Friday evening at SEMA Ignited (the offical SEMA Show after-party), the winner of the Battle of the Builders competition was announced.  More than 15,000 enthusiasts gathered around the main stage in the Gold Lot across the street from the Las Vegas Convention Center.  The three finalists were Bobby Alloway with his ’33 Ford Roadster, Chip Foose with his ’65 Chevy Impala, and Alan Johnson with his ’53 Studebaker.  Alloway and his ’33 Roadster took the prize as Top Builder.

The SEMA Battle of the Builders competition was introduced at the SEMA Show last year, and it began with more than 200 vehicle builders and car customizers entering 260 custom cars competing for the coveted title of Top Builder.  After the top 10 were chosen, the builders selected amongst themselves who the Top Builder was.  Various television programs were filmed that will air nationwide early next year.

“This has to be the biggest award I have ever won,” said Alloway.  “We were being judged by our peers – guys that can do and have done the same as I.  That’s big!”

The hot rod has been built since ’96, but it’s still winning shows and awards and still appears to be a new build.

“I just about didn’t enter this because I didn’t think I had a chance with an old hot rod as it doesn’t have all the technology the rest of the builders have,” said Alloway.

It’s a good thing he did enter, as his traditional hot rod complete with a 241cid Red Ram Hemi and six Stromberg carbs came out on top to claim the victory.