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The Thor 24 is a one-off Peterbilt 359-based show truck built by Mike Harrah around two Detroit Diesel 12V-71 V12 engines, for 24 cylinders total. Its builder promotes it as the most powerful big rig ever built, but the published horsepower figures conflict and the sources reviewed do not establish an independent test or definitive record. It sold at auction in 2019 for a reported $12 million hammer price, or $13.2 million including the buyer’s premium.
What is the Thor 24?
The Thor 24 is a custom Peterbilt 359-based truck, not a production semi or a clean-sheet 24-cylinder engine. Mike Harrah’s official site describes it as a one-of-a-kind 1979 Peterbilt 359 crew cab; MotorTrend’s auction report describes the sale vehicle as a 1984 Peterbilt 359. The year discrepancy remains unresolved in the sources reviewed.
MotorTrend describes the powertrain as two two-stroke Detroit Diesel 12V-71 engines, creating a combined 24-cylinder setup. Its account says the engines’ four original blowers were joined by eight added BDS 8-71 superchargers, for 12 blowers in total. The builder’s site calls the configuration “V24-71 Detroit Diesel.”
Thor 24 specifications and reported claims
| Item | Reported detail | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Base truck | Peterbilt 359 | The builder site says 1979; MotorTrend’s auction report says 1984. |
| Engine | Two Detroit Diesel 12V-71 V12 engines; 24 cylinders total | Configuration described by MotorTrend. |
| Superchargers | 12 total | MotorTrend describes eight added units plus four engine blowers. |
| Horsepower | 3,974 hp or 3,424 hp | The builder site lists 3,974 hp; MotorTrend calls that a claimed figure. The Drive reported 3,424 hp. Neither figure is established here as independently measured. |
| Length and weight | 44 feet; 32,000 pounds | Builder-site specifications. |
| Top speed | 130 mph claimed | Builder-site claim, not an independently verified test result. |
| Build time | Seven years | Builder-site figure. |
The Thor 24 official site is the source for its listed dimensions, weight, claimed maximum speed, build time, and 3,974-hp figure. These should be read as builder specifications or claims, not as independently verified measurements. The Drive reported 3,424 hp, while MotorTrend also described 3,974 hp as a claimed total. The available reporting does not resolve the difference.
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Is the Thor 24 really the most powerful big rig?
“Most powerful big rig ever built” is promotional language used by the builder, not a verified record established by the sources reviewed. No independent horsepower test or comprehensive comparison was found to settle a global ranking. The safest answer is that the Thor 24 is a distinctive 24-cylinder custom truck with striking published power claims, not a vehicle with a confirmed record-setting output.
How much did the Thor 24 sell for?
MotorTrend reported that the Thor 24 sold at a Riyadh auction in November 2019 for a $12 million hammer price. With the 10 percent buyer’s premium, the reported total was $13.2 million. The buyer was unidentified in that report. This is a historical auction result, not evidence of the truck’s current value, owner, location, or availability.
Rank #2
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Why the Thor 24 stands out
The truck’s appeal is its singular build: a Peterbilt 359-based show vehicle combining twin V12 two-stroke diesels and a dozen superchargers. Its published horsepower figures and performance claims deserve attribution because they differ across sources and have not been established as independent test results. That distinction matters when describing an extraordinary custom vehicle without turning promotional claims into settled facts.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
What is the Thor 24 truck?
It is a one-off Peterbilt 359-based custom show truck associated with builder Mike Harrah. MotorTrend describes its engine setup as two Detroit Diesel 12V-71 V12s, or 24 cylinders in total.
Rank #3
How much horsepower does the Thor 24 have?
The figures reported differ: the Thor 24 official site lists 3,974 hp, The Drive reported 3,424 hp, and MotorTrend described 3,974 hp as a claimed total. The sources reviewed do not establish an independently measured output.
Is the Thor 24 the most powerful truck ever built?
The builder promotes it as the most powerful big rig, but the sources reviewed do not document an independent record or a comprehensive comparison that confirms the claim.
Rank #4
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How much did the Thor 24 sell for?
MotorTrend reported a $12 million hammer price at a November 2019 Riyadh auction and $13.2 million including the 10 percent buyer’s premium.
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Sources
- Thor 24 official site — builder-provided specifications and claims.
- MotorTrend auction report — November 2019 auction result and vehicle description.
- The Drive — alternate horsepower report.
- MotorTrend build feature — engine and supercharger configuration.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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