This 1985 Peterbilt 359 Replica Mini Semi is a one-of-one, hand-crafted masterpiece — not a Peterbilt, but a Betterbilt, built by Tom Dell in Pittsfield, Illinois for Leisure Investment Co. of Hayward, California. Constructed entirely from steel as an exact ¾-scale replica of a full-size Class 8 semi truck, it represents over 10,000 hours of labor and three years of meticulous fabrication. Completed at an astounding cost of $500,000 in 1985 (equivalent to over $1.5 million today), this fully operational custom truck stands as a singular piece of American craftsmanship and mechanical art. Having remained in an exclusive private collection, it shows only 5,000 miles since completion and retains its original untouched condition, appearing as if it were freshly finished yesterday. This truck has never before been offered for public sale, making it an unprecedented opportunity to acquire a true one-off collector’s piece — a creation that has no equal anywhere in the world!
The Mini Semi's exterior is finished in a white base with bold red and blue striping, a timeless Americana-inspired livery that enhances its commanding proportions. Every panel was hand-formed from solid steel, with all metalwork bent and shaped by hand — no molds, no automation. Chrome trim components, including the grille, stacks, and tanks, were plated in Rock Island, Illinois, while paintwork was handled by White Auto Body of Pittsfield. Authentic proportions extend to the details — Kenworth-sourced exhaust guards were scaled precisely to match the ¾ design, while working air horns, lights, and polished tanks replicate a true show rig. The truck’s craftsmanship and visual presence earned it Best in Show honors at the 26th Annual AutoRama in Santa Rosa, California, where it was later featured on official event T-shirts. Inside, the cab exudes vintage semi-truck style with custom blue diamond-stitched upholstery, woodgrain dash trim, and a polished wood steering wheel surrounded by chrome-bezel gauges. A functional sleeper cab behind the seats features integrated storage and living comforts, reflecting the truck’s dual purpose as both a display vehicle and working hauler.
Power comes from a turbocharged 636ci V8 Caterpillar 3208 diesel engine, delivering reliable torque and a commanding exhaust note befitting a heavy-duty rig. The engine is paired with a Fuller Road Ranger 10-speed manual transmission with overdrive, providing authentic truck-driving engagement. This mini semi is not just for show — it features a full complement of air-powered systems, including air seats, air windows, air brakes, and an air horn, all scaled perfectly for operational realism. The all-steel chassis rides on dual rear axles, emphasizing its authenticity and durability. Adding to its uniqueness, the truck includes a matching Feather-Lite enclosed car trailer, fully equipped with air conditioning, propane system, outdoor awning, bathroom, closet, and sink — turning the combination into the ultimate toy hauler or show display rig. The project began when Tom Dell, a steel fabrication expert, was commissioned after Dave Spurgeon of Hayward, California heard about Dell’s earlier half-scale semis on the Paul Harvey radio show. The two met, and Dell agreed to create a ¾-scale version capable of towing a full-size trailer — built entirely from his own design, with no blueprints. The result was this one-of-one Betterbilt, a handmade marvel of precision and passion. Upon delivery, the truck immediately drew national attention — one buyer even offered $1 million on the spot at a California car show, but the owner declined. Its legacy as a one-off, award-winning showpiece remains unmatched in the custom truck world.
This 1985 Peterbilt 359 Replica Mini Semi is a one-of-one, hand-crafted masterpiece — not a Peterbilt, but a Betterbilt, built by Tom Dell in Pittsfield, Illinois for Leisure Investment Co. of Hayward, California. Constructed entirely from steel as an exact ¾-scale replica of a full-size Class 8 semi truck, it represents over 10,000 hours of labor and three years of meticulous fabrication. Completed at an astounding cost of $500,000 in 1985 (equivalent to over $1.5 million today), this fully operational custom truck stands as a singular piece of American craftsmanship and mechanical art. Having remained in an exclusive private collection, it shows only 5,000 miles since completion and retains its original untouched condition, appearing as if it were freshly finished yesterday. This truck has never before been offered for public sale, making it an unprecedented opportunity to acquire a true one-off collector’s piece — a creation that has no equal anywhere in the world!
This 1985 Peterbilt 359 Replica Mini Semi is a one-of-one, hand-crafted masterpiece — not a Peterbilt, but a Betterbilt, built by Tom Dell in Pittsfield, Illinois for Leisure Investment Co. of Hayward, California. Constructed entirely from steel as an exact ¾-scale replica of a full-size Class 8 semi truck, it represents over 10,000 hours of labor and three years of meticulous fabrication. Completed at an astounding cost of $500,000 in 1985 (equivalent to over $1.5 million today), this fully operational custom truck stands as a singular piece of American craftsmanship and mechanical art. Having remained in an exclusive private collection, it shows only 5,000 miles since completion and retains its original untouched condition, appearing as if it were freshly finished yesterday. This truck has never before been offered for public sale, making it an unprecedented opportunity to acquire a true one-off collector’s piece — a creation that has no equal anywhere in the world!
From the vintage first-generation F-Series of 1948 to today’s fourteenth generation, Ford’s famous family of pickup trucks is a success story for books, case studies and more. It’s redefined the bar for a pickup truck countless times, and even caught the attention of Carroll Shelby. Even though the great man is no more, there are Shelby F-150s around, like this current-generation 2023 Ford F-150 Shelby from Yucalpa, California. With just 12,500 miles on the clock and a V8 under the hood, this could be the ideal half-ton truck for someone with a family who needs the versatility of a pickup. Join us as we take you through its essence, but if you want to look no further, just get in touch ASAP.
This 1990 Land Rover Defender 90 is a comprehensive restomod build that combines classic British off-road heritage with modern American performance. Built on a two-door Defender chassis, the vehicle underwent an extensive frame-off restoration and modernization. Power comes from a Mast Motorsports turn-key GM LS-based 5.3L naturally aspirated V8 paired with a 6L80E 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering significantly improved performance and reliability compared to the original powertrain. Finished in black over a black vinyl interior, this Defender features a full Kahn Design armored body kit along with numerous mechanical, exterior, and interior upgrades designed to modernize the vehicle while maintaining the rugged character that defines the Defender platform.
Are you the sort of person who has enemies? Have you annoyed some people in a rather great degree? Do you operate in a high risk high reward environment within the scope of the law, of course? Contrary as to what you might think, there are plenty of law-abiding folks who fit this bill. Perhaps you’re in charge of a large corporation that is of interest to a competitor. Maybe you’re a celebrity or sportsperson with a lot of jealous contenders. Either way, this 2023 Cadillac Escalade ESV 4WD Sport Platinum Custom is the perfect way to ride in safety. It’s got bullet proofing by Exec Armor at B6 level, and even features bulletproof custom tires! Join us as we take you through the salient features of this luxury SUV that’s been customized to be one of the safest places to be.
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