autoevolution
 

Caterpillar Hot Rod by Snapper Is Built on a Large Scale

Who could resist such a car? It's part workhorse, part classic coach and 100% unique. Some call it a hot rod, but for some reason its creators at Snapper's Buggy & Machine Co. disagree.
Caterpillar Hot Rod by Snapper Is Build On a Large Scale 1 photo
Photo: Screenshot from YouTube
After doing a bit of research, we realized that we won't be able to find much in the way of specs and details. But based on some original shorts made by its owner, we concluded that fabrication began way back in 2010.

Most custom truck makers start with the tried and tested Cummins diesel engines. They are big and sturdy but have become common in the business.

That's probably why the folks over in Pennsylvania worked with a Caterpillar Diesel C-12 engine from an International 9200. That's a big truck used for everything from dumping garbage to hauling tankers.

The diesel mill has been heavily customized with a special 3-piece exhaust manifold, Banks twin ram air intakes, a heavy duty valve body, a cold air intake, and turbo silencer ring.

Many folks will recognize the four-door body from a 1928 Studebaker. It was stripped down to the metal and painted in a color that matched its new wok attitude: bright yellow. We think it makes the Caterpillar hot rod look like the Anthill Mob's car from Wacky Racers. But that's the little kid inside us talking again.

The frame is from the truck too, but it's been chopped and lowered. Air suspension was installed late in the project's life and gives the rod 6 inches of clearance with the bags full or nearly nothing when they are empty.

The Yellow Cat Grill is from a 966 front end loader, and the headlights are custom too. This is the hotrod with one of the highest towing capacities in the country and it isn't afraid to show that off with a hitch the size of a basketball.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories