Custom 1969 Ford Torino Debuts at SEMA 2026
Owners of classic Fords can see how a 685 HP Torino pairs modern chassis and braking hardware with a fully fabricated body.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Car Culture
Dutchboys Hotrods built a 1969 Ford Torino for Darren King, debuting at the 2026 SEMA Show. It is the second of two companion Torinos the shop built for the King brothers, following Dennis King's car unveiled at the 2025 SEMA Show.
Why it matters
The project was conceived by Jim King, who wanted Dutchboys to build a pair of 1969 Ford Torinos for his sons, and he died before the first car was finished. For enthusiasts following custom builds, the pairing shows how a family commission can be carried through across two show seasons.
The 2026 Torino sits on a Roadster Shop Fasttrack chassis with Baer Extreme Plus 14-inch brakes on all four corners and 685 HP under the hood. Wheels are 19x10-inch Forgeline Grudge units up front and 20x12-inch at the rear.
The players
Dutchboys Hotrods
A custom car builder that fabricated both King family Torinos, shown at the SEMA Show.
Roadster Shop
A chassis builder that supplied the Fasttrack chassis under both King family Torinos.
SEMA Show
The annual Las Vegas automotive aftermarket trade show where both Torinos debuted.
The details
The 2026 Torino carries extensive metal fabrication, including a custom hood with a scoop designed to fit Dutchboys' custom wiper cowl. The rear spoiler was removed and the car has no side vents, while a custom billet-machined grille finished in Advanced Platings chrome sets the front apart. Roadster Shop built two chassis for the project, and used one of the donor cars to model the frame for the Fasttrack chassis.
Timeline
2025: Dennis King's Torino debuted at the SEMA Show.
2026: Darren King's Torino debuted at the SEMA Show.
The Home Front
The SEMA Show is the standing showcase where custom builders reveal finished cars and parts to the aftermarket, so each debut sets a public benchmark for custom work. Two consecutive Torinos from one family at that show mark a sustained commission rather than a one-time build.
If you are a classic Ford fan planning a restoration, the Torino's chassis and brake upgrades show options worth researching with a qualified builder. Keep receipts and build documentation for any major component swap, since those records help with future resale and insurance.
The takeaway
A pairing like the two King Torinos shows that a classic muscle car can be rebuilt around modern chassis and braking hardware while keeping its original body lines. For owners of older cars, the practical takeaway is to plan upgrades in a licensed shop's hands and keep detailed build records.
Further reading
Explore more custom builds and enthusiast coverage in Car Culture.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MotorTrend.
