RealTruck at SEMA 2023

For Those Who Like it Rare

Let the hunters and huntresses rejoice! Up first on our most-anticipated build list is our collaboration with hunting apparel brand MeatEater: a heavily-modified 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500 sporting a number of backwoods-centric RealTruck products.

Though 2023’s SEMA show maintained a central focus on the trendy overland scene, the MeatEater build still drew attention as a refined hunting rig, sporting several styling cues and modifications reminiscent of an off-road/overland build. With its camouflage wrap, striking high-visibility orange accents, and rugged exterior mods, the MeatEater Silverado commanded the RealTruck booth, drawing outdoorsmen and women from all necks of the woods!

Legacy in The Making

Up next is our collaboration with McQueen Racing, family-owned business of legendary automotive racer and actor Steve McQueen and Steeda Performance.  

As stated by McQueen-Racing:

 “Following the blueprint laid by our Grandfather and continually pushing the boundaries to pay homage to his legacy, the McQueen-Racing X F-150 is the perfect embodiment of our vision for a modern 'McQueen' off-road truck. This wouldn't have been possible without the support of our dedicated partners at Steeda and RealTruck. We had a vision, and they brought it to life.”

With its location beside the Ford booth, RealTruck’s collaboration with McQueen Racing and Steeda Performance effortlessly drew SEMA’s die-hard Ford fanatics! The McQueen/Steeda F-150 is a build that Steve McQueen himself would be proud to pilot, and the consensus from SEMA guests was a resounding, “When can I place my order?” 

Luckily, this build isn’t just a one-off collaboration; after its debut at the 2023 SEMA show, the model joined Steeda’s fleet of factory-modified Fords! The McQueen Racing F-150 Off-Road is now live on Steeda’s list of available platforms, and Steeda’s currently awaiting orders!

Start Small, End Big

Every car enthusiast’s hobby begins with a 99-cent car; we’re, of course, talking about the Mattel Matchbox toy. This SEMA, RealTruck has the opportunity to celebrate the transition from 1:64 scale to 1:1 with our overland-inspired 2023 Jeep Gladiator! This isn’t your ordinary Gladiator; RealTruck is supplying several high-quality parts and accessories for a truly one-of-a-kind build.

As our premier overland-inspired build at SEMA, the Matchbox 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon fit in perfectly with the theme of this year’s trade show. The heavily modified Jeep was the ultimate showcase for RealTruck’s massive inventory of overland-inspired products, cementing our presence in the overland scene. 

With its journey to the SEMA floor in the books, the Matchbox Jeep Gladiator moves onto its next stage: the auction block! This build was auctioned at Barrett-Jackson on January 27th, 2024, with all proceeds going to the good folks at Building Homes for Heroes. As part of our ongoing partnership with the organization, we’re proud to add the proceeds from the Jeep Gladiator's sale to the one-million-plus dollars we’ve donated over the past five years, aiding in the construction and renovation of over 300 battle-wounded veterans’ homes. 

Check out our Veterans Day piece for additional information on Building Homes for Heroes and the upcoming auction!

Stand Out From the Crowd

If you’re a fan of oddball, vintage Jeeps, check out our 1962 Jeep FC-170 build! This big, red, Forward-Control is a truly one-of-a-kind rig, sporting a custom-fabbed bed, beefy aftermarket bumpers, Baja Designs lighting, Raceline wheels, and more! We’ve supplied several parts for the build.

Even in this year’s massive RealTruck booth, our heavily modified Jeep FC-170 stuck out like a sore thumb…in a good way! This build was one of the more custom rides on the showroom floor, sporting a custom flatbed, custom bumpers, and several one-off suspension mods to give the Forward Control a one-of-a-kind appearance. With all that work, the vintage Jeep drew a seemingly never-ending crowd. 

While an unconventional overlander, the FC-170, with its rooftop tent, expertly-planned storage, and off-road-centric suspension, was right at home among the countless other overland builds.

Conquer Any Terrain

Last on our most-anticipated build list is our partnership with the AAM Group, or the Accessories Aftermarket Marketing Group. This project combines the AAM Group’s dedication to growth and success with RealTruck’s wide aftermarket presence, producing a truly one-of-a-kind 2022 Toyota Tundra!

The AAM Keys to Ride Tundra drew quite the buzz over the 2023 SEMA show, not just for its sleek styling, custom exterior wrap, and tasteful mods, but because AAM gifted the pickup to a lucky attendee as part of AAM’s annual Keys to Ride sweepstakes! 

This year, AAM selected six finalists, who were each presented with a flashlight. Only one was set to turn on, with the recipient of the operational flashlight winning the keys to the 2022 Tundra! Total Truck Centers reseller Jimmy Hamrick happened to pick the lucky flashlight and, thus, secured the victory!