We cover a ton of ground during the SEMA show and see a lot of badass cars, trucks, girls, and even celebrities. But to showcase something that really stands out in the crowd, we had to sneak back and see what was tucked into the Mothers booth outside.

Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop of Gadsden, Alabama brought a beautiful – and we mean beautiful – 1954 Chevrolet Pickup truck that was built for David Pilgrim of Rockport, Texas. Pilgrim’s father was the original owner of the pickup; David actually learned to drive in the truck. Allan Johnson, of Johnson Hot Rod Shop, told us, “This was a family truck, and Pilgrim wanted to make something special out of it.”

Other than just being an absolute masterpiece, the powerplant that thrusts this truck to a potential 250 mph is just as gorgeous, as it’s outfitted with a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine with a quad turbocharger system and monstrous fuel injectors.

“We wanted to be able to change up the horsepower levels and we turned to S&S Diesel for tuning and electronics,” said Johnson. “This truck is now a purpose-built racing machine that is strictly for salt flat racing and the Texas mile.” Famed land-speed engine builder Keith Dorton, at Automotive Specialists Racing Engines, put together the Duramax with ARP fasteners to hold 100 psi.

We are ecstatic to see the results next year with this truck and hope to make it out to see this thing in action. What are your thoughts on this truck and the salt flats gaining another diesel truck? Let us know in the comments below!