Ken Block’s ‘Hoonitruck’: The Iconic 1977 Ford F-150 Ready for Auction
Ken Block, the rally legend and YouTube icon, left behind a legacy of stunning, high-performance vehicles designed for intense stunts and performance driving. One of his most extraordinary creations is the "Hoonitruck," a custom-built 1977 Ford F-150 that became an iconic symbol of Block's extreme driving style and passion for motorsports. Set to be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson event in Scottsdale, Arizona, in January 2025, the Hoonitruck stands as a testament to Block's innovative approach to building vehicles that pushed the boundaries of performance, style, and durability.
This 1977 Ford F-150, which was originally a workhorse of a pickup, was transformed into a high-performance machine with a deep connection to Block's personal journey as a driver. The truck is a combination of nostalgia, power, and technical wizardry, offering a glimpse into what happens when engineering meets artistry in the world of motorsports.
The Creation of the Hoonitruck
Ken Block’s Hoonitruck wasn’t just a flashy stunt vehicle; it was the result of years of hard work and expertise from Block and the Hoonigan team. Block, who is best known for his Gymkhana series, has always been at the forefront of motorsports innovation, combining his love of rally racing with his passion for extreme stunts. The creation of the Hoonitruck began as a nod to the truck Block drove in his youth—the original 1977 Ford F-150. However, Block envisioned something much more powerful, dynamic, and visually striking.
The decision to turn the 1977 Ford F-150 into a custom high-performance machine was influenced by Block’s own experiences with the vehicle. He recalls how his first truck was a 1977 F-150, and it was the vehicle in which he learned to drive and even perform his first burnout. While the stock version of the F-150 was far from suitable for the types of stunts Block was known for, it served as the perfect starting point for what would become the Hoonitruck.
The Hoonitruck was introduced to the world in 2018 as part of Block’s Gymkhana 10, which showcased his driving skills in an elaborate, high-octane series of stunts and performances. The truck was designed not only to look fierce but to handle extreme driving conditions and provide the kind of performance Block was known for.
Performance and Powertrain
At the heart of the Hoonitruck lies a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged Ford EcoBoost V6 engine. This engine is a direct descendant of the powerplant used in the second-generation Ford GT, and its installation in the Hoonitruck was a bold move by Block and his team. The engine produces an astonishing 914 horsepower, a significant leap from the power of the original 1977 F-150, which was barely able to break 200 horsepower in its stock form.
The EcoBoost V6 engine, with its two massive turbos, offers an incredible amount of power, and it is capable of propelling the truck to extreme speeds with ease. The truck's performance is not just about speed; it’s about handling, and the Hoonitruck is equipped with a custom all-wheel-drive system designed to deliver power to all four wheels. This setup was essential for the truck’s ability to handle the aggressive slides, high-speed cornering, and off-road stunts that Block made famous in his Gymkhana videos.
To handle the immense power from the engine, the truck was built with a modern suspension system, ensuring that it could withstand the rigors of stunt driving. The suspension setup was optimized for both on-road and off-road use, allowing the truck to perform extreme maneuvers and even take on the treacherous terrain of Tianmen Mountain in China, where Block filmed the "Climbkhana 2" segment. The performance enhancements ensured that the Hoonitruck could slide through tight corners, climb steep hills, and hit jumps with ease, making it an incredibly versatile vehicle.
Design and Aesthetics
While the performance of the Hoonitruck is certainly impressive, its design is one of the key elements that sets it apart from any other truck in the world. From its deep-dish custom wheels wrapped in Toyo racing tires to its exposed engine components, the truck is a visual masterpiece. The custom livery—featuring a grey/black two-tone satin paint scheme and bold green Monster Energy logos—gives the truck an aggressive and unmistakable appearance that immediately draws attention.
