The 2020 SEMA Battle of the Builders competition has come to an end, with Brady Ranweiler and his 1963 Chevrolet Full Custom 2 Door Wagon taking home the top prize.
Ranweiler and his winning Chevy wagon.
This is the first time a wagon has taken home the top award in the seven-year history of the SEMA Battle of the Builders competition.
As part of the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the Battle of the Builders competition brings together the industry’s top talent for an all-out vehicle modification slug fest. This year’s competition included over 330 individual submissions from around the world, all of which were whittled down to 12 semi-finalists.
The semi-finalists were then narrowed down to four finalists in four individual categories. Taking home the top award in the Sport Compact category was Chip Foose and his 1974 Jaguar E-Type. Mark Giambalvo and his 1965 Chevy C10 snagged the top spot in the Truck/Off-Road category, and Cody Medeisis got the win in the Young Guns category for his 1968 Chevy Camaro. To note, the Young Guns category is open to builders aged 27 years and younger. Finally, Ranweiler and the ’63 Chevy Full Custom 2 Door Wagon was the top pick in the Hot Rod category.
From these four finalists, a single winning build is selected. This year, the honor went to Ranweiler and his ’63 Chevy Full Custom 2 Door Wagon.
Earlier in August, event organizers canceled the 2020 SEMA Show, citing concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the annual in-person event was called off, parts of the trade show and other related live elements went online for SEMA360, including the annual Battle of the Builders competition.
The four Battle of the Builders finalists will be highlighted in an upcoming television special set to air next year. The special will be called SEMA: Battle of the Builders, and is scheduled to air on History’s Drive and A+E Networks’ FYI in January. A specific time and date will be announced at a later time.
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Comments
The first time I saw this wagon I was in love. A way cool build that is totally unique and a well-deserved SEMA win. I built a 63 – 2 door in early 2k had fun with it for a while then sold it for more than I had in it. Since my first wagon, a 64 Impala in 1975, I’ve owned more than 50. Wagons rule!!
Would love to see more details on this build. I believe, GM only made 4 door wagons in ’63. Would like to see how he shortened it down. Custom frame? ETC. Just have to wait for the Jan TV special I guess. Nice job and the right color too.
It won in the hot rod category. A STATION WAGON? You gotta be kidding me!
Hey, that’s what “Hot Rodding” is all about. Take anything, do your own thing, and it’s a “Hot Rod”. That simple!!!!
It is not just a wagon. It’s been recreated into a 2 door with high-end imagination and workmanship. These judges are not prejudiced on body styles but are there to reward people for their craftmanship, talent, creativity, uniqueness. Wagons are a big part of the custom and hot rod hobby/industry. I’ve owned over 50 and made money on every one.
This is not just a station wagon. They look at details, individuality, workmanship, uniqueness. As for wagons, they have earned respect. I’ve owned over 50 since my first in 1975 which was a 64 Impala and ever since then I’ve had no problems rolling in wagons. One of my crazy wagons was featured in the book Americas Coolest Station Wagons. They have a very loyal following and if you doubt that then do a search on custom station wagons. They are a big thing
I don’t get how it beat chips car as it had so many different things going on compared to others..
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