Buyer Resources
- 1985 Better Built 359 Replica Mini Semi Truck w/ Matching Trailer
- Caterpillar 3208 636ci V8 Turbo-Diesel
- Fuller Road Ranger 10-Speed Manual w/ Overdrive
- RWD
- White Exterior
- Blue Interior
- Hand Built by Tom Dell In Pittsfield, Illinois
- All-Steel, ¾ Scale of Full-Size Semi
- Sleeper Configuration Cab
- Air Seats, Air Windows, Air Horn, Air Brakes
- Dual Drive Rear End w/ Power Divider
- Matching Feather-Lite Enclosed Car Trailer
- A/C
- Propane
- Outdoor Awning
- Closet
- Bathroom
- Sink
- Best in Show Award — 26th Annual AutoRama, Santa Rosa, CA
- 1 of 1 Spec - Only Better Built Mini Semi Truck 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!
Exterior and Interior
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.
Engine
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!
This 2021 RAM 2500 Laramie Crew Cab SEMA Build takes an already capable Cummins-powered heavy-duty pickup and transforms it into a highly customized show-oriented build. Finished in Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat over a custom Red leather interior, it combines factory equipment such as the Sport Appearance Package, Heavy-Duty Snow-Plow Prep Group, Laramie Level 1 Equipment Group, Anti-Spin Differential Rear Axle, power sunroof, LED bed lighting, and Uconnect 12-inch navigation with an extensive collection of custom upgrades. The build is highlighted by a 20-inch lift, a one-off full air-ride suspension setup by KM MetalWorks, massive 30-inch x 16-inch wheels, 40-inch off-road tires, upgraded turbocharger and fuel system, custom lighting, train horns, and specialized towing hardware. Showing approximately 48,920 miles, this RAM combines the visual impact expected from a SEMA-style build with the underlying utility of a Cummins-powered 2500.
The 1995 Land Rover Defender 110 has long been prized for its utilitarian character, unmistakable box-section styling, and go-anywhere roots, but this Monarch Project 24 takes that familiar formula in an entirely different direction. Showing approximately 1,820 miles, it combines classic Defender architecture with a comprehensively reworked drivetrain, suspension, braking system, exterior, and cabin. At its heart is a 430-horsepower 6.2L LS3 V8 backed by a 6L80 six-speed automatic and Atlas transfer case, while a 5-inch suspension lift, Fox shocks, Ford 9-inch axles, Wilwood brakes, and a Warn winch give the build serious mechanical substance. Nardo Grey paint with orange accents, Italian Nappa leather, carbon-fiber trim, teak flooring, digital instrumentation, and modern multimedia equipment turn this D110 into a distinctive blend of old-school Land Rover presence and modern restomod execution.
This 2010 Dodge Charger Police UTE Custom started life as a four-door police-spec Charger, but today it presents as something far more unusual. Showing 104,875 miles, it has been transformed into a two-door ute-style pickup with a custom rear cargo bed, extensively modified rear body structure, SRT-style front-end treatment, and a custom orange paint job with exterior graphics. Underneath the custom bodywork, it retains the 5.7L HEMI V8, 5-speed automatic transmission, rear-wheel-drive layout, and several pieces of its original police equipment. The result is a one-off build that blends muscle-car character with Australian-style utility-car inspiration.
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