
AO STUDIOS LLC Revives Automotive History with the “Bigfoot” 1974 Ford F-250 Monster Truck
Newark, NJ – October 26, 2023 – AO STUDIOS LLC, a US-based company specializing in high-quality vehicle recreations and custom builds, today announced the launch of their painstakingly recreated “Bigfoot” 1974 Ford F-250 monster truck. This isn’t just a replica; it’s a fully functional, road-legal (where applicable, check local laws!) tribute to the truck that essentially invented monster trucking. AO STUDIOS, located at 1 Washington Park, 16th Floor, Newark, NJ, 07102, and reachable at 865-426-9945, isn’t known for shortcuts. They've built a reputation for obsessively recreating iconic vehicles, and the “Bigfoot” F-250 is their most ambitious project yet. “We’re not just welding metal together here,” explains a company spokesperson. “We’re bringing a legend back to life. We wanted something that wasn't just looks like Bigfoot, but feels like it too.” A Look Back: The Original “Bigfoot” Before there were stadium-filling monster truck rallies, before the sponsorships and the theatrics, there was Bob Chandler and his 1974 Ford F-250. In 1979, Chandler, owner of Midwest Four Wheel Drive & Off-Road, started experimenting with lifting and modifying his pickup. He wasn’t trying to create a sport, he was just trying to have fun and show off what his shop could do. He started with a 4-inch lift, then 8, then 12. Then came the massive 66-inch tires – tires originally designed for military tractors. The result? A truck that could literally drive over cars. The name “Bigfoot” was coined by a spectator, and it stuck. The original "Bigfoot" wasn’t just big, it was revolutionary. It captured the imagination of car enthusiasts and quickly became a sensation. It paved the way for the monster truck industry we know today. AO STUDIOS' Recreation: Respecting the Legacy AO STUDIOS understood the weight of recreating such an iconic vehicle. Their goal wasn’t to “improve” on the original, but to faithfully reproduce it, using modern materials and techniques to ensure reliability and safety without sacrificing authenticity. “We spent months researching the original truck,” says the lead designer at AO STUDIOS. “We poured over photos, videos, and even talked to people who were there when it was first built. We wanted to get every detail right, from the paint scheme to the chassis construction.” What Sets This “Bigfoot” Apart? This isn't a kit car. AO STUDIOS built this "Bigfoot" from the ground up, prioritizing authenticity and performance. Here's a rundown of the key features: Authentic Chassis: The chassis isn’t just shaped like the original, it’s built using similar construction techniques and materials as the early 1970s, but with modern welds and reinforcements. Period-Correct Body: The body is a faithful recreation of the 1974 Ford F-250 cab and bed, with careful attention paid to the lines, curves, and overall appearance. They even sourced materials that closely match the original paint. Massive Tires: AO STUDIOS sourced tires closely resembling the massive 66-inch tires used on the original "Bigfoot." These aren't just big for show; they provide the incredible ground clearance and visual impact that made the truck famous. Powerful Engine: Under the hood, you'll find a modern, high-performance engine delivering the power needed to handle those enormous tires and the truck’s significant weight. While the original "Bigfoot" evolved over the years with different engines, this version boasts a reliable and powerful modern powerplant. The exact specs will vary depending on customer specifications, but it’s guaranteed to turn heads and conquer any terrain. Modern Upgrades (Discreetly Integrated): While AO STUDIOS prioritized authenticity, they also incorporated modern safety features like upgraded brakes, steering, and suspension, without compromising the truck’s vintage appearance. Fully Functional: This isn’t a static display piece. The “Bigfoot” recreation is fully functional and capable of being driven (where legally permissible). It's been rigorously tested to ensure it can handle both on-road and off-road conditions. Customization Options: While AO STUDIOS offers a standard recreation, they also provide customization options to tailor the truck to individual preferences. Customers can choose their own paint colors, interior materials, and engine configurations. More Than Just a Truck, It's a Piece of History “We’re really proud of this build,” says the company CEO. “It’s not just about recreating a truck; it’s about preserving a piece of automotive history. ‘Bigfoot’ wasn’t just a vehicle; it was a cultural phenomenon. And we wanted to capture that spirit with our recreation.” The AO STUDIOS “Bigfoot” 1974 Ford F-250 is aimed at serious collectors, monster truck enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates automotive history. This is a limited-production vehicle, and each one will be meticulously crafted to the highest standards. Availability & Pricing: Interested parties are encouraged to contact AO STUDIOS LLC directly at 865-426-9945 or visit their website (website address to be announced) for more information. Pricing will vary depending on customization options, but expect a substantial investment for a piece of automotive legend. The first builds are scheduled for delivery in early 2024.