HINERANGI VAIMOSO
It's from Sweden, adorned in 24-carat gold, insured for $1 million and had men ogling its assets all day yesterday.
Red Pearl, created by Sven-Erik "Svempa" Bergendahl, stands about three metres high, weighs six tonnes and is made of carbon fibre.
It carries 200 litres of fuel, boasts an engine with
1000 horsepower and has a roar that can reach up to 150 decibels.
It was the first time the Scania truck had been overseas, attracting about 200 truck enthusiasts out to CablePrice in Hastings yesterday.
Svempa, a world-renowned truck customiser, dropped into the Hastings business during a nationwide tour showing off the piece of work that took him 6000 hours over two and half years to create.
At 70, Svempa still leads the way in truck modification, working 15 hours a day installing home theatres, La-Z-Boy chairs and any other possible luxuries into the cabs of Scania trucks the world over.
It was Svempa's first time in New Zealand and as far as he could tell, the view from the convertible cab of the Red Pearl was good.
"This is a very beautiful country and I've never met such nice people. Everyone here is so friendly and have looked after me so well," Svempa said.
Svempa, born in 1939 - as written in 24-carat gold sheets on the door of Red Pearl - started modifying cars at 15 until he eventually got his hands on his own truck. Word got out about his talents and before he knew it, his company Svempa AB was born, creating show and limited-edition trucks.
