1966 Chevrolet Ponderosa Dually Sits So Tall It Almost Looks Airborne

It’s been quite some time since I last came across a truly polished custom build — the kind that transforms a humble pickup into something bidders battle over. I honestly missed that feeling. Thankfully, this week delivered exactly that, as a 1966 Chevrolet dually crossed my radar and immediately grabbed my attention.

Known as the Ponderosa, this truck was completed roughly seven years ago by Idaho-based Rtech Fabrications. The craftsmanship was so refined that Jay Leno himself invited it into his Garage. Today, it’s sitting on the Mecum auction grounds, preparing to go under the hammer in Glendale, Arizona, this coming March.

You might already be familiar with this build, but with the truck once again hunting for a new home, it deserves another look. As far as records show, this marks its second public sales attempt, after failing to meet reserve at Mecum Monterey back in 2023.

Calling it a Frankenstein creation wouldn’t be far off. The Ponderosa was assembled using parts from several mid-1960s Chevrolet and GMC trucks. The end result is a four-door crew cab conversion finished in Lucent GM Light Green, topped with a contrasting white roof.

From a distance, it carries a timeless appearance. The stock chrome grille gives it character, while the factory front bumper completes the look. Along the sides, AMP Research PowerStep XL running boards sit beneath custom glass that stretches front to rear. Out back, the dually bed stands proud, featuring wood flooring and a rear step for easier access.

Inside, the cabin mirrors the exterior’s color scheme. Green vinyl and cloth dominate, accented by carefully placed white sections. One standout feature is the RetroSound Hermosa Bluetooth AM/FM head unit, paired with a full Kenwood amplifier and speaker setup.

There’s no hiding the custom nature of this truck. When it rolls toward you, it almost appears to be floating — an illusion created by the massive space between pavement and chassis.

Rtech Fabrications never released official ground clearance figures, but one glance is enough to make jaws drop. And if the ride height alone doesn’t convince you, the 20-inch American Force wheels wrapped in 37-inch Nitto Trail Grappler tires certainly will.

Those wheels come alive thanks to a 5.9-liter Cummins turbo-diesel inline-six pushing out 550 horsepower and a staggering 1,300 lb-ft of torque, routed through a five-speed manual transmission. Air enters through a K&N intake and exits via a Flowmaster 4-inch exhaust.

Underneath, the hardware matches the truck’s bold personality. Dana axles sit at both ends, Skyjacker leaf springs provide lift, Bilstein 5100 shocks help smooth things out, and custom traction bars keep everything planted.

This Chevy was clearly built to be driven, even far from paved roads. Should it ever find itself stuck, a Warn 12,000-pound winch stands ready up front, joined by off-road LED light bars for nighttime adventures.

When first unveiled in 2019, the Ponderosa quickly collected awards, including Brothers Choice at the Brothers Annual Chevy and GMC Truck Show and Builder’s Choice at the Goodguys 32nd Pacific Northwest Nationals.

It’s unclear whether those trophies come with the sale, though that’s likely secondary for serious enthusiasts. What truly matters is the price — and unfortunately, Mecum isn’t sharing it. Listed as a featured lot, the truck carries an undisclosed reserve.

As for Rtech Fabrications, the shop behind this build and others like the Duke and Cowboy, the company closed its doors in 2024 for reasons never publicly explained.

Much of their inventory was later auctioned off, including thousands of OEM parts for 1967–1972 Chevrolet and GMC trucks and SUVs, various body panels, and even the Duke’s frame. An unfinished project known as Grey Matter also met the same fate.