Have you ever imagined a truck with the power of a supercar, but with all the charm of an extremely customized vehicle? This idea is more real than it seems, thanks to the talent of Svempa Bergendahl, the most famous customizer in Europe, known as the “King of Custom Trucks”. In 2024, his masterpiece, the Scania Convertible R999, continues to be an icon of innovation and style in the world of trucks.
The Magic of Svempa
Svempa Bergendahl is not just a customizer; he is a true artist. Since the 1980s, he has transformed more than 400 trucks into true works of art on wheels. Located in the north of Sweden, Svempa's workshop is a point of reference for those seeking luxury, power and exclusivity in the transport sector.
Each truck that leaves his workshop carries impressive details: interiors with TV, video and DVD, leather seats and aluminum wheels custom made. These personalized touches raise the value of each vehicle to somewhere around 140 thousand euros, which is equivalent to approximately R$ 750 thousand, considering the current quote.
The Most Beautiful Truck in the World
Svempa's career has been marked by awards and recognition. An important milestone was in 2006, when he received the title of “Most Beautiful Truck in the World” in Turin, from the hands of renowned designer Pininfarina. This award cemented his status as a legend in the world of custom trucks.
Among his creations, the most emblematic is the Scania R999, a bold project that transformed an old Scania T500, destined for the scrapyard, in an absolutely unique machine.
The Birth of the Scania R999
The history of Scania R999 is fascinating. Svempa and his team completely reimagined the design and mechanics of the vehicle. The cabin had its roof cut off, the windshield lowered by 35 centimeters, the doors were removed and the ground clearance was reduced by 10 centimeters. In place of the old front grille, a modern grille from the new R Series was installed. Scania, giving the truck a contemporary and aggressive look.
The paint job, another highlight of the R999, was done in three layers: silver as a base, a translucent red in the middle and varnish as a finish. This paint job alone cost about 15 thousand dollars, or about R$ 75 thousand.
The chrome details also draw attention: they are present in the rear windows, shock absorbers, fuel tank, wheels and even in small finishes. All of this follows the classic style of the American trucks, which Svempa admires so much.
Luxury and Innovation in the Interior
The cabin of the Scania R999 is a show in itself. The dashboard and steering wheel are made of carbon fiber, while the floor is made of glass, allowing the incredible gearbox to be seen in action. The seats, upholstered in high quality leather, combine comfort and sophistication.
The attention to detail is such that every element of the interior was custom-made, ensuring that the R999 was as comfortable as it was impressive.
Power and Performance: The 1000 hp V8 Engine
The real star of the project is the engine. Originally, the truck was equipped with a 16-liter V8 engine and 500 hp. However, Svempa and his team tweaked every component, replacing the valve train and fuel injection system, to double the power and achieve 1000 hp.
This twin-turbo engine is connected to an automated transmission from Allison, specially tuned to handle so much force. The result? An impressive acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds and a maximum speed greater than 200km/h.
These numbers are breathtaking, especially considering that the Scania R999 It is a truck that weighs several tons.
Performance at Events
In addition to its impressive appearance and specifications, the Scania R999 is also a star at automotive events. Svempa likes to show off his creation by burning tires and demonstrating all the strength and agility of the vehicle. According to him, these presentations are a way of celebrating the 5 thousand hours of work that he and his team dedicated to the project.
Svempa's Legacy
Today, the Scania R999 is a symbol of what is possible when passion, skill and technology meet. Svempa continues to be an inspiration to truck customizers around the world. His work demonstrates that even a utility vehicle can become a masterpiece, capable of combining power, luxury and design innovative.
If you are passionate about powerful engines and custom projects, Scania R999 is a fascinating example of what creativity can achieve. After all, when it comes to reinventing the concept of a truck, no one does it better than Svempa Bergendahl.
So, are you ready to see the next masterpiece from the “King of Trucks”? Stay tuned for upcoming automotive events and don’t miss the chance to see this incredible machine in action!