RealTruck and Life-Size Matchbox Jeep Gladiator Fetches $250K at Barrett-Jackson

NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick bid wins the day with additional $75K added to the donation for a total of $325K benefiting Building Homes for Heroes

ANN ARBOR, Mich., (Feb. 2, 2024) – In a spirited mix of style and philanthropy, and in partnership with Mattel and Matchbox, RealTruck Inc.'s customized and heavily modified 2023 Jeep Gladiator crossed the block Jan. 27 at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. It raised $325,000 to benefit the national nonprofit, Building Homes for Heroes, which builds and modifies homes, gifting them mortgage-free to veterans and first responders.

NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick of North Carolina-based Hendrick Motorsports had the winning bid of $250,000. Added to that: philanthropist Michelle Mauzy, a longtime Barrett-Jackson supporter, donated $50,000, and Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson Auction Co., donated $25,000, all going to the organization on behalf of RealTruck.

“We are so proud of all that went into this custom build, but more importantly the outpouring of support for Building Homes for Heroes,” said RealTruck Inc. Vice President of Marketing Lee Riser. “We never imagined being able to raise $325,000, and are forever grateful to Rick Hendrick, Steve Davis and Michelle Mauzy. Because of this contribution, Building Homes for Heroes is on track to reach its 400th home-gifting milestone this year.”

Building Homes for Heroes CEO Andy Pujol said he’s grateful for its partnership with RealTruck. “This meaningful and heartfelt support reflects our core values, helping America’s injured veterans and first responders build better and brighter lives,” Pujol said.

Originally showcased at SEMA 2023 and the LA Auto Show, this premier overland-inspired 4x4 SUV build was built by Doetsch Off-Road in Chandler, Arizona, and is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, mated to an automatic transmission, and features premium parts and accessories from RealTruck. The build is a life-size replica of the Mattel Matchbox 99-cent toy car, for overlander and car enthusiasts, transitioning from a 1:64 scale to 1:1, and, of course, the winning bidder received not only the life size replica itself, but the Mattel Matchbox toy car as well.

For more information about the build, please visit RealTruck.com.

About RealTruck

RealTruck is the premier manufacturer and digital destination of accessories for truck, Jeep®, Bronco® and off-road enthusiasts around the world. Globally headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, RealTruck’s 5,000+ associates operate from 72 facilities across four continents. RealTruck’s industry leading product portfolio, which includes the Husky Liners total vehicle protection brand, boasts over 850 patents and pending applications. The company’s omni-channel retail approach delivers a seamless consumer experience online at RealTruck.com, as well as through its 12,000+ dealer network and automotive (OEM) partnerships. For more information, visit www.realtruck.com.

Building Homes for Heroes

Building Homes for Heroes builds and gifts mortgage-free homes, and completes home modifications, for veterans, emergency first responders and their families, and provides further services along their road to recovery to help them live a promising and fulfilling life ahead. The organization reached a 95.5% program rating in 2022, the 12th straight year earning a program rating of at least 93%. It also received a perfect 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for seven straight years, including a 100% in transparency and accountability. Learn more at www.buildinghomesforheroes.org/.

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