If you’re a fan of unique and unconventional vehicles, then you’ll be thrilled to hear about a peculiar semi truck currently making waves on Craigslist. This 1982 Peterbilt truck was originally built for a 1980s TV show that blended elements of Knight Rider with a touch of Mad Max. Despite the short-lived nature of the show, titled “The Highwayman,” which only ran for nine episodes and a pilot, the incredible custom big rigs from the series have managed to survive. And now, one of them can be yours.
The story behind this extraordinary truck, and its even more extraordinary companion (which we’ll delve into shortly), takes us back to the mid-1980s. During this
time, television shows featuring high-tech vehicles like Knight Rider and Airwolf were enjoying immense popularity. In 1987, Knight Rider creator Glen Larson teamed up with director Douglas Heyes to bring forth “The Highwayman.” Described as a fusion of Knight Rider and Mad Max, the show revolves around the “Highwayman” who roams a dystopian reality, solving crimes and unraveling mysteries in his truck. Among the show’s notable features were its collection of cool trucks, and this particular Peterbilt stands out among them.
The crime-fighting heroes, known as the “Highwaymen,” operated out of massive futuristic semi-tractors. The primary truck, driven by the lead character Highwayman portrayed by Sam Jones, started its life as a 1980 Kenworth cabover with a Detroit Diesel 8V92T engine. Although it bears resemblance to one of Luigi Colani’s eccentric creations, it is, in fact, a unique creation of its own.
According to Hemmings, the truck underwent an impressive $287,000 conversion performed by Jon Ward Motor Sports of Alpine, Texas, to transform it into its on-screen form. The conversion process involved attaching a portion of an Aérospatiale Gazelle helicopter to the front of the truck, resulting in its distinct appearance.
The resulting truck is a sight to behold. Its unconventional design, blending elements of a classic semi truck with futuristic modifications, captures the essence of the show’s dystopian setting. This remarkable piece of television history offers a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a tangible piece of the “Highwayman” series.
As it sits on Craigslist, this 1982 Peterbilt serves as a testament to the creative genius and audacity of the minds behind ’80s television shows. It symbolizes the era when imagination ran wild, and the blending of genres led to captivating on-screen experiences. Whether you’re a fan of Knight Rider, Mad Max, or simply appreciate the allure of unconventional vehicles, this unique Peterbilt truck holds an undeniable charm that is bound to leave a lasting impression.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of cruising the highways in a vehicle that blurs the line between fiction and reality, don’t miss this opportunity. Own a piece of television history, and let the spirit of the “Highwayman” live on through this extraordinary Peterbilt truck.
