People Places & Racing News

Movers & Shakers: One-of-a-Kind Matchbox JT Set for Barrett-Jackson Auction, New Details for All-Ford Car Show

By SEMA News Editors

One-of-a-Kind Matchbox JT Set for Barrett-Jackson Auction

One-of-a-Kind Matchbox JT Set for Barrett-Jackson Auction

Enthusiasts can secure their very own Mattel Matchbox toy life-size replica during this weekend's Barrett-Jackson show in Scottsdale, Arizona, on Saturday, January 27. The custom Jeep Gladiator, which was on display at the SEMA Show, was created by aftermarket accessories manufacturer and online destination RealTruck Inc. in partnership with Mattel and Matchbox.

Donated by RealTruck, 100% of the hammer price of the build will go directly to benefit the non-profit organization, Building Homes for Heroes, devoted to supporting wounded veterans and first responders.

"The Matchbox RealTruck Custom JT Gladiator is one of our most standout collaborations and anticipated builds, and we are proud to support our friends at Building Homes for Heroes with its sale benefiting the nation's hard-working citizens and service members," said RealTruck Inc. Vice President of Marketing Lee Riser. "We pride ourselves on giving back to the community by contributing to organizations with shared values."

Built by Doetsch Off-Road in Chandler, Arizona, the striking black '23 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon build is a life-size replica of the Mattel Matchbox 99-cent toy car, transitioning from a 1:64 scale to 1:1. The premier overland-inspired 4x4 SUV build is powered by a 3.6-liter V8 engine mated to an automatic transmission, and features premium parts and accessories from RealTruck, including a RealTruck Rugged Ridge Roof Top Tent mounted to the RealTruck® GoRack, a RealTruck N-Fab TrailSlider Step System, RealTruck Rugged Ridge Jeep Flush Mount Tail Lights and more.

The auction will take place Saturday, January 27, 3:30 p.m. PST/4:30 p.m. MST at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Visit RealTruck.com to learn more about the build, and register to bid for the auction at Barrett-Jackson.com.

Tread Lightly! Announces New Official Partners 

Tread Lightly!, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting responsible outdoor recreation through stewardship and educational programs, announced Back Road Van Adventures (BRVA) and Roof Top Overland as its newest official partners. 

BRVA is an off-road adventure guide company offering guided trips, as well as educational clinics that include, off-road driving, GPS routing and planning, first aid, sustainability and off-road recovery.  

Roof Top Overland is a retailer specializing in truck bed racks, roof racks, roof top tents, lighting and other overlanding gear. Along with its partnership, Roof Top Overland will provide exclusive discounts of up to $100 to select Tread Lightly! individual members. 

For more information, visit treadlightly.org

New Details Announced for the Carlisle Ford Nationals Car Show 

Carlisle Ford Nationals Mustang drifting

The Carlisle Ford Nationals car show, one of the fastest-growing and biggest all-Ford events of its kind, has announced new details for its 2024 event, May 31-June 2 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.  

Ford lovers can expect to see new and classic cars plus be able to shop for parts within the automotive flea market, participate in various "wheels in motion" activities and network with some top-level Ford team members, including engineers, designers and other key players from Michigan.  

In addition, milestone displays will help celebrate 50 years of Carlise events, including a special Legendary Mustangs display; historical Fords; and more.  

The Carlisle Ford Nationals is taking display consideration submissions online at carlisleevents.com and through the phone at 717-243-7855. 


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