at the Crandon International Raceway.

Bully Dog Extends Unbeaten Streak
Bully Dog drivers Travis Ware, Austin George, Chris Kendall and Alex Klassen entered Laketown, Utah, two weeks ago, intent on taking down the competition at the latest United Pullers event.

Ware grinded out a 170-ft. 5-in. first-place finish in the Bully Dog "Doctor" EcoBoost. This allowed Doctor to lengthen its undefeated streak this season. Kendall and Blackout posted a 194-ft. 5-in. pull putting him in first place. Klassen made his season debut in the 2.6 class. His Ford roared off the line and charged down the track, spinning to a stop at 178 ft. This put him squarely in second place and solidifies his presence as a contender in future pulls. George drove Doctor all the way out to 200 ft. 1 in., but could have gone even farther. He had to let off the throttle after delivering yet another full pull because there was a tractor parked across the track.

The race at Miller Motorsports Park was the fourth victory this year for Team PDG in the Western Endurance Racing Championship Series.

Holland/Zadig Win Inaugural Six-Hour Night Race in Utah
Mike Holland and Steve Zadig split the duties in the Mendeola Transaxles, Baja Designs, Factory Five Racing, Prototype Development Group, GTM #4 for the race at Miller Motorsports Park. This is the fourth victory this year for Team PDG in the Western Endurance Racing Championship Series, and the team not only won this event, but also secured the WERC title. A conservative fuel strategy by team PDG led to them travelling close to 500 miles with only one pit stop for fuel and a driver change at the 3-hour-and-15-minute mark. The next event will be November 10, 2013, at Sonoma Raceway in California, with the final WERC event being the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, December 7–8, at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, California.

Compiled by SEMA Editors

	Jesse Jones was the first to cross the line, but it was Jason Voss who took the win with a slightly quicker overall time.

Voss Wins, Jones Takes Second in 2013 Best in the Desert
Last weekend was the longest off-road race in the United States—the 2013 Best in the Desert, Vegas to Reno. Jesse Jones in the #76 FOX Trick Truck started the 543-mile race across the Nevada desert third off the line and the first Trick Truck out of 33. At around race mile 394, Jones ran down teammate Bryce Menzies to gain the physical lead of the race. The last 40 miles of the course were complete with switchbacks and more sharp rocks. Jones reached the finish line in nine hours and 19 minutes after he started. He was the first to cross the line, but it was Jason Voss who took the win with a slightly quicker overall time. Jones finished second overall just in front of Menzies who battled Jones for the majority of the race. Next weekend, Jones and Menzies will go head to head again with Jones' return to short-course off-road racing in his new FOX Pro-2 at the Crandon International Raceway.

Bully Dog Extends Unbeaten Streak
Bully Dog drivers Travis Ware, Austin George, Chris Kendall and Alex Klassen entered Laketown, Utah, two weeks ago, intent on taking down the competition at the latest United Pullers event.

Ware grinded out a 170-ft. 5-in. first-place finish in the Bully Dog "Doctor" EcoBoost. This allowed Doctor to lengthen its undefeated streak this season. Kendall and Blackout posted a 194-ft. 5-in. pull putting him in first place. Klassen made his season debut in the 2.6 class. His Ford roared off the line and charged down the track, spinning to a stop at 178 ft. This put him squarely in second place and solidifies his presence as a contender in future pulls. George drove Doctor all the way out to 200 ft. 1 in., but could have gone even farther. He had to let off the throttle after delivering yet another full pull because there was a tractor parked across the track.

The race at Miller Motorsports Park was the fourth victory this year for Team PDG in the Western Endurance Racing Championship Series.

Holland/Zadig Win Inaugural Six-Hour Night Race in Utah
Mike Holland and Steve Zadig split the duties in the Mendeola Transaxles, Baja Designs, Factory Five Racing, Prototype Development Group, GTM #4 for the race at Miller Motorsports Park. This is the fourth victory this year for Team PDG in the Western Endurance Racing Championship Series, and the team not only won this event, but also secured the WERC title. A conservative fuel strategy by team PDG led to them travelling close to 500 miles with only one pit stop for fuel and a driver change at the 3-hour-and-15-minute mark. The next event will be November 10, 2013, at Sonoma Raceway in California, with the final WERC event being the 25 Hours of Thunderhill, December 7–8, at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Willows, California.

