We told you about this two incredible trucks last week, and when the smoke cleared, UFC President and CEO Dana White delivered the knockout bid at the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction, paying $1.5 million for two extraordinary Ram performance trucks while raising money for two charitable organizations.
The one-of-one, first retail-production 2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT and a RealTruck-customized 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 SRT-10 were sold together Friday, Sept. 11. Barrett-Jackson waived its auction fees and commissions, allowing 100% of the $1.5 million hammer price to benefit Folds of Honor and the UFC Foundation.
White had originally been scheduled to join Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson on the auction block to help encourage bidding. Instead, he ended the evening as the winning bidder—which is one way to make certain an auction meets its reserve.
“We just wrote another amazing chapter in Barrett-Jackson and Las Vegas history,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “For three days, we turned the Entertainment Capital of the World into the center of the collector car hobby. From fierce bidding for millions of dollars of fantastic vehicles to celebrity sightings and impressive exhibits, it was truly an immersive experience. On 9/11, we were incredibly proud to raise significant funds for Folds of Honor and the UFC Foundation, highlighted by an unforgettable $1.5-million winning bid by our good friend Dana White. The robust turnout by fans, bidders and consignors drove impressive sales and created numerous exciting and memorable moments.”
“Watching Dana White battle other bidders for the pair of custom charity Ram trucks was incredibly special — a moment enthusiasts will never forget,” said Jackson. “Dana is one of the most patriotic individuals in our country, and it is fitting that his winning bid on 9/11 will benefit those in need, especially the families of fallen American service members and first responders.”
The two-truck package connects the newest generation of Ram street performance with one of the wildest factory pickups of the early 2000s.
The centerpiece was the first retail-production Rumble Bee SRT, which was transformed into a one-of-one model through a collaboration involving Ram, SRT, UFC, RealTruck and Direct Connection.
A production 2027 Rumble Bee SRT is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V-8 producing 777 horsepower and 680 pound-feet of torque. Ram estimates it can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, complete the quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 mph.
Apparently, 777 horsepower was deemed a little too restrained for a charity auction.
Direct Connection fitted the truck with an upgraded 3.0-liter supercharger that increased output beyond 900 horsepower. A MagnaFlow stainless-steel cat-back exhaust was also added.
The one-of-one truck is finished in a combination of Molten Red Pearlcoat and Diamond Black Crystal Pearlcoat paint with distinctive Rumble Bee graphics. Satin-black 22-inch wheels, Flame Red Brembo brake calipers and matching RAM lettering complete the exterior treatment. A special plaque inside identifies its one-of-one status.
For perspective, an unmodified 2027 Rumble Bee SRT carries a starting price of $97,790, including destination. The SRT sits atop Ram’s revived Rumble Bee street-truck lineup, which also includes models powered by 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engines.
Its auction companion was a 2005 Dodge Ram SRT-10 Quad Cab, powered by the 8.3-liter V-10 engine originally developed for the Dodge Viper. The engine was factory-rated at 500 horsepower and 525 pound-feet of torque.
The SRT-10 was one of the most memorable products of the performance-truck era. The regular-cab version arrived for 2004, followed by the more practical—but only slightly less outrageous—Quad Cab.
A 2005 model was selected for the project partly because “The Ultimate Fighter,” the reality television series that helped expand UFC’s popularity, debuted that year.
Mark Trostle, vice president of design for Ram, SRT and Mopar, worked with ProMotorsports on the older truck’s transformation. Its redesign includes black-and-yellow “Viperized” graphics, a coordinating leather interior, color-matched wheels and widebody fender flares that visually connect it with the new Rumble Bee.
RealTruck contributed running boards, a tonneau cover and Husky Liners floor protection. The result was not a factory-original SRT-10 restoration, but a customized tribute tying together Ram, Viper and UFC history.
The winning bidder was also promised a VIP experience at a future UFC event. White may have an easier time arranging that portion of the prize than most buyers.
The Sept. 11 auction carried additional meaning because it occurred on the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military members and first responders. The nonprofit says it has awarded approximately 73,000 scholarships since its founding in 2007.
The UFC Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and community programs, with an emphasis on helping people overcome adversity.
Barrett-Jackson and the participating organizations have not disclosed how the $1.5 million will be divided between the two charities. What is clear is that two generations of thunderous Ram street trucks produced an equally impressive result for families and communities that need the support.
Photo: Barrett-Jackson.
