The SEMA Show is a sensory overload of the highest order, but every once in a while, a build stops you dead in your tracks. That’s exactly what happened at the HornBlasters booth when we spotted the SS Monte Mino. It is easily one of the most creative debuts of 2025, fusing the utility of a 1979 El Camino, the attitude of a G-body Monte Carlo SS, and the bones of a C6 Corvette into a single, cohesive masterpiece. Builder Matt McEntegart spent three years refining this vision, and the result is a car that defies categorization.
The foundation is pure performance, utilizing a sixth-generation Corvette chassis. But this wasn’t a simple body swap. Matt had to extend the torque tube and swing arms by a foot, move the rear K-member back, and relocate the shocks to accommodate the air-ride system. On top of that sophisticated chassis sits a body that is a masterclass in fabrication. Matt kept the graceful roofline of the ’79 El Camino but grafted on Monte Carlo SS doors and fenders. The nose is a completely custom shark nose design fabricated from forged carbon fiber, giving the car a much shorter, aggressive overhang compared to the factory G-body.
Actually, forged carbon fiber is the recurring theme here. The front spoiler, widebody fender extensions, yacht vents, and even the tailgate are all crafted from the lightweight material. The paint is a stunning tribute to the 1980s, a deep Maroon candy that mimics the factory Monte Carlo hue but with way more depth. It looks incredible sitting over the custom 24- by 14-inch Amani Forged wheels. Under the hood, Matt bucked the twin-turbo trend. The SS Monte Mino is powered by a super-clean, Cherry Red LS3 breathing through Redux Racing ITB stacks.
The interior is just as thoughtful, combining 1985 Toyota Supra seats covered in Moore & Giles leather with a modified Corvette dash that mimics the G-body layout. Plaid inserts add that perfect retro touch. Matt originally wanted to build this car for the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, but we think SEMA was the perfect stage. In a hall filled with cookie-cutter builds, the SS Monte Mino stood out as a genuine original.
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