We Once Were a Country: This 1988 Chevrolet Hot Shot Hauler Is a Gorgeous Classic Available for Purchase

      Mecum Auctions

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      Modern heavy-duty trucks are packed with both functionality and comfort. For instance, you can now opt for a Ford Super Duty chassis cab in the luxurious Platinum trim. However, when it comes to style, today’s models can’t hold a candle to trucks from decades gone by.

      Currently, nothing on the market matches this Hot Shot Hauler, which is set to be auctioned at an upcoming Mecum event in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on July 23. This vehicle is built on a 1988 Chevrolet 3500 dually and has been professionally transformed into a mini semi-truck, featuring a fifth wheel and an enhanced second-row seating area that can also serve as a sleeper. It boasts a striking appearance.

      The truck features era-appropriate stripes and is adorned with an array of antennas. The modified cab rises at the back, resembling a large ducktail spoiler, and is crowned with air horns. Large chrome mirrors provide excellent visibility while towing a trailer, but make navigating drive-thrus quite challenging. The interior, which contrasts with the vibrant exterior, showcases various shades of brown—a characteristic often found in vehicles of this era—complete with privacy curtains for the back of the cab.

      The Hot Shot's impressive towing capabilities come from a 454-cubic-inch (7.4-liter) gasoline V8 engine, producing an estimated 230 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque. It is paired with a three-speed automatic transmission and supported by three fuel tanks to extend its range. This truck was also among the first squarebody Chevrolet pickups to feature throttle-body fuel injection rather than carburetors, a transition made by GM in 1987. Additionally, a prior owner has equipped it with modern Garmin navigation and an aftermarket radio that includes satellite reception, making it perfect for road trips.

      Squarebody Chevy and GMC trucks are fairly prevalent—GM produced them for nearly two decades—but natural wear and tear has made well-maintained models increasingly pricey. Mecum has not released a pre-auction valuation for this truck, so it will be interesting to see how its unique specifications play out in the bidding process. A fifth-wheel-hauling truck certainly stands out in an auction dominated by muscle cars, but this might mean that the right buyer overlooks this gem.

      Regardless of the final sale price, it is hoped that the new owner won’t hide it away so that everyone can enjoy its impressive presence.