I am constantly amazed by the ingenuity of American builders. Every time I travel to California for the King of the Hammers, I discover machines that defy expectations. Checkout here all the secrets of the Trophy T, a stunning creation by Tim Odell of Vice Unlimited. Please take your time and read The Trophy T: Vintage Looks, Ultra4 Power – a masterpiece of off-road engineering.
A Passion for American Off-Road Ingenuity
There’s something undeniably special about American car culture, particularly when it comes to off-road vehicles. The creativity and craftsmanship poured into custom builds never cease to inspire me. Whether it’s a cutting-edge race truck or a stylish nod to automotive history, each vehicle tells a unique story.
The Hunt for Unique Builds in Hammertown
King of the Hammers is the ultimate showcase for extraordinary vehicles. Every year, as soon as I arrive in Hammertown, I set off to explore the team pits and the camps of thousands of passionate off-roaders. The thrill of discovery never fades—some of my past favorites include the Hill Camino, the Trophy Rat, the Galaxia de la Baja, and the Race Tractor.
Beyond the builds themselves, I love meeting the brilliant minds behind them. Their passion, creativity, and welcoming nature always make for unforgettable encounters.
This year, I had the privilege of photographing and admiring some truly remarkable machines: Sam Collins’ Ultra49Ford, Kenny Hauk’s Wrecker, and, of course, Tim Odell’s Trophy T. Today, I want to shine a spotlight on this breathtaking build.
Trophy T: The Best of Both Worlds – Vintage Body, Ultra4 Performance
If you loved the Trophy Rat by Keith Northrup, you’ll be just as fascinated by the Trophy T. Tim Odell’s creation merges the timeless body of a 1946 Diamond T 404 with the brute force of an Ultra4 4400-class race vehicle. Unlike the Trophy Rat, however, the Trophy T boasts a four-wheel-drive system, making it even more capable in extreme conditions.
Odell, the mastermind behind Vice Unlimited in Lincolnton, North Carolina, is known for pushing the limits of automotive design.
“Vice Unlimited is all about creating one-of-a-kind builds that fuse technical excellence with bold aesthetics,” Odell told me. “We collaborate with top industry innovators to bring these visions to life. ‘Unlimited’ isn’t just a name—it’s our philosophy.”
The Trophy T is a perfect embodiment of that vision. From its high-performance 650-horsepower turbocharged 364ci V8 engine to its meticulous craftsmanship, this build is both a race-ready machine and a rolling work of art.
A Glimpse into Diamond T’s Legacy
The Diamond T Motor Car Company was founded in 1905 by C.A. Tilt in Chicago. The brand’s name came from a diamond-shaped logo designed by Tilt’s father, a shoemaker, to symbolize top-tier craftsmanship. The company initially produced touring cars but soon shifted its focus exclusively to trucks.
During World War I, Diamond T built 1,500 Liberty Trucks for the U.S. military, solidifying its reputation for rugged reliability. In World War II, the brand manufactured everything from heavy-duty transporters to the legendary G509 6×6 series and even half-tracks. On the civilian market, Diamond T pickups were known for their durability and distinctive styling.
After being acquired by White Motor Company in 1958, the brand merged with Reo Motor Company in 1967 to form Diamond Reo Trucks. Over its 56-year history, Diamond T produced around 250,000 vehicles, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
Building the Trophy T – Where Art Meets Performance
Tim Odell’s vision for the Trophy T was clear from the start: blend the raw performance of an Ultra4 machine with the timeless character of a 1946 Diamond T truck. The result is nothing short of spectacular.
Powering the beast is a rear-mounted 364ci GM LQ4 V8, boosted by an ON3 Performance turbocharger to deliver 650 horsepower. A 4L80E transmission and NP205 transfer case channel that power to all four wheels.
At the front, Odell designed custom independent suspension arms, paired with Fox 2.5” coilover and bypass shocks for maximum travel. A Ford 9-inch center section and HMMWV (Hummer H1) CV joints handle the punishment of off-road racing, with a Detroit Locker ensuring maximum grip.
The rear suspension setup is just as impressive. A flipped 14-bolt axle, modified for better clearance, is kept in check by long lower links, an upper triangulated link, and Fox 2.5” coilover and bypass shocks. A Currie Antirock sway bar adds extra stability.
Rolling on 40×13.50 R17 Nitto Trail Grapplers mounted on 17×8.5 Rock Monster beadlock wheels, the Trophy T is ready to conquer any terrain.
Step inside, and you’ll find a no-nonsense race cockpit that reveals the true nature of this beast. While the exterior pays tribute to the past, every component beneath the surface is built for the future of off-road performance.
A Machine Like No Other
The Trophy T is more than just a race vehicle—it’s a testament to the limitless creativity of off-road builders. With its blend of old-school aesthetics and cutting-edge performance, it captures the essence of what makes American off-road culture so inspiring.
Tim Odell has once again proven that with the right vision, skill, and determination, anything is possible. And that’s exactly why I keep coming back to King of the Hammers—to witness these incredible machines in action and meet the people who bring them to life.
Trophy T Spec Sheet
VEHICLE: 2019 Trophy T by Vice Unlimited
ENGINE: Turbocharged 364ci LQ4 V8
TRANSMISSION: 4L80e
TRANSFER CASE: NP205
FRONT AXLE: Custom Ford 9-inch center section with HMMWV gear boxes, Detroit Locker, 2.50 diff gears, 1.92:1 hubs, 4.80 final drive ratio
REAR AXLE: Flipped full-float GM 14-bolt w/custom pinion oil pump, Detroit Locker, 4.88 gears
SUSPENSION (F/R): Custom A-Arm long-travel IFS w/Fox coilover & bypass shocks/Triangulated upper control arms w/trailing arm lowers, 2.5 Fox coilover & Bypass shocks, Fox 2.0 bumpstops, Currie Antirock sway bar
WHEELS: 17×8.5 Hutchinson Rock Monster double beadlock
TIRES: 40×13.50R17 Nitto Trail Grappler BODY & CHASSIS: 1946 Diamond T sheetmetal over 1¾-inch, 0.120-wall DOM tubing
