Wayne Harris To Feature Legendary ‘Terminator’ Hearse at MasterTech Expo
At a special session, Harris will walk through the history, design philosophy & audio innovations behind the famous “Terminator”…
Automotive audio pioneer Wayne Harris will feature his world-famous “Terminator” vehicle during a special live interview at MasterTech Expo 2026, offering attendees a rare look into one of the most iconic builds in car audio history, event organizers stated in a press release. The MasterTech Expo runs March 12-15, 2026, at the Mesa Convention Center in Mesa, Arizona.
Open to all MasterTech attendees and exhibitors, the “Terminator” will be on hand, and the featured session will take place on March 12 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Delta AZ Ballroom.
Harris has been a driving force in the 12-volt automotive audio industry since the early 1980s, noted the release. A designer, engineer, entrepreneur and innovator, he has earned multiple design and engineering awards, holds several patents for audio technology innovations, and was named one of the Top 10 Most Influential People in Car Audio from 1987–92.
Originally built in the mid-1980s, the “Terminator” featured groundbreaking concepts. It had one of the first true symmetry-based system layouts, including six Power 1,000 amplifiers and a rotating amplifier rack that redefined what was possible in mobile audio design. The vehicle pushed extreme power levels for its era and became a benchmark for competitive audio builds, officials said.
The Legendary ‘Terminator’ Show Vehicle
The “Terminator” began life as a 1960 Cadillac hearse before Harris transformed it into one of the most legendary show vehicles in automotive audio history. Packed with massive subwoofers, multiple drivers and staggering power output for the time, it helped shape early competition culture and left a lasting impression on anyone who experienced it in person.
Today, Harris has been carefully modernizing, refurbishing and rewiring the “Terminator,” preserving its original spirit while ensuring it remains period correct. Decades later, the vehicle is still a cultural icon, talked about by competitors and enthusiasts who remember seeing—and hearing—it dominate early car audio events.
Live Interview & Walk-Through
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from Harris as he walks through the history, design philosophy and technical innovation behind the “Terminator.” The session will be hosted by Matt Schaefer and Gary Bell of the “Old Fashion Podcast.”
