From Hollywood to Texarkana: The Incredible Journey of Optimus Prime

One of the highlights of the Christmas helicopter rides in Texarkana this year was getting an up-close look at Optimus Prime featured in the movie "Transformers."

Optimus Prime Steals the Show at the Recent Christmas Helicopter Rides in Texarkana

For the record, the 1997 Peterbilt was purchased by Red River Wrecker Service in 2009 from an eBay Auction in Miami, Florida. Optimus Prime was later transformed into a tow truck. Optimus won first place in the 2011 San Antonio Tow Show.

The truck has since been completely restored by the Fulton Mafia, starting in January 2024 and finishing in June 2024. The wrecker bed was installed by DFW equipment in Dallas in 2010. The high-quality stereo system was installed by Electronic Services in Texarkana, Texas, in 2024.

I was able to sit behind the wheel and crank the music up, man, does it thump! The interior was top-notch with attention to detail, with leather seats, chrome accents, LED lights, and the Optimus Prime logo.

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What Powers Optimus Prime?

Optimus Prime is a 1997 Peterbilt 379 with a 600 HP 3406e Caterpillar engine, 2050 torque an 18-speed transmission. and a 370 ratio rear ends. The bed is a 2008 NRC model 9735. 35 ton slider. with a stage boom.

Optimus Prime was repainted by Scott Churchwell with Churchwell Fabrications LLC, along with Timothy Gilbert, who has been with Red River Wrecker Service for 20 years. The flame design and color scheme on this truck are badass! The only thing it couldn't do was fly; that's where the helicopter rides came in.

READ MORE: Don't Miss Christmas on Main This Weekend in Texarkana

Numerous other family members, friends, and co-workers were instrumental in making this restoration project come to life. Optimus Prime is strictly a show truck, but it has everything you need if it had to tow a vehicle.