The truck you see in the images here looks like a UPS delivery truck with some stickers on it. It looks that way because that is exactly what it is. The truck is a 1990 UPS P-800 23-foot package car, and it was hopped up as part of a promotion with UPS and NASCAR with racer Dale Jarrett many years ago.
The Transformation of a UPS Truck
It may look like a normal UPS truck with some stickers on the outside, but underneath, it’s vastly different. The truck has a roll cage, a bunch of racing gauges inside, and an 850 horsepower Toyota Racing Development (TRD) engine. This transformation was not just a superficial makeover; it involved significant mechanical and structural modifications to make it race-ready. The roll cage, for instance, is a crucial safety feature in racing vehicles, designed to protect the driver in case of a rollover or collision. The racing gauges provide the driver with essential information about the vehicle’s performance, such as speed, engine temperature, and oil pressure, which are critical during high-speed races.
The 850 horsepower TRD engine is a powerhouse, far exceeding the capabilities of a standard UPS truck engine. This engine is designed for high performance, delivering exceptional speed and acceleration. The inclusion of such a powerful engine indicates that this truck was built not just for show but for serious racing performance. The collaboration with Toyota Racing Development highlights the level of expertise and engineering that went into this project.
A Unique Auction Opportunity
The hot rod UPS truck is going up for auction with bidding starting tomorrow, December 4th, and ending on December 11th. We are sure the truck will go for much more than the $1.00 starting bid. It comes with no title, and we assume it’s not street legal. This means that the truck is likely intended for display purposes or for use in private racing events rather than for everyday driving. The lack of a title and street legality could be due to the extensive modifications that make it unsuitable for regular road use.
This auction presents a unique opportunity for collectors and racing enthusiasts to own a piece of NASCAR history. The truck’s association with Dale Jarrett, a well-known NASCAR driver, adds to its appeal. Jarrett’s involvement in the promotion likely drew significant attention to the truck at the time, and his fans may be particularly interested in acquiring this unique vehicle.
Moreover, the truck’s rarity and the story behind its creation make it a valuable collector’s item. Vehicles like this, which have been part of special promotions or collaborations, often become sought-after memorabilia. The fact that it was part of a promotional campaign with a major company like UPS and a prominent figure in NASCAR adds to its historical significance.
In addition to its historical and collectible value, the truck could also be of interest to those involved in automotive restoration or customization. The high-performance TRD engine and other racing modifications could serve as inspiration or even as a source of parts for other projects. The truck’s unique combination of a commercial delivery vehicle and a high-performance racing machine showcases the possibilities of automotive customization and the creativity involved in such projects.
In conclusion, this 1990 UPS P-800 23-foot package car is much more than meets the eye. Its transformation from a standard delivery truck to a high-performance racing vehicle is a testament to the ingenuity and collaboration between UPS, NASCAR, and Toyota Racing Development. The upcoming auction offers a rare chance to own a piece of this fascinating history, and it will be interesting to see how much this unique vehicle ultimately sells for.
via Autoblog
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