While SEMA is often known for wild paint jobs and outrageous engines, TMI Products is making sure the inside of the car gets its moment in the spotlight. The custom interior giant just announced the winners of its 2025 TRIM Awards, a competition designed to celebrate the often-overlooked artistry of automotive upholstery. After a nationwide search, the best of the best gathered in Las Vegas, and the winners represent some of the finest craftsmanship in the country.
Best TMI Car
The award for the best car utilizing TMI seats went to Christopher Cairo and his stunning 1970 Chevy Camaro. This triple-black beauty features a complete TMI interior, anchored by a pair of Pro Series Low Back seats. The premium black vinyl with CNC-sewn Double Diamond inserts carries through to the door panels and rear seats, creating a cohesive, sinister look that perfectly matches the car’s exterior.
Best TMI Truck
On the truck side, Justin Fields took home the hardware with his 1972 Chevy C10. Fields used the Cruiser Classic Collection to create a fresh take on a vintage cabin. His Classic Cruiser bucket seats, door panels, dash pad, and waterfall console are all wrapped in a rich “511 Brown,” proving that a classic truck interior can be both rugged and refined.
Best SUV or Wagon
Brandon Burrell’s 1977 Chevy K5 Blazer earned the top spot for SUVs and wagons. Burrell went for a “clean and classy” approach, combining a modified dash filled with Dakota Digital gauges and custom Snowden seats. The interior features premium Apex leather and carpet, blending modern touches with the Blazer’s classic utility.
Best Full Interior
The award for the best use of a complete TMI product line went to Jason Engel and his 1969 Ford Mustang SportsRoof. This carbon-fiber creation debuted TMI’s new Pro Series SS2 Race Style reclinable bucket seats. The Apex Leather and suede upholstery features CNC-sewn Double Diamond stitching and carbon fiber silver stripe inserts, tying perfectly into the car’s high-tech theme.
Most Creative Interior
Steve Strope of Pure Vision Designs won for creativity with his 1970 Plymouth Road Runner, a build that mixes retro Mopar style with high-end fashion. The interior is a masterclass in details, featuring a modified 1966 Fury dash, a ’72 Duster console, and seat inserts with a pattern digitally printed onto leather to match a Robert Graham dress shirt. It’s a build that demands a double take.
Best Color Matching Interior
Miguel Gomez earned honors for the best color matching with his 1955 Chevy 3600 Truck. His build featured a contemporary interior that not only honored the original design but also perfectly tied together the exterior color scheme, creating one of the most memorable and cohesive looks at the show.
Best Custom Car Interior
Rick Maharaj’s 1962 Chevy Impala took the prize for the best full custom car interior. The cabin looks more like a concept car than a classic, featuring a fully custom Porsche-inspired Bordeaux leather interior with bronze and gold accents. With a symmetrical dash design and hidden controls, the clean, button-free look is a work of art.
Best Custom Truck Interior
For custom trucks, Karl Schulman’s 1953 Chevy “Mjolnir” was the clear winner. The race-inspired build features TMI Race Style seats reimagined in “Root Beer” Apex leather. The door panels were designed to reflect the tailgate’s louvers, showing an incredible attention to detail that made this truck truly one of a kind.
Fan Favorite Interior
The fans had their say online, voting Chris Pate’s 1995 Chevy Tahoe as their favorite. This unapologetic throwback brings the ’90s roaring back to life with a full custom interior and an over-the-top high-end audio system by MTI Automotive Designs, blending modern tech with that classic ’90s sport truck vibe.
2025 TRIM Awards: Best of Show Champion
The ultimate prize, the coveted 2025 TRIM Awards steering wheel trophy, went to Mikey Dascoli and his flawless 1969 International Scout. The judges selected the Scout for its premium interior that incorporated modern elements without losing the vehicle’s original functional spirit. It stood out as the finest example of design and execution at the entire show, cementing its place as the TRIM Awards champion.
