American inventor and entrepreneur Palmer Luckey has teamed up with RealTruck to create a one-of-a-kind military-inspired Chevy 1500 Silverado that blends rugged utility, cutting-edge technology, and a mission-driven purpose. The custom truck will be auctioned for charity later this month, with 100 percent of the hammer price benefiting the Call of Duty Endowment, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans secure meaningful careers after military service.
Luckey, best known as the creator of the Oculus Rift and founder of both Oculus VR and defense technology company Anduril Industries, partnered with RealTruck to bring the unique build to life. The project highlights the intersection of American innovation, vehicle customization, and support for the veteran community.
Before crossing the auction block, the Silverado will make a public appearance during NASCAR’s weekend series at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California, June 19–21. Following its debut, the truck will head to the inaugural 2026 Barrett-Jackson Columbus Auction, taking place June 25–27 at the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds.
A Truck Built To Push Boundaries
Constructed by Matt Hunt Muscle Cars, the Silverado combines military-inspired functionality with some of RealTruck’s newest and most capable products. The build features RealTruck’s new Ascend Cap, a RealTruck Traction recovery winch, a Superlift 6-inch suspension system, custom tube doors, and a host of additional modifications designed to maximize utility and off-road capability.
According to RealTruck Vice President of Marketing Lee Riser, the collaboration represents far more than another custom truck project.
“We are absolutely revved up to showcase this incredible utilitarian truck, a testament to our dynamic partnership with the visionary Palmer Luckey, while continuing to give back through meaningful charitable efforts like the Call of Duty Endowment,” said Riser. “This collaboration truly pushes the boundaries of customization and we can’t wait for fans to see it.”
For Luckey, the project offered an opportunity to merge advanced design concepts with practical capability while supporting an important cause.
“I am absolutely thrilled to collaborate with RealTruck on this groundbreaking project, bringing together cutting-edge design and rugged utility,” said Luckey. “This isn’t just about building a truck; it’s about a vision that showcases what’s possible when innovation meets American craftsmanship, and leveraging that momentum to give back, raise awareness, and drive meaningful impact for our veterans.”
Crossing The Block For A Cause
One of the most compelling aspects of the project is its charitable mission. Barrett-Jackson will waive all consignment fees and sales commissions associated with the vehicle, ensuring that every dollar generated by the winning bid goes directly to the Call of Duty Endowment.
Founded to help veterans transition successfully into civilian careers, the Call of Duty Endowment has placed more than 169,000 veterans into jobs since its inception in 2009. The organization estimates it has generated more than $10.8 billion in economic value for U.S. and U.K. veterans through first-year salaries alone. Last year, the Endowment helped veterans secure employment at one-fourteenth the cost per placement of comparable U.S. Department of Labor efforts while achieving average salaries more than twice as high.
Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson, believes the truck perfectly reflects both American ingenuity and the auction company’s longstanding support of military veterans.
“We are deeply honored to feature this incredible custom Chevy Silverado on our auction block in Columbus,” said Jackson. “Palmer Luckey and RealTruck have created a truly unique vehicle that perfectly fuses American innovation with rugged, military-inspired utility. Barrett-Jackson has a long, proud history of supporting our nation’s heroes, and we are thrilled that one hundred percent of the hammer price for this spectacular build will benefit the Call of Duty Endowment to help veterans secure meaningful, high-quality careers.”
Supporting The Veteran Workforce
For the Call of Duty Endowment, the truck represents more than an attention-grabbing custom build. It serves as a platform to raise awareness and funding for veteran employment initiatives that have delivered measurable results for more than a decade.
“This campaign is about much more than a remarkable vehicle—it’s about helping veterans launch meaningful, high-quality careers,” said Dan Goldenberg, President of the Call of Duty Endowment. “Thanks to Anduril, RealTruck, and Barrett-Jackson every dollar raised will help our grantees provide veterans with practical, proven employment support—from resumes and interview practice to employer connections—at 1/14th the cost of comparable federal efforts. Veterans should never have to pay for help finding work, and collaborations like this make sure they don’t have to.”
Innovation Meets Purpose
The collaboration underscores RealTruck’s continued focus on innovation and its ability to bring together partners from vastly different industries. By combining Luckey’s technology-driven vision, RealTruck’s extensive customization expertise, Barrett-Jackson’s global auction platform, and the mission of the Call of Duty Endowment, the project reaches beyond traditional automotive enthusiast circles.
The result is a truck that embodies modern American craftsmanship while delivering tangible support to those who have served. When the custom Silverado rolls across the Barrett-Jackson auction block in Columbus, it will represent far more than another high-profile build—it will stand as a fundraising vehicle with the potential to create meaningful career opportunities for veterans nationwide.
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