Sunday, May 25, 2014

the Western Star custom Low Max truck "Wanted" for Daimler... why doesn't something like this make an appearance at SEMA?


This remarkable custom rig was developed especially for the giant Mid America truck of 2011 and was a real crowd favorite.

Chris Jory is the manager of the concept, the prototype and corporate show trucks for Western Star. He was told by brand communications manager, Andy Johnson, to come up with something amazing and was given free reign. Chris enlisted the help of Mickey Larson, president of Twins Custom Coaches in Oregon

The Redmond-based outfit let their imagination run free although they did stop short of fitting revolvers to either side of the bonnet, as per one member's suggestion, but they did install unique double-barrel exhaust stacks designed to mimic rifles.



There are many unique features, but it is the leather that most people's eyes are drawn to. Instead of limiting the use of leather to the interior, like most truck-builders, the Western Star team decided to use in on the outside too.

 It enrolled the services of Redmond's Gauteraux Boot Co, run by two ex-rodeo performers who create $4000 cowboy boots while wearing 10-gallon hats. The massive front bumper is lined with fine leather, as are the tool compartments and even the fuel tanks. And no, you're eyes are not deceiving you, the fuel tank covers are designed to resemble saddle bags, with special straps and buckles fitted to finish the look.

The leather surfaces have intricate patterns that need to be seen at close range to be appreciated. A gear-cog Western Star emblem is bolted to the middle of the bumper and resembles some kind of gargantuan belt buckle.






Above photos from https://www.flickr.com/photos/47148577@N08/6989203849/in/photostream/

And the colour is not just any shade of brown. It was chosen because of its resemblance to the colour of root beer and to give the truck a woody tone. Painting preparation and finish work was completed by Twin Custom Coaches, while the painting was completed by UnderGround Customs, also located in Oregon.

Inspired by the wild west, the Western Star 4900EX Low Max ‘Wanted’ is a stock truck that has been outfitted with leather saddle bags, shiny belt buckles and twin rifle barrel exhaust stacks. The Low Max model name is inspired by the Kirk Douglas character, Lomax, in the western film, The War Wagon, which co-starred John Wayne.





This was made for the Mid America Truck show, 2011

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