Father and Son Sema Build

At Redux Racing, the builds that inspire us most are the ones driven by genuine passion, not trends, not timelines, but people. Few projects embody that spirit more than the work of Bill and Dylan Brinkworth, a father and son custom car building duo whose story is as compelling as the machines they create.

Built Together from the Beginning

Bill Brinkworth introduced his son Dylan to car building at an early age. What started as time in the garage quickly became an education in every facet of custom vehicle fabrication, bodywork, paint, mechanical assembly, fiberglass fabrication, and problem-solving at the highest level. Rather than shortcuts or bolt-on solutions, the philosophy was simple: learn by doing, build it properly, and build it together.

That philosophy came to life when Dylan was around ten years old, when the pair took on a 1973 Datsun 240Z as their first major project. What followed was a full, ground-up custom build. Fender flares, rear spoiler, and countless custom elements were designed and fabricated in-house. The car wasn’t just restored, it was reimagined.

Originally built purely for their own enjoyment, the 240Z quickly gained attention far beyond the garage. A local newspaper feature led to multiple major magazine spotlights, appearances on the Hot Wheels Legends Tour, and eventually an invitation to display the car at SEMA. What began as a father-son project became a globally recognized build.

The Next Chapter: Saisei, the Hakotora

Years later, with more experience and a bigger vision, Bill and Dylan set their sights on an even more ambitious project.  An 1977 Datsun 620 Hakotora drift truck known as Saisei. Designed from the outset as a no-compromise SEMA-level build, Saisei represents a fusion of classic Japanese motorsport heritage and modern drift engineering.

The front end is entirely custom fabricated, featuring an original 1971 Skyline grille and bespoke inner metal structure. The truck has been converted to right-hand drive and fitted with an original 1969 Skyline dashboard, seamlessly integrated with modern digital instrumentation.

Initially planned as a rotary-powered build, the team ultimately chose to go all-in with an LS platform, selecting an L33 5.3L engine — a decision that opened the door for something truly special at the heart of the project. 

At the center of Saisei sits a Redux Racing individual throttle body intake, designed to be both a performance centerpiece and a visual focal point. With the intake protruding through the hood, it represents everything this build stands for.

Paired with an Elgin Stage 3 camshaft, upgraded valvetrain components, Haltech ECU management, and a Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission, the LS-powered Hakotora delivers raw character with modern reliability. The Redux Racing ITB system completes the package, offering razor-sharp throttle response and a commanding visual signature worthy of a SEMA show floor.

The Quality of the build has been followed through the other components

Front Suspension:
S15 Driftworks / Wisefab drift suspension with S15 subframe, Dmax steering rack and hubs, and Air Dynamiks struts.

Rear Setup:
Custom Apex Engineered cantilever suspension adapted from a 240Z with Viking coilovers, an 8.8 rear end, shortened axles, and 370Z hubs.

Braking:
Endless Japan rotors and calipers, CTV Brembos, Wilwood Dynalite hydro setup, remote brake adjuster, and pedal assembly.

Chassis & Fabrication:
Fully fabricated wide rear, custom frame and roll cage, notched frame and crossmembers for exhaust routing, raised transmission and driveshaft tunnels, and custom strut towers with disconnectable hillfab joints.

Interior & Finish:
Carbon-fiber-inlaid dash wrapped in Alcantara with custom embroidery, Hakosuka-inspired door panels, NRG race equipment, Ghost digital dash, and engraved hardware throughout.

Rolling Stock:
RS Watanabe wheels (18x10.5 front, 18x12 rear) wrapped in Toyo Proxes R888R tires.

For Bill and Dylan Brinkworth, Saisei is more than a show truck. It’s a continuation of a journey that began with a father teaching his son how to hold a wrench and grew into a shared legacy of some incredibly built cars.

At Redux Racing, we’re proud to be part of projects like this. We cannot wait to see the what the future builds from Bill and Dylan.

If you would like to see more of their journey, Check out their socials 
Instagram:  saisei.canada

Pictures taken by ev.films.auto