Some builds are about style, others about speed. But this one—Project Novello—is about something deeper: honoring a legacy, pushing creative boundaries, and choosing craft over compromise.
Initially scheduled for a SEMA 2025 debut, Maffett Motorwerks‘ highly anticipated C10 project is now set to roll out at SEMA 2026. While the delay might sound like a setback, it’s anything but. It’s a deliberate choice rooted in quality and respect for the story behind the build.
“As the vision for this build became more ambitious—with custom metalwork, a fully reimagined interior, and extensive brand integration—it became clear that rushing to meet the 2025 deadline would compromise the final product,” said Maffett Motorwerks founder. “Rather than cut corners, I made the strategic decision to delay and ensure the C10 hits the floor in 2026 with the finish, function, and story it truly deserves.”
Part of that decision came down to global forces beyond anyone’s control. Tariffs have significantly impacted the availability and pricing of critical materials, especially imported metals and specialty components.
Rather than stall out, the team restructured the timeline and tapped into domestic suppliers to keep the momentum strong.
“We adapted by leaning into domestic suppliers and reshuffling some elements of the timeline to focus on fabrication and pre-assembly while material costs stabilized.”
In the process, Maffett Motorwerks found a new creative partner: Divine One Customs, a Las Vegas-based paint and body shop known for precision and originality. Their collaboration has brought new energy to the project and will play a major role in what fans see in 2026.
“Teaming up with Divine One Customs was a natural fit—our shared commitment to craftsmanship and originality makes for a powerful collaboration.”
What’s Under the Hood (and Beyond)
This build isn’t just about visuals. It’s about vision. Key brands have joined the project, including Holley, Eastwood, Ron Francis Wiring, American Racing, East Side Motorsports, Golden Starr Classic Auto Parts, and Dirt Legal, to name a few.
“These companies not only deliver top-tier performance but also align perfectly with the storytelling aspect of the build—from custom gauges to premium leather to CNC-cut accents, each partner brings a chapter to the project.”
Even the message behind the final debut is crystal clear:
“When the C10 rolls into SEMA 2026, I want it to say: ‘Craft over compromise.’ It’s a symbol of perseverance, passion, and partnership.”
While some early sponsorships weren’t able to continue due to budget changes or timeline shifts, the added time has created opportunities for more aligned partnerships moving forward.
“The delay has also opened doors to bigger and more aligned partners who now have time to come onboard more meaningfully.”
And there’s still room to collaborate. The team is open to support in the form of materials, media exposure, brand integration, and monetized content partnerships.
With the right help, Project Novello’s final stretch can become its most impactful.
“Support with materials, marketing visibility, cross-brand connections, or helping elevate awareness through content that could bring monetary sponsors to the project would be huge.”
Why “Novello”?
The name isn’t just for flair. It’s a tribute. Paul Novello, a lifelong friend of the builder, was the original owner of the truck, passed down from his father. As a teen, Paul raced the C10 through the streets, dodged cops, and created memories that stuck. Eventually, the pressure caught up with him, and he parked the truck deep in the woods, where it sat untouched since the late ’80s.
Years later, Paul and the Maffett team dreamed of rebuilding it together. But when Paul was diagnosed with aggressive cancer, that dream took on urgency. Before he passed, he asked the team to take over—to finish what he never got to start.
“We showed him concept drawings and build plans before he passed, and seeing those designs moved him to tears.”
Now, every bolt and panel carries more than engineering—it carries Paul’s memory.
“Project Novello isn’t just a truck. It’s a tribute to friendship, family, and finishing what someone else started.”
When the truck hits the floor at SEMA 2026, it’ll have all the horsepower, design, and technical finesse of a world-class build—but it’ll also have a beating heart under the hood.
As SEMA 2026 approaches, Project Novello stands for more than the sum of its parts. It’s not just a custom C10—it’s a testament to craftsmanship, resilience, and the people who inspire us to build bigger and better. Every weld tells a story, every detail honors a promise, and every mile ahead is fueled by memory.
For Maffett Motorwerks, this isn’t about making a splash. It’s about making something that lasts.
Because some builds chase trophies. This one chases meaning.
About Dirt Legal and Their Montana Registration Process
When Project Novello rolls into SEMA 2026, it won’t just be about horsepower or paint. It’s about legacy, patience, and finishing what someone else started.
That same spirit of bringing classics back to life continues in another story—Daniel and Andy’s rescue of a 1970 C10 that sat abandoned in a field for 45 years. What began as a hopeful pickup quickly revealed heavy rust, frame damage, and decades of neglect.
Watch the process of the C10 restoration above and see how Daniel and Andy brought this truck back from the brink.
Of course, saving a truck doesn’t end with fixing sheet metal or rebuilding a motor. To drive it legally, you need proper registration. One of the most important steps in any restoration is making sure the vehicle is road-ready on paper, not just under the hood.
That’s where Dirt Legal comes in. They make the registration process simple—especially for classics, off-road builds, and custom projects. With Dirt Legal, you can register your vehicle in Montana without ever stepping foot in the DMV. That means no sales tax, no emissions tests, and no wasted time.
Whether it’s a legacy build like Project Novello or a field-find rescue like Daniel and Andy’s C10, Dirt Legal handles the paperwork so you can focus on the passion.
Skip the red tape. Get legal. Learn more about how Dirt Legal works here
