SEMA 2026 gave KnightDriveTV an opportunity to do more than display a striking custom car. It allowed us to put working KnightDriven Technologies prototypes directly in front of professional builders, installers, manufacturers and media—and ask what would actually make the system useful in a finished classic vehicle.
The car brought the crowd
Panache, the hand-formed Art Deco-inspired custom vehicle displayed in the KnightDriveTV booth, was the visual anchor. SEMA officially listed the KnightDriveTV reveal in Central Hall at Booth 23487, and Panache was later included in The Car Guide's Best of the 2026 SEMA Show gallery.
View the official SEMA 2026 reveal schedule
View The Car Guide's Best of SEMA 2026 gallery
Read the Panache build story from In The Hills
The technology created the useful conversations
Inside the booth, KnightDriven demonstrated two working prototype formats: a compact double-DIN system and a 14.8-inch vertical-format display. Both represented the same larger direction—bringing audio, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, cameras, climate control and programmable relay outputs into one coordinated classic-vehicle interface.
The prototypes demonstrated independent integration with compatible Vintage Air Gen 5 electronically controlled climate systems. The purpose was not to present a finished production unit. It was to learn what experienced builders would require before they would install, recommend or purchase it.
What came out of the booth
- 61 badge-scanned contacts qualified for continued product research and follow-up
- 41 builder or installer-related contacts connected to real shops and active projects
- 17 immediate-priority conversations involving builders, installers, media and strategic partners
- A direct strategy conversation with Vintage Air leadership
Several builders reported completing approximately five to ten vehicles per year. Their feedback repeatedly focused on dashboard packaging, interface quality, camera support, documentation and fast access to climate functions.
The clearest product decision: an intermediate format
The double-DIN prototype fit constrained dashboards but limited screen space. The 14.8-inch system created a dramatic custom appearance but was too large for many builds. Multiple builders independently asked for something between those formats.
KnightDriven is therefore evaluating an approximately 10-inch builder-focused format as the likely primary product, while retaining double-DIN for compact applications and large-format hardware for highly customized interiors. Exact size and specifications remain under evaluation.
What happens next
The next phase is not broad advertising or mass inventory. It is direct validation with qualified builders: confirm dashboard dimensions, interface requirements, HVAC usage, installation expectations and real purchase intent. That process will determine the initial production format and commercial path.
Explore KnightDriven Technologies Apply to the Builder Program
Vintage Air is a trademark of Vintage Air, Inc. Prototype compatibility references describe independent KnightDriven development work and do not imply endorsement or a commercial partnership unless separately announced.