Ram TRX #001 auctions for record $410,000 to benefit United Way veterans’ helpline

From Jeeps rolling into combat in World War II to Ram’s incredible “Built to Serve” trucks honoring the branches of our armed forces, we’re always proud to see the ways Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram parent company FCA gives back to those who were willing to give it all to help preserve our freedoms.

The latest evidence of this brand-wide commitment to supporting those who serve: the recent auction of the first 702-horsepower 2021 Ram 1500 TRX to benefit and expand the United Way for Southeast Michigan’s 2-1-1 helpline, which assists military veterans and their families connect with resources and services in their area.

When the hammer fell at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction on March 26, the first Ram 1500 TRX off the assembly line — which bears the historic and valuable serial number 001 — sold for $410,000. That’s almost six times the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX’s suggested retail price of $71,095!  

“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 CEO. “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 TRX #001 is the first of 702 Launch Edition models of the TRX that will be built, with the number of examples being a reference to the truck’s record-breaking horsepower. The entire run of TRX Launch Edition models sold out in under three hours. Ram began production of the TRX in December at the Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan.

In addition to the historic truck itself, the winning bidder of TRX #001 — who has not been revealed as of yet — also received a custom-made truck cover designed by Ram, as well as a miniature model of the truck used during production and a special, one-of-a-kind book compiled by Ram designers and engineers, packed with information and exclusive behind-the-scenes photos of the design, engineering and construction of the Ram TRX prototype. 

“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,” Koval added. “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.”

All proceeds from the auction of TRX #001 will go to the United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s 2-1-1 Helpline, which helps military families find resources to help them cover basic needs, through a continually-updated database of more than 30,000 resources including food pantries, emergency shelters to education and COVID-19 resources.