In Brief
Thor 24 is a one-of-a-kind semi-trailer that holds the record for the world’s most expensive truck, sold at auction for $12 million in 2019. Powered by a 27.9-liter V24 engine developing nearly 4,000 horsepower, it delivers spectacular performance for its size, including an announced top speed of 210 km/h (about 130 mph). Its chassis, based on a 1979 Peterbilt 359, was lengthened and fully customized over several years. A true mechanical work of art, Thor 24 blends technical extravagance with road-ready capability while remaining an unrivaled collector’s item.
Most tractor-trailers are built to haul heavy loads at around 90 km/h (roughly 56 mph). Yet this machine can reach speeds akin to a sports car, even while weighing as much as a small bus. Beneath its gleaming American cab lies a colossal engine delivering nearly 4,000 horsepower. It’s far from the ordinary trucks you typically encounter on the highways.
To bring this ambitious project to life, its creator dedicated years of effort and invested several million dollars. The semi-trailer isn’t listed in any catalog and carries no official technical sheet. Almost every detail was built to order. It rests on the stretched chassis of a 1979 Peterbilt 359, an iconic American truck model now under the Peterbilt banner. Development spanned seven years with an estimated budget of about $7 million (a little over €6.5 million). This extraordinary truck, named Thor 24, is now recognized as the world’s most expensive truck, a status earned after a record-setting auction in 2019. And its story goes far beyond its price tag.
Thor 24, the World’s Most Expensive Truck, Born from a Peterbilt 359
Thor 24 was brought to life by Mike Harrah, an American real estate developer with a passion for oversized mechanical marvels. He had the Peterbilt chassis lengthened to 44 feet, about 13.4 meters. The truck’s weight then hovered around 32,000 pounds, roughly 14.5 metric tons. After a lengthy process of assembly, fine-tuning, and decorative work on every component, the vehicle was unveiled in 2019 at a sale held by Worldwide Auctioneers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The final price reached $12 million, about €11 million, setting an outright record for a semi-trailer.
Amazingly, the sale took place thousands of miles from where the truck was built. Yet Thor 24 never left the United States and remained in Arizona, its place of assembly. That transaction proved to be a shrewd investment for its creator. The production cost is estimated between $7 million and $10 million, while the sale topped $12 million, about €11 million. For perspective, a new high-end highway tractor typically costs between $200,000 and $300,000, roughly €185,000 to €280,000, for power ratings of 600–750 horsepower.
Under the Hood: a 27.9-Liter V24 Engine Generating Nearly 4,000 Horsepower
The heart of Thor 24 is truly one-of-a-kind. Mike Harrah combined two 13.9-liter Detroit Diesel V12s, two-stroke units once used in heavy haulers and industrial applications. They were mounted face-to-face using a splined crankshaft, creating a 27.9-liter V24 paired with an Allison HT740 automatic transmission built to endure the harshest conditions. Originally, each V12 produced around 475 horsepower, but here the output is pushed to a whole new level. To support this configuration, the front end employs a touring-car-style suspension, reminiscent of some Van Hool models.
Thor 24 features twelve Detroit 6-71 mechanical superchargers, enabling an advertised output of 3,974 horsepower. Eight nitrous oxide bottles are tucked between the two banks of cylinders, delivering extra power when needed. Some sources suggest a power rating slightly above 3,400 horsepower, illustrating that these figures are largely promotional. With this arsenal, the truck can reach 130 mph (about 210 km/h) despite its weight. To slow this behemoth down, four 12-foot drag parachutes complete an oversized braking system. Even the underside of the chassis is treated as a work of art, featuring chrome, polished aluminum, and stainless steel in abundance.
Aboard Thor 24: An Impressive Show Truck That Is Still Functional
Thor 24 isn’t just about an extraordinary engine; the cabin was also redesigned. The original Peterbilt cab was lengthened to accommodate two additional doors, turning the tractor into a rolling limousine. The passenger-side front door opens with a scissor hinge, echoing certain Italian sports cars and heightening its arresting presence at rest. Inside, no fewer than 24 gauges fill the dashboard, surrounding a sword-shaped gear lever that sits in the center.
The spectacle continues with seven video displays and a 110-volt audio system delivering 1,500 watts per channel. That’s enough to turn any parking lot into a full-blown mobile concert hall. Yet, despite this deluge of gadgets and chrome, Thor 24 remains a workable machine. The tractor is engineered to tow a standard-size trailer, proving there’s a true truck beneath the show-stopper physique. Its exterior design, inspired by the Norse god Thor, reinforces its status as an icon among American show trucks and show rigs. It remains to be seen whether another enthusiast will ever push beyond this already legendary giant.
Comparative Table
| Model | Power | Top Speed | Weight | Length | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thor 24 | 3,974 hp (some sources: >3,400 hp) | 130 mph (210 km/h) | 14.5 t (32,000 lb) | 13.4 m | $12M (2019) €11M |
| New high-end highway tractor | 600–750 hp | / | / | / | $200,000–$300,000 €185,000–€280,000 |
Key Takeaways
- Thor 24 is a one-of-a-kind truck, widely regarded as the world’s most expensive, with a record sale of $12 million.
- Its engine is a 27.9-liter V24 delivering nearly 4,000 horsepower, capable of reaching about 130 mph.
- The project, based on a stretched Peterbilt 359, took seven years of development and involved a $7–10 million investment.
- It preserves work-truck capabilities while showcasing extreme customization, both technically and stylistically.
- The cab was stretched, added doors, and equipped with a very complete interior, including 24 gauges and a 1,500 W per channel audio system.
- Thor 24 has become an icon among show trucks and symbolizes extravagance and creativity in the American trucking world.
FAQ
What is Thor 24?
Thor 24 is an exceptional American semi-truck, known as the world’s most expensive truck, powered by a near-4,000-horsepower engine.
What is the sale price of Thor 24?
Thor 24 sold at auction for $12 million, about €11 million, during a Riyadh sale in 2019.
How much power does the Thor 24’s engine produce?
Its V24 engine is advertised at 3,974 horsepower, though some sources note a figure slightly above 3,400 horsepower.
How fast can Thor 24 go?
The top speed is listed at 210 km/h (about 130 mph).
What is Thor 24 based on?
Thor 24 is built on the stretched chassis of a 1979 Peterbilt 359, a cornerstone of American trucking.
Who designed Thor 24?
The truck was created by Mike Harrah, an American real estate developer with a passion for extreme mechanical feats.
