On this episode, Chris is joined by Karen Bailey - Chapman, Senior Vice President - Public and Government Affairs at SEMA.  They chat about SEMA's advocacy initiatives and how electric vehicle mandates, tariffs and limiting access to public land impact the enthusiast vehicle community.  Government policy inadvertently promotes stagnating innovation, increasing costs and limiting use of public lands. SEMA's advocacy initiatives are lobbying government decision makers to normalize and reverse the negative impact government policy has on the enthusiast vehicle community and aftermarket suppliers.        

It all began in 1963 when a group of small manufacturers who were suppliers of performance equipment for early hot rods organized their fledgling industry and called it "Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association" (SEMA).

The mission was practical and straightforward: develop uniform standards for certain products used in motorsports competition; promote the industry as a supplier to consumers involved in constructive activities of recreational and hobbyist value; develop programs to encourage improved business practices among member companies; and hold regular meetings to achieve unity as a business organization. In those days, all of the members were founders of companies that produced speed equipment exclusively (hence, the organization's title).

At the outset, the pioneering companies operated free of the constraints that come from governmental regulations and their attending restrictions. They were as aggressive and progressive as their imaginations would allow, and the mostly small businesses flourished. Today, many of the original companies are very large, successful corporations, and some, such as Edelbrock, Ansen, B&M and Offenhauser, are known internationally for their product lines. Today, more than 40 years later, the small group of entrepreneurial operations has been joined by thousands of companies, designers, producers and suppliers of specialty products that span the gamut. From performance products for street and race applications to appearance accessories for late-model automobiles and light-duty trucks, SEMA-member companies contribute to the vitality and strength of a $29.9-billion-a-year retail industry.

SEMA eventually became the Specialty Equipment Market Association, embracing within its ranks all businesses in the distribution chain: manufacturers, warehouse distributors, jobbers, independent retailers, volume retailers, specialty stores (speed shops), sales agents, subcontractors and publishing companies. The membership categories even include racing teams, car clubs and special service organizations. The SEMA membership roster has steadily grown and continues its upward climb. Today there are more than 6,382 corporate members. Products supplied by the industry are in demand not only in the United States, but also throughout the world.

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris is joined again by Brian Ellis, Co-Founder and CEO of Fourbie Exchange. They discuss shifting macroeconomic drivers caused by tariffs, the past performance and their outlook on the broader collector vehicle, truck, and 4x4 markets, changing marketplace dynamics, and which trucks and 4x4s are winners, losers, buys, sells, and holds.

In the first quarter of 2025, the collector vehicle market continued to balance out and experience stabilization and appreciation. The first quarter saw several historic record-breaking transactions and a momentous dollar volume milestone. As the first quarter concluded, volatility in the macroeconomic landscape, caused by politically motivated tariffs, brought uncertainty back to the collector vehicle market. Though the first-quarter metrics were promising, a changing macroeconomic landscape could impact the performance of the collector vehicle market for the remainder of 2025. Although there are some soft spots in the truck and 4x4 markets, generational change continues to drive truck and 4x4 values, highlighting the segment as a new class of "blue-chip" collector vehicles. Time will tell what the rest of 2025 has in store, but we are cautiously optimistic.

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris collaborates and co-hosts with Dan Simpson, the host of the Classic Land Cruisers Podcast.  When two classic 4x4 enthusiasts get a chance to pick each others brains, the conversation will inevitably end up about Land Cruisers.  They talk about their random encounter crossing paths, variations of global market Land Cruisers and get real about the beloved J-Series markets.

US Spec Land Cruisers will always be paramount in the market, but supply of imported Land Cruisers has moderated and allowed the market to balance out.  Lately, the lower volume of Land Cruisers we are seeing imported into the US tend to be higher quality restorations and desirable variants that we never saw in the US.  Those current market trends and the back drop of a strong collector vehicle market are moving the J-Series market back into the sellers favor and prices are rising. 

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris is joined by Dan Hogan, Founder and CEO, Hogan Built and Hogie Shines.  They chat about how Chevrolet K5 and K10 trucks have become the new "Blue Chip" collector vehicles and Dan's evolution from body shop laborer to founding and growing Hogan Built, the preeminent investment quality GM truck restoration and modification shop.  They also discuss a few hallmark and in process builds. 

Move over coach built Duesenbergs and low production Ferraris, Action Line (1967-1972) restored modified Chevrolet K5s and K10s are the new top dollar "Blue Chip" collector vehicles.  With modern custom chassis, LS powertrains, coil spring suspensions, six piston disc brakes and all the creature comforts of a modern vehicle, these trucks perform like new while looking classic.

Based in Pheonix, AZ, quality is paramount at Hogan Built. For nearly a decade, they've gained a reputation for producing only the highest quality restored modified GM trucks and they strive to continually raise the bar.

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris is joined again by Brian Ellis, Co Founder and CEO of Fourbie Exchange.  They discuss the past performance and their outlooks on the broader collector vehicles markets and truck and 4x4 markets, changing marketplace dynamics and which trucks and 4x4s are winners, losers, buys, sells and holds.

With the worst behind us, the collector vehicle market stabilized in 2024 and the future is bright in 2025!  Though there are some soft spots in the market, overall collector vehicle sellers aren't giving anything away and buyers aren't getting smoking deals.  The collector vehicle market has balanced out and both sides of the transaction are walking away satisfied.  The collector truck and 4x4 markets remaining strong, driven by generational demand, future growth is inevitable.

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris is joined by TV host and Creator, Ian Johnson, they chat about everything from SEMA to Ian's career progression from automotive technician and teacher to hosting TV shows.  They talk about classic 4x4 restomods leading the collector vehicle markets and the future of EVs too.

Born and raised in Canada, Ian began his career as a licensed automotive technician, which lead him to teaching automotive technology and eventually landing his first TV co host opportunity with Jesse James on Monster Garage.  Appearing in front of the camera on Extreme 4x4, FourWheeler, Build for Offroad and Big Tire Garage has lead him to working behind the camera at his production company, Digital Lug.

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris is joined by Daniel Marcello, Founder of Brooklyn Coachworks.  They chat about how a career creative turned his Land Rover passion into a magazine that lead to building Brooklyn Coachworks.  They also discuss a few of their hallmark builds and how their shops in Italy and Virginia integrate with their home base in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  Building an investment quality restored Land Rover Defender isn't easy and certainly not something usually seen in the heart of Brooklyn, New York City.

Brooklyn Coachworks motto of 'Purpose Built' goes into every Defender they build. We don't add unnecessary accessories or overbuild their Rovers.  They build them the same way Land Rover would have built them coming off the Solihull assembly line, but with some much needed upgrades to ensure they will last forever and be comfortable to drive. 

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris is joined by Brian Ellis, Founder and CEO of Fourbie Exchange.  They talk about the performance and their outlooks on the truck and 4x4 markets, changing marketplace dynamics and which trucks and 4x4s are winners, losers, buys, sells and holds in the market. 

After a 5 year run in the collector vehicle markets, 2023 was tumultuous, but 2024 is stabilizing and showing signs of improvement.  That trend continued in the 3rd quarter, as sellers are finally coming to terms with market values and buyers expectations.  With the collector truck and 4x4 markets remaining strong and balancing out, the opportunity is there for future growth in certain areas.

Generational change continues to drive the truck and 4x4 markets, as the 35-55 year old demographic fuels their insatiable appetite for these vehicles.  Some years, makes and models are performing well and some are struggling due to over supply and shifting trends.

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris reconvenes with Mike Cashman and Curtis Weir from Mount Zion Offroad to talk about some of their paramount 4x4 builds, including Chris' 1980 International Scout Traveler.  Whether a ground up second generation one ton Dodge Ram, custom Jeep YJ rock crawler, portal axles and 40's on a new Ford Bronco or a classic International Scout Traveler drivability refurbishment, Mount Zion has seen, done and built it all! 

Mike and Jim Cashman founded Mount Zion Offroad in June of 2004 out of their shared passion for 4 wheel drive and Jeep vehicles.  Throughout the last decade, Mount Zion Offroad has refined and developed 4×4 service, repair and customization, becoming experts in every area of modifying and repairing trucks and 4×4s.

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!

On this episode, Chris goes back to the roots of the podcast and interviews classic 4x4 collector Patrick Kesler.  They discuss the beginning of Patrick's classic 4x4 passion and how he began building his well curated collection of International Harvesters and Toyota Land Cruisers.

Patrick's collection has grown to include New Legend and Anything Scout designed and built Internationals, along with some purpose built adventure Land Cruisers.  He is a devout advocate for using the trucks in his collection for what they were built to do, taking them on adventures.  They chat about a few of the classic 4x4 adventures he has embarked on and some that he has planned.

Follow, Like and subscribe to the podcast on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and your podcast listing platform. Check out our website at classic4x4.com and reach out if we can help you sell your classic, vintage or collector truck or 4x4. Thanks for listening!