DFW Car & Toy Museum Unveils Massive 1946 Maxim Street Rod with Industrial Diesel Power

The DFW Car & Toy Museum has unveiled the 1946 Maxim Street Rod 'Red Screamer' Custom Pickup, a remarkable fusion of heavy-duty engineering and hot rod design that represents a significant achievement in automotive customization. This vehicle combines a 1946 Ford pickup cab with a custom-fabricated steel frame and features a massive 736 cubic-inch Detroit Diesel 8V92 two-stroke V8 engine, equipped with both a turbocharger and scavenger blower.

The powertrain delivers an estimated 430 horsepower and a colossal 1,186 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through an Allison four-speed automatic transmission and Rockwell rear end with 4.64:1 gearing. The vehicle retains commercial-grade components including power steering, heavy-duty axles, and air brakes, giving it the functional capabilities of a commercial rig while maintaining street rod aesthetics. Riding on 24.5" alloy wheels, the chassis incorporates a custom suicide front end and semi-elliptical leaf springs with a approximately 5,000 lb-rated custom spring for optimal balance between stance and strength.

Visually, the truck makes an immediate impact with its approximately 21-foot length and over 8-foot width. The design features a polished tonneau, white flourishes over the deep red exterior, split windshield, chrome headlight housings, and dual air horns. Additional distinctive elements 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, emphasized the vehicle's unique qualities, stating that its sound, size, and spectacle make it a head-turning machine that exemplifies the creativity and engineering passion celebrated in the automotive world.

The museum, which recently relocated to a 150,000 square foot facility at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, Texas, now displays this exceptional vehicle alongside more than 200 collector vehicles and 3,000 rare toys and memorabilia items. Visitors can access information about the museum's collections and hours of operation through its website at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com. The Maxim Street Rod's incorporation of industrial diesel technology into a custom street rod format demonstrates innovative approaches to automotive design that challenge conventional boundaries between commercial and recreational vehicles.