Project Blackbird: A Daytona Coupe Built Entirely from Speedmaster Components
From concept to SEMA - the build that launched Speedmaster's turnkey vehicle program
Published on
November 13th, 2017
Project Blackbird is the first vehicle in Speedmaster's turnkey car program - a Daytona Coupe built from the ground up using Speedmaster-engineered components. Assembled in six weeks by Jay Verduzco and Gerald Laird at Speedmaster's California facility, the car debuted at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.
The build starts with a Type 65 Coupe chassis from Factory Five Racing, powered by a 347-cubic-inch small block Ford engine fitted with Speedmaster's eight-stack EFI system managed by FAST EZ EFI. Estimated output sits at 475 horsepower. Every accessible performance component - from the fuel injection to the drivetrain - was sourced from Speedmaster's 25,000-part catalogue.
At SEMA, the coupe earned a Global Media Award from the SEMA New Products Committee - a notable result for a first-time vehicle build.
The Build on Video
Build Threads
Follow the full build process from design through final assembly:
Build Progress Updates
- Project Blackbird on the SEMA Show floor - Jay shares the reception and another Speedmaster award at SEMA 2017
- Four days to SEMA - Jay and Gerald work through final assembly
- Twelve days to SEMA - the build takes shape, from design in Australia to assembly in California
- Forty days to SEMA - test fitting inner panels, engine and trans installed, setting ride height
- Twenty-four days to SEMA - engine set, brakes complete, rear end installed, wiring and gauges in place
- Twenty-five days to SEMA - Jay gathers parts from the 75,000-square-foot distribution centre in Rialto, CA
Press Coverage
Inside Retailer: How Speedmaster plans to become the Tesla of muscle cars
Written by Heather McIlvaine - September 11, 2017
Power & Performance News: Speedmaster Daytona Coupe Build Continues as SEMA Show Deadline Approaches
Written by Cam Benty - October 31, 2017
ReinCarNation Magazine: Best Replicas and Low-Volume from SEMA '17
Written by ReinCarNation Magazine - November 13, 2017
Power & Performance News: Speedmaster Daytona Coupe Draws Huge Crowd at the 2017 SEMA Show
Written by Cam Benty - November 16, 2017
Speedmaster Partners with DZ Motorsports
Written by Jay Verduzco - January 24, 2018
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