The DFW Car & Toy Museum has unveiled the 1946 Maxim Street Rod "Red Screamer" Custom Pickup, now on display as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection. This custom creation represents a fusion of heavy-duty engineering and hot rod flair, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience extreme craftsmanship and diesel-powered muscle firsthand.
The vehicle features a 1946 Ford pickup cab mounted on a custom-fabricated steel frame with a massive 736 cubic-inch Detroit Diesel 8V92 two-stroke V8 engine. The engine is equipped with both a turbocharger and a scavenger blower, producing an estimated 430 horsepower and a colossal 1,186 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through an Allison four-speed automatic transmission and a Rockwell rear end with 4.64:1 gearing.
The Maxim retains heavy-duty commercial components including power steering, axles, and air brakes, giving this street rod the capabilities of a commercial rig while maintaining its hot rod aesthetics. The chassis rides on 24.5" alloy wheels and features a custom suicide front end with semi-elliptical leaf springs and a ~5,000 lb-rated custom spring for optimal balance of stance and strength.
Visually, the truck makes a dramatic impression at approximately 21 feet long and over 8 feet wide. The deep red exterior is accented with white flourishes, polished tonneau, split windshield, chrome headlight housings, and dual air horns. Additional distinctive features include side-mounted cylindrical fuel tanks, a "flying eyeball" painted on the rear differential cover, and an aggressive dual 5-inch exhaust system.
Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, stated that this street rod turns heads everywhere it goes due to its sound, size, and pure spectacle. The vehicle serves as an example of the creativity and engineering passion celebrated in the automotive world. The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, Texas, houses more than 200 collector vehicles and 3,000 rare toys and memorabilia items. Visitors can find more information at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This unveiling is significant as it demonstrates the continuing innovation in automotive customization and preservation of automotive history. The museum's collection, including this unique diesel-powered street rod, provides educational value about automotive engineering evolution and serves as cultural preservation of automotive artistry. The display offers car enthusiasts and the general public insight into the technical achievements possible when combining commercial heavy-duty components with custom automotive design.