	Buyers can obtain a wealth of product information that will be relevant well into 2014 by taking advantage of the free scanners available in the New Products Showcase area.

By Jason Catullo

Buyers can obtain a wealth of product information that will be relevant well into 2014 by taking advantage of the free scanners available through the SEMA Show New Products Showcase. The Show annually features the showcase where exhibitors highlight new product debuts, yearly updates and the latest versions of their best sellers. All of the products entered into the popular destinaiton for buyers are photographed and include product details and key information on how to locate and contact exhibiting manufacturers.

Provided via "Free Scanner Pickup" booths located around the New Products Showcase, buyers can scan all of the products they are interested in, while examining and researching  additional products exhibitors have to offer. There is no limit to the number of scans buyers can conduct, and the information is gathered electronically, allowing for it to be retrieved or printed immediately. With new exhibitor and product information in hand, buyers can concentrate on making deals and spend more time on the Show floor connecting with existing partners and new suppliers.

The New Product Showcase is a valuable benefit to exhibitors because it provides companies with a dedicated area to highlight their newest developments and signature products, while not limiting time in their booths. The showcase is a key stop for buyers looking to get familiar with the products and innovations that will sell in the coming year. The showcase is factor that influences buyers' purchasing decisions and supports the fact that nearly 60% of buyers plan to purchase a product introduced at the SEMA Show.

More information on the 2013 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.
 

	Buyers can obtain a wealth of product information that will be relevant well into 2014 by taking advantage of the free scanners available in the New Products Showcase area.

By Jason Catullo

Buyers can obtain a wealth of product information that will be relevant well into 2014 by taking advantage of the free scanners available through the SEMA Show New Products Showcase. The Show annually features the showcase where exhibitors highlight new product debuts, yearly updates and the latest versions of their best sellers. All of the products entered into the popular destinaiton for buyers are photographed and include product details and key information on how to locate and contact exhibiting manufacturers.

Provided via "Free Scanner Pickup" booths located around the New Products Showcase, buyers can scan all of the products they are interested in, while examining and researching  additional products exhibitors have to offer. There is no limit to the number of scans buyers can conduct, and the information is gathered electronically, allowing for it to be retrieved or printed immediately. With new exhibitor and product information in hand, buyers can concentrate on making deals and spend more time on the Show floor connecting with existing partners and new suppliers.

The New Product Showcase is a valuable benefit to exhibitors because it provides companies with a dedicated area to highlight their newest developments and signature products, while not limiting time in their booths. The showcase is a key stop for buyers looking to get familiar with the products and innovations that will sell in the coming year. The showcase is factor that influences buyers' purchasing decisions and supports the fact that nearly 60% of buyers plan to purchase a product introduced at the SEMA Show.

More information on the 2013 SEMA Show is available at www.SEMAShow.com.
 

SEMA News—August 2013

Hey Hey

HERITAGE
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Petersen Archives

Dean Jeffries, custom car painter, striper and builder, died in his sleep in early May. He was 80 years old. Jeffries was among the most talented of the men who shaped car culture in the ’50s and ’60s, though his profile was somewhat lower than that of George Barris, Ed Roth or Ken “Von Dutch” Howard. He may not have been as well known, but he was versatile and skilled enough that his handiwork could be found everywhere, from Gasoline Alley at Indianapolis to Hollywood movie and TV sets.

Arguably his best-known TV cars are the two GTO convertibles he modified for “The Monkees” TV show in 1966. We dug through the Petersen vault and came up with these shots, taken in June 1966 after a grueling 10-day build of the first GTO.

That’s right, one of the most iconic TV cars of all time came together in a little more than a week. In fact, Pontiac gave Jeffries two GTOs to build two Monkeemobiles, and both were finished in two weeks.

It helped that Pontiac provided Jeffries with convertible GTOs to work on, as their chassis were already reinforced and there were no metal tops to cut away.