One of the standout features of the Hoonitruck’s design is the exposed intake manifold. The truck was equipped with a custom 3D-printed intake manifold, which is visible through a hole in the hood. This was not just for performance purposes, but also as a way to showcase the high-tech elements of the truck’s build. The custom intake manifold and the massive turbos poking out of the engine bay make it clear that this truck is not your average pickup.
In terms of the body, the Hoonitruck retains the overall shape of the original 1977 F-150, but with several modifications to ensure its ability to handle the kind of driving Block is known for. The truck is outfitted with wider fenders to accommodate the larger wheels and tires, as well as a rear flat wing for added stability during high-speed maneuvers. The combination of modern design elements and classic Ford F-150 aesthetics creates a truck that stands out on the road or in a racing environment.
The Hoonitruck's Role in Gymkhana
Ken Block’s Gymkhana series has become one of the most influential and popular motorsport video series in the world. The series, which began in 2008, is known for its highly choreographed driving stunts, often set in unique locations. In Gymkhana 10, Block showcased the Hoonitruck in an incredible set of stunts that tested both the truck’s performance and Block’s driving skills.
One of the most memorable sequences in Gymkhana 10 involved the Hoonitruck sliding around tight corners, drifting through parking lots, and navigating various obstacles in Block’s signature style. The truck’s combination of raw power, precise handling, and its incredible ability to slide around corners made it the perfect fit for Gymkhana’s trademark stunts.
The Hoonitruck also gained further fame in the Climbkhana 2 video, where it was used to tackle one of the world’s most dangerous roads, Tianmen Mountain, in China. The steep, winding road has been a popular location for filming, but it’s also known for its challenging terrain and sharp turns. The Hoonitruck’s all-wheel-drive system and immense power allowed it to tackle this treacherous environment, making the video one of the most jaw-dropping moments in Block’s career.
The Legacy of the Hoonitruck
Ken Block’s Hoonitruck is more than just a vehicle; it is a symbol of his creativity, his passion for driving, and his ability to push the limits of what is possible with a car. Block was known for his approach to motorsports, which combined performance with style and flair, and the Hoonitruck was the perfect embodiment of that philosophy.
The truck also serves as a tribute to the original 1977 Ford F-150, a vehicle that played a pivotal role in Block’s early driving experiences. By taking this classic truck and turning it into a high-performance machine, Block not only honored his past but also created something that would become an icon in the world of motorsports.
Unfortunately, Block passed away in January 2023, leaving behind a legacy that includes vehicles like the Hoonitruck, which continue to inspire car enthusiasts, motorsport fans, and aspiring drivers around the world. The auction of the Hoonitruck at Barrett-Jackson is not just a chance to own a piece of automotive history but also a chance to pay tribute to one of the most influential figures in modern motorsports.
Auction Details and Expected Price
The Hoonitruck is set to cross the auction block at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, Arizona, in January 2025. While the auction does not list an estimated reserve price, the truck was previously listed for sale in 2021 with an asking price of $1.1 million. The truck was originally built at a cost of $1.5 million, and given its unique status and historical significance, it is expected to fetch a high price at auction.
The sale of the Hoonitruck is likely to attract significant interest from car collectors, motorsports fans, and anyone who appreciates the artistry and engineering that went into building such a unique and powerful vehicle. The truck’s role in Gymkhana, its connection to Ken Block’s legacy, and its incredible performance capabilities make it a highly desirable piece of automotive history.
Conclusion
Ken Block’s Hoonitruck is much more than just a modified 1977 Ford F-150; it is a symbol of innovation, passion, and performance. This vehicle, built to push the limits of what is possible in terms of both design and driving, stands as a testament to Block’s legacy in the world of motorsports. As the Hoonitruck heads to auction in January 2025, it offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history—one that reflects not only the incredible talent of Ken Block but also the creativity and vision that defined his career. Whether it’s the truck’s stunning performance, unique design, or its place in Gymkhana history, the Hoonitruck is sure to remain an iconic figure in the automotive world for years to come.
