I've always loved Dodge Rams, from the box 80's style to the modern more refined designs. When the decision was made to purchase one, I was set on an SRT/10 version. I had considered a Rumble Bee Ram as they are awesome as well but I wanted something unique and for me, a little different. With 3 V8s in my driveway I wanted something with a different vibe, sound and feel. The Viper's 8.3L 505ci 505hp V10 engine was just the ticket. Not only that but I love the chunky and aggressive looks of the SRT/10 Rams, totally unique and very Dodge. From the big scoop and in your face grille to the skirting & beefy yet clean design looks. The decision was made and research commenced. After a week on the net, I found and joined the VTCOA (Viper Truck Club Of America) forum. While searching the forum, I stumbled onto a model that suited my tastes to a tee! A "stealth" version of the SRT/10, the limited edition, Night Runner.

The Night Runner was a one year only model (2006). It featured items such as black headlight housings, Brilliant Black exterior paint, Dark Nickel Pearl finish 22-inch wheels, black grille accents and a few other "black" items, plus the special badge/decals and plaques. I posted some wanted threads on the VTCOA and cuda-challenger forum. After a week with no bites, I did a search on cuda-challenger and found that a member (Brian) I knew (not well, but knew of) owned one. I sent an email to ask if he would sell including a cash price. In short, his answer was no but he had thought about it a few months prior. After thanking him for the consideration and basically crossing that one off the list, he replied 2 or 3 days later asking if I was still keen. He said he didn't want to sell but the cash would be helpful as he was restoring a Cuda at the time. This sounded promising....

After a few emails to get the mileage, check the truck had a clear title, some photos and some specs, he stated his lowest price and informed me of what it owed him. I knew what they were going for and the price was fair. A deal was made on the 12th of September 2007. The truck had 5,879 miles (9,461kms) on the clock and was as you'd expect, mint. Before handing any money over, I called Steve Curle to fly out and see the truck which was in Nebraska. Although I knew of Brian and trusted him, it always pays to double check. Steve called and gave me the all clear. He confirmed that the truck was mint and exactly as described. I paid that same day and it cleared overnight. Steve took care of the trucking to LA.

Prior to shipping to New Zealand, there was a huge hold up, 3 months to be precise. Someone or some group had been shipping stripped and complete stolen Harley Davidsons in crates, car trunks and anywhere else they could stash them, (this also included drugs). Every container packed or not on Steve's wharf had to be searched inch-by-inch before shipping could commence, pushing guys at the wharf to work right through Christmas to try and catch up, both in LA and in NZ. The truck eventually arrived in New Zealand at the port of Tauranga early January 2008. All the photos below were taken by Brian. These are some of the photos he sent when I first enquired about the truck. Others he found later on and sent while the truck was in transit or awaiting conversion, to give me my "fix".