MotorTrend’s coverage of Mecum Auctions’ vehicle sale extravaganzas, conducted around the US and broadcast worldwide on MotorTrend TV and MotorTrend+, has been successful. The two-year cooperation is ending. Mecum exhibits feature rare, standard, and distinctive vehicles, trucks, motorbikes, automotive memorabilia, and other goods. We search many future sales for intriguing cars you like and bid on in person, via phone, or online. From Thursday to Sunday, August 17–19, 2023, Mecum Monterey (California) will auction. The oceanside auction trades the most expensive and coolest gadgets. Trucks can cost six figures, but cars are the most costly. Retch Fabrications of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, built “The Ponderosa” 1966 Chevrolet C10 crew-cab dually (Lot #F133). It’s unique. Its 5.9-liter, 12-valve Cummins engine produces 500 horsepower (1,300 lb-ft) and features four-wheel drive. An automatic transmission replaced a five-speed manual NV4500 transmission and an NP205 transfer case. Using a flatbed truck frame and several 1964–1966 Chevy and GMC truck bodies, it was unique. This four-door automobile is clever and well-made inside and out. It could sell for as much as the most expensive Mecum Monterey automobiles. Check the price Friday afternoon when the Ponderosa crosses the street. Diesel Motor Considering the Ponderosa’s size, it’s hard to believe that the 1966 Chevy C10 truck has an I-6 engine with 250 cubic inches and 155 horsepower. Retch Fabrications repaired the front fenders by installing an outdated “12-valve” Cummins engine. Dynomite Diesel Products Stage 3 injectors, a ported/polished cylinder head, BD Diesel’s boost turbocharger, an intercooler, and a three-piece intake manifold give the 5.9-liter turbodiesel 500 horsepower and 1,300 lb-ft of torque. Flowmaster 4-inch exhaust systems purify used gases. Custom Consoles Retch Fabrications created the truck’s body. Parts were factory-made and custom-made. Bucket chairs flank the central armrest on a Daytona weave carpet. The cabin’s inside is green, like the exterior. It pulls trailers. Despite its unusual pieces, this vehicle can do “truck things.” A Class V receiver hitch is attached to a bespoke cross member, and the bed has a fifth-wheel towing system. Tire jokes Six 20×8.25 American Force wheels have 37-inch Nitto Trail Grappler tires with “Ponderosa” on them. Leadership style The Ponderosa’s front is enormous. The brightly coloured AMP Research PowerSteps are essential for safely entering and exiting the 8-foot-high structure. Dino-Approved Dino Battilana, a Chevy C10 enthusiast, slapped two Dinos Chevy Only decals on the Ponderosa’s fenders to signify his approval. A shock Ponderosa suspension uses Skyjacker leaf springs and Bilstein 5165 Series shocks. The Red Head steering box connects to the OEM tilt steering column in the cab. Front disc brake slots and holes halt the truck. Dana 60 front tire. Dana’s 70 back axles have Detroit Lockers and 4.10 gears. Check the rear bumper. By adding a step, Retch Fabrications transformed the sculpture. OEM-like but contemporary. Old style with new tech is fantastic. Ponderosa gauges are electronic but seem conventional. Right now. Speedway Motors wired the truck. First One You see a 1966 factory-fresh silver grille. A 12,000-pound Warn winch under it. This device is ready to use. Buy it. The Ponderosa has a standard front bumper, custom windshields, windows from Grizzly Glass in Hayden, Indiana, Spokane Metal Finishing in Spokane, Washington, a 60-gallon fuel tank, and off-road LED lights. We’ll watch this rig’s Monterey auction on August 18, 2023.
