The retirement of JR Reynold’s 427 is upon us. The first car to win KOH, the original OG of OG’s, is ready to take a break. We’re not 15 years in, and it’s time to put it to rest. Damon Hopper, the current owner, took it to the Mecum Auction recently.
“Owning this car is not an easy task, and I knew that when I bought it.” To be responsible for a classic, a car with a pedigree is a burden not many appreciate.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Won the first King of the Hammers in 2007, driven by JR Reynolds
- Engine 427/520 HP V-8 engine based on a 351 Windsor
- Ford C6 automatic transmission
- Trick Flow intake and aluminum cylinder heads
- Custom headers
- Two power steering pumps for hydraulic steering on both axles
- Atlas 2-speed transfer case
- 4-link suspension front and rear with King coilover shocks with remote reservoirs
- 9-inch nodular center sections with 35 spline axles
- Rear spool and Detroit locker front
- Unimog 404 portal axle outers
- Rear steer with the joystick between the driver’s legs
- Custom tubular chassis with integrated roll cage made from 1.5-inch mild steel, built by Rob ‘Bender’ Park
- BF Goodrich KM3’s 39×13.50×17 tires with Hutchinson beadlocks
- Window nets and 5 point harnesses
- Rugged Radio with a helmet fresh air system
- Build documented on Pirate4x4.com
- Raced by JR Reynolds for several consecutive years, finishing each time
- Its next two owners used it as a trail buggy before it was raced in the 2020 King of the Hammers
- Previously sponsored by BF Goodrich, Bubba Rope, Wild Horses, Hella Bad Bronco, Hunt Farms, Katemcy Offroad Park, Bailie Bilt, Best of Texas BBQ Sauce, and Napa Wylie
- Featured at SEMA in 2019
- Displayed at the Off-Road Hall of Fame in 2020
- Featured in Driving Line King of the Hammers articles on February 1, 2014, and February 7, 2017
