Ram TRX #001 Sells for $410k at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale

Proceeds from the sale of Ram 1500 TRX VIN #001 will go to the United Way for veterans programs.

The first 2021 Ram 1500 TRX rolled off of the assembly line back in January, but VIN #001 wasn’t headed for a dealership. It was set aside, destined for the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction and this past weekend, that auction event was held in Arizona. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the crowd was smaller than usual, but that didn’t stop the first half-ton Ram built with the “Hellcat” Hemi from bringing big money.

Best of all, the proceeds of the auction of 2021 Ram 1500 TRX VIN #001 go completely to the United Way for Southeast Michigan’s 2-1-1 helpline, an organization that provides support to veterans and their families.

“When Ram 1500 TRX VIN 001 rolled off the assembly line, it instantly became an incredibly exciting one-of-a-kind collectible truck, and that was reflected by the winning bid,” said Mike Koval Jr., Ram Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. “More importantly, we’re thrilled that the first Ram 1500 TRX raised significant funds that will go directly to the United Way for Southeast Michigan’s 2-1-1 helpline to provide services to veterans and their families.

Ram continues to honor all of those who serve or have served in the United States armed forces with distinction through our ‘Built to Serve’ editions. For Ram truck owners, whether military or civilian, ‘Built to Serve’ is a maxim that they can be proud to stand behind. This auction is another way we can honor our veterans by supporting them when they come home.”

Ram 1500 TRX #001

The first 2021 Ram 1500 TRX that was built for purchase is a Launch Edition model in the unique Anvil Gray exterior paint and a long list of key features. This truck is equipped with the TRX Level 2 Equipment Group, which adds carbon fiber interior trim, color accent package, heads up display, beadlock wheels, 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, advanced safety group and exterior graphics. TRX #1 is also equipped with the Mopar RamBar, rock rails, a bed-mounted tire carrier, Trailer Tow Group and the Trailer Reverse Steering Control system.

In addition to the features of the truck, Ram TRX #001 comes with a unique authentication kit that includes a presentation box holding a bound book developed by the Ram brand team, exclusive photos and video, a speed-form model and a Ram truck cover. There were similar Ram TRX Launch Edition trucks sold, but none have this unique authentication kit, certifying that this is TRX #1.

The Bidding War

The video below from the “Super Browndude” YouTube channel shows the auction for 2021 Ram 1500 TRX VIN #001. The bidding starts at $100,000 and while it is slow at first, the action picks up when they get up around a quarter-million dollars. Bids breeze up into the upper-$300,000 range, seeming to settle at $400,000 before one last phone bidder offers a price of $410,000. That ended up being the closing price, so $410,000 will be donated to the United Way for Southeast Michigan’s 2-1-1 helpline.

We don’t know who placed that winning bid, but in addition to scoring the first Ram TRX built, they also provided nearly a half-million dollars to a great charity group.

Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com

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