Beginning on January 18, Barrett- Jackson’s annual collector automobile auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, will highlight Ken Block’s renowned “Hoonitruck,” a very modified 1977 Ford F-150. This is no typical truck; it was essential in Block’s wildly successful “Gymkhana” series. It is part of automotive history and evidence of the inventiveness and engineering vision of the late rally driver, not only a truck-it.
The Origin of the Hoonitruck
The Hoonitruck was an order from Ken Block following up on his other similarly iconic “Hoonicorn” Ford Mustang. Block died in a snowmobile accident in 2023, and had long-term associations with Ford, so only a Ford could do. He picked the base vehicle as being a 1977 F-150, recalling fannying about in such a truck when he was younger.
Engineering Wonder: A Beast Under the Hood
The most striking feature of the Hoonitruck is its engine. From the hood, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine protrudes-a car engine derived from the Ford GT race cars. This monster makes 914 horsepower and 702 lb-ft of torque. All four wheels receive the power from a Sadev 6-speed sequential transmission to ensure that all performance and control are achieved.
Design and Functionality
The Hoonitruck is designed both for functionality and beauty. Fender flares provide enough space for huge wheels and tires, and the truck’s width exceeds 79 inches. Though this does make transportation cumbersome, a modular design makes it easier to disassemble and reassemble. This practical approach was necessary for transporting the truck to various filming locations and doing onsite repairs.
A Star in the Gymkhana Series
The Hoonitruck was seen in many of Ken Block’s projects, and it appeared in the tenth part of the “Gymkhana” series. It was also used in “Climbkhana Two,” when Block drove up the treacherous road to China’s Heaven’s Gate on Tianmen Mountain. These stunts solidified the Hoonitruck’s position as one of the most iconic vehicles in motorsport history.
Post-Gymkhana and Legacy
Following the release of “Gymkhana 10,” which happened to be his last collaboration with Ford, all of Block’s vehicles, including Hoonitruck, were put up for sale. In 2021, Hoonitruck was priced at $1.1 million, considering it is an extra-ordinarily engineered and culturally rich vehicle.
Lia Block: The Legacy Lives On
Ken Block’s legacy lives on with his daughter Lia Block, a successful racing ace who has had the opportunity to compete in all the top-rung events – Baja 1000, Extreme E, and many rally competitions. In 2024, she will join Williams for F1 Academy where she will flaunt her skill and take the family name further with motorsport in her career.
Specifications Table
Below is a summary of the Hoonitruck’s key specifications:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Model | 1977 Ford F-150 |
| Engine | Twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 914 hp |
| Torque | 702 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Sadev 6-speed sequential |
| Drive Type | All-wheel drive |
| Width | Over 79 inches |
| Notable Features | Modular design, massive fender flares |