The interest level in the American muscle car is at an all-time high these days, and the rarest examples of these iconic high-horsepower machines are bringing some serious coin at high-profile auctions as well as in private sales. There's something about these powerful cars that has a long-lasting appeal with the car lovers of the world. SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) recognises this and dedicated their 40th running of the SEMA Show to the American Muscle Car and we were there to witness it in the Nevada desert.

Mopar, Ford and General Motors all had examples of past and present (and future) muscle cars and walking around the two million square feet of exhibits at the Convention Center, everywhere you looked there were muscle cars displayed, as well as related parts and restoration pieces for them. If you dig these cars, this particular SEMA show was the place to be!

The Mopar area had a unique modern muscle car displayed, a 'what if' concept (non-street legal) that is based on the yet-to-be-released 2008 Dodge Challenger production car. Reminiscent of the 1968 Hemi Super Stock cars that were constructed in small numbers and raced by legends like Ronnie Sox and Dick Landy, among others, the Mopar 'Super Stock Concept' is powered by a 525hp fuel-injected 392 Hemi (not related to the original Fifties version) and A999 auto transmission, modified for racing. This special race car is equipped with numerous upgrades for quarter-mile duty, including a Dana 60 rear axle, Mopar Performance Super Stock leaf springs and Mark Williams drag race brake calipers/rotors.

The colourful red, white and blue Challenger S/S features a performance hood scoop, front and rear spoilers (similar to the T/A model from 1970) and Goodyear racing slicks mounted on American Racing Trakstar bead-lock wheels. The car was built by UAW local 412 union members at the Chrysler plant in Auburn Hills, Michigan (on their own time) and there are plans for running it on the drag strip during the 2007 racing season!

Ford had numerous examples of their current Mustang on display at the show, and one of the most intriguing was the 2007 Grabber Orange with Flat Black-coloured Parnelli Jones 'Commemorative Vehicle' that was placed outside at the entrance of the SEMA Show, along with the original Parnelli Jones racecar that it is themed on.

This special limited-edition street-legal Mustang is available to the buying public through certified Saleen Ford Dealers, and is modelled after the famous Bud Moore-built SCCA Trans-Am cars that raced back in 1970. The 'retro' racer features a 370hp Saleen 302cu.in. three-valve engine, Saleen design Shaker hood scoop, race-style hood pins, 1970 replica wing, '302' side stripes, front air dam and 'No15' markings (removable and reusable static cling decals). It looks like a modern-day Trans-Am car from back in the day, complete with 10in. Minilite-styled wheels, wrapped with Pirelli 40-series rubber. Stopping power comes from oversize Saleen 14in. discs and the suspension system is upgraded using Racecraft springs, shocks and sway bars. The exhaust tone incorporates a low-resonating sound that helps bring back memories of the era … Only 500 examples will be offered and at a price in the $50K range.

General Motors did have an example of their upcoming 2009 Camaro on display in their booth, and this modern Pony car is scheduled to be released in the first quarter of 2009. This is the fifth generation of the GM Mustang competitor and also features 'retro' styling. It will be offered with a V8 engine and features independent rear suspension.

It would be great if I could mention a special Mark Donohue 'Sunoco' tribute car based on this all-new Camaro, or a drag-inspired Bill Jenkins 'Grumpy's Toy' SEMA display car, but no special 2009 Camaros appeared at the show. GM did however bring along several engine displays that highlighted their legendary powerplants from the muscle car glory years (409, 327, 427 and 454). Added to the GM heritage displays was a spot-on replica of the Herb Thomas/Smokey Yunick 1955 Chevrolet racecar, and other muscle car examples from Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Buick.

In addition to the endless booths showcasing new parts and accessories, plus all the SEMA 'image vehicles' that are fitted with the promoted aftermarket accessories to lure you to the manufacturer's exhibit, there's also things going on like the SEMA Art exhibit where artists show their latest work, and educational seminars going on behind closed doors. Add in the restored drag-race cars and the crazy big-wheeled trucks, SUVs and passenger cars that are displayed, there's something for everybody in Las Vegas during this exciting trade show!

Walking the aisles at SEMA is like automotive heaven, and there's so much to see that it's impossible to view it all in the four days the show is open. Over 100,000 industry members attended the event this year, and something like 20-percent were said to be from outside the United States. It's a 34 billion dollar business in the US, the automotive aftermarket, and figures show that sales are up some 9-percent compared with 2005.

The very first SEMA Show was staged in California at the Dodger Stadium in LA, and there were five cars displayed with 98 booths. Fast-forward to today and the event is in Sin City, features over 2000 vehicles, and in excess of 10,000 booths! SEMA and the industry itself have come a long way in the past 40 years, and it's more exciting than ever! For information on future shows, contact: www.sema.org.