Jeffries’ radical re-imagining of the GTO extended the car’s nose by nearly 2 ft. and the rear fenders by 18 in. The GTO’s stock oblong grille openings were retained, but they jutted out in a V angle much steeper than stock.

Jeffries kept the GTO’s 389-in. V8 but topped the engine with a massive GMC supercharger. The blown 389 reportedly made way too much power to be usable on the show, so he took the blower’s innards out and stuck a carburetor inside the case. (He kept the blower intact on the second car, though, and it was used for car shows, exhibitions and whenever the TV show’s directors had the need for Monkeemobile speed.)

The car’s front and middle seats were stock Pontiac buckets; a third seat was fashioned out of the trunk area and upholstered to match the buckets.

Though the top looks like it folds, it doesn’t and instead is framed by square steel tube. Jeffries positioned a drag chute out back, and it was deployed for the shot taken in front of his Cahuenga Boulevard shop.

Once “The Monkees” wrapped after two seasons on the air, Jeffries was offered the chance to buy back the Monkeemobiles for $1,000 each. He refused, believing at the time that he could build another one for less. Both cars are now in the hands of private collectors.

Dean Jeffries will be remembered for much more than just these two GTOs, of course. But none of his other cars—not even the Green Hornet’s Black Beauty—got the kind of exposure that these cars did at the height of Monkee-mania.

(For those interested in learning more about Dean Jeffries’ life and custom creations, Tom Cotter has written an excellent biography, Dean Jeffries: 50 Fabulous Years in Hot Rods, Racing & Film, published by Motorbooks.)

SEMA News—August 2013

Hey Hey

HERITAGE
By Drew Hardin
Photo Courtesy Petersen Archives

Dean Jeffries, custom car painter, striper and builder, died in his sleep in early May. He was 80 years old. Jeffries was among the most talented of the men who shaped car culture in the ’50s and ’60s, though his profile was somewhat lower than that of George Barris, Ed Roth or Ken “Von Dutch” Howard. He may not have been as well known, but he was versatile and skilled enough that his handiwork could be found everywhere, from Gasoline Alley at Indianapolis to Hollywood movie and TV sets.

Arguably his best-known TV cars are the two GTO convertibles he modified for “The Monkees” TV show in 1966. We dug through the Petersen vault and came up with these shots, taken in June 1966 after a grueling 10-day build of the first GTO.

That’s right, one of the most iconic TV cars of all time came together in a little more than a week. In fact, Pontiac gave Jeffries two GTOs to build two Monkeemobiles, and both were finished in two weeks.

It helped that Pontiac provided Jeffries with convertible GTOs to work on, as their chassis were already reinforced and there were no metal tops to cut away.

Jeffries’ radical re-imagining of the GTO extended the car’s nose by nearly 2 ft. and the rear fenders by 18 in. The GTO’s stock oblong grille openings were retained, but they jutted out in a V angle much steeper than stock.

Jeffries kept the GTO’s 389-in. V8 but topped the engine with a massive GMC supercharger. The blown 389 reportedly made way too much power to be usable on the show, so he took the blower’s innards out and stuck a carburetor inside the case. (He kept the blower intact on the second car, though, and it was used for car shows, exhibitions and whenever the TV show’s directors had the need for Monkeemobile speed.)

The car’s front and middle seats were stock Pontiac buckets; a third seat was fashioned out of the trunk area and upholstered to match the buckets.

Though the top looks like it folds, it doesn’t and instead is framed by square steel tube. Jeffries positioned a drag chute out back, and it was deployed for the shot taken in front of his Cahuenga Boulevard shop.

Once “The Monkees” wrapped after two seasons on the air, Jeffries was offered the chance to buy back the Monkeemobiles for $1,000 each. He refused, believing at the time that he could build another one for less. Both cars are now in the hands of private collectors.

Dean Jeffries will be remembered for much more than just these two GTOs, of course. But none of his other cars—not even the Green Hornet’s Black Beauty—got the kind of exposure that these cars did at the height of Monkee-mania.

(For those interested in learning more about Dean Jeffries’ life and custom creations, Tom Cotter has written an excellent biography, Dean Jeffries: 50 Fabulous Years in Hot Rods, Racing & Film, published by Motorbooks.)