By Allen Voivod
"Hi-Po" – short for "High Performance" – describes this hauler so well, it couldn't have had any other name. And you need a high-powered hauler to carry this enormous engine in the truck bed. Our Hi-Po Hauler may not have much room for anything else, but it sure can take you for a ride. Get our new RLC Exclusive edition, the third of its kind, on May 17, 2022, starting at 9am PT.
Even-numbered years are oddly important in the life of this truck. In 2016, Hot Wheels Designer Brendon Vetuskey appeared on an episode of the Gas Monkey Garage show Fast N' Loud, where they first built the life-size "Hi-Po Hauler." In 2018, Brendon sculpted a faithful 1:64 re-creation for the first RLC Exclusive version. In 2020, we repainted it and made it our annual holiday vehicle. And now, in 2022, it returns with a brand-new, head-turning paint and deco scheme.
For the life-size version, Brendon and the Gas Monkeys disassembled and rebuilt a classic Ford Econoline Pickup, moved the driver's seat and steering column to the center of the cab, and brought it lower to the ground. But the real star of the show is the 520 cubic inch big block engine sitting in the bed of the truck. At 750 horsepower, this ride is custom built to melt hearts, minds, and asphalt.
Brendon took those design elements and, using the Hot Wheels '60s Ford Econoline Pickup casting as a starting point, sculpted a whole new casting based on the customized truck. All those elements are here, with a new spin on the deco thanks to Steve Vandervate. The Spectraflame aqua paint and white scallop graphics add another level of sleekness to an already slick ride. Add a set of Real Riders drag dish wheels and you're ready to crush it whether you're cruising or racing.
