The full-size Matchbox Jeep Wrangler built by RealTruck in partnership with Mattel has officially found a new home. Crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction, the one-of-a-kind Wrangler sold for $110,000, with 100 percent of the hammer price donated to Richard Rawlings’ Gas Monkey Foundation.
Originally unveiled during the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the custom Jeep instantly stood out as a rolling, real-world interpretation of the iconic Matchbox toy aesthetic.
From Matchbox Concept To Full-Scale Off-Road Build
The build began as a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JLU, transformed by Doetsch Off-Road in Chandler, Arizona, into a fully functional adventure rig that blended nostalgia with serious off-road capability. While the exterior graphics and color scheme were unmistakably Matchbox-inspired, the foundation of the Jeep was rooted in proven aftermarket hardware.
A RealTruck Superlift 4-inch suspension lift provides the Wrangler with added ground clearance and trail-ready stance, while armor and protection upgrades include a Rugged Ridge HD Stubby Front Bumper and XOR Rear Bumper, giving the Jeep both improved approach angles and rugged durability. An AmFib snorkel system adds water-fording capability and a bold visual element, reinforcing the Wrangler’s expedition-ready intent.
Up top, a roof rack expands the Jeep’s cargo-hauling potential, turning the build into a true overland-capable platform rather than a static show vehicle. Inside, Husky Liners WeatherBeater Floor Liners were installed to handle mud, water, and debris from real-world trail use — a reminder that this Jeep was built to be driven, not just admired.
The exterior was finished with a custom Matchbox and Husky Liners livery, bringing the miniature toy look to life at full scale while still maintaining a clean, cohesive appearance that worked equally well under the bright lights of SEMA and the auction stage at Barrett-Jackson.
A SEMA Standout With A Purpose
According to RealTruck Inc. Vice President of Marketing Lee Riser, the build was always meant to tell a story beyond its visual impact.
“Year after year, our outfitted vehicles take the auction block by storm, each one telling its own story and captivating bidders,” said Riser. “We’re excited to have brought to life another Matchbox build with Mattel while also supporting a worthy cause as a result of celebrating the partnership.”
That cause is the Gas Monkey Foundation, founded in 2014 by Richard Rawlings to provide critical support for veterans, first responders, and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease. With the entire $110,000 sale benefiting the foundation, the Matchbox Jeep’s legacy now extends well beyond the off-road and collector communities.
Giving Back Through The Automotive Community
Rawlings emphasized the importance of partnerships like this in helping the foundation expand its reach and impact.
“We’re thankful to our friends at RealTruck for supporting Gas Monkey Foundation with increased funding and awareness,” said Rawlings. “This donation will make a real impact on causes near and dear to my heart, supporting those struggling with Alzheimer’s as well as first responders and veterans.”
From Auction Block To Toy Aisle
For fans who admired the build but didn’t have six figures to spend, the Matchbox Jeep Wrangler will live on in miniature form. A 1:64-scale replica of the full-size build is scheduled to hit mass retailers worldwide beginning in April, allowing collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of the project’s legacy.
The RealTruck and Mattel collaboration proves that when creativity, craftsmanship, and purpose come together, the result can resonate far beyond the show floor — and in this case, deliver meaningful support to those who need it most.
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