In the realm of off-road and automotive craftsmanship, the concept of restoration often implies returning a vehicle to its original glory. However, some builders transcend the boundaries of convention, transforming restoration into an opportunity for unprecedented innovation. Enter Morgan Clarke of MCD1 and his remarkable recreation, Pheonix the Truggy. What was initially intended as a mere rebuild project to change a few panels and add a windshield evolved into a testament to bespoke design—a work of automotive art that captivates the senses.
JK Mayall originally had the truggy commissioned 15 years ago by Armor Craft as a weekender truggy to go bomb around the desert. JK, and without a doubt, used and abused it; it was nothing more than a raw chassis with basic metal panels. And when Morgan originally got his hands on it, he was tasked with adding a windshield and making new bodywork for it; then, quickly snowballed into tearing down the entire chassis, powder coating it, and creating a work of art.
Morgan’s passion for flawless aesthetics shines through in every facet of the Truggy. To elevate its visual appeal, new skins and a purposeful roof scoop were sculpted, evoking a sense of dynamic energy. Meticulously crafted with an artist’s touch, vent panels seamlessly integrate into the bodywork, drawing air into the back radiator. But it is hard not to notice the front hood panel that brakes up the tube work that Morgan calls the “Hood Hawk.” In short, it is a mohawk for the front of the car, not only providing another design element but adding additional aerodynamics.
The chassis was powder coated a nickel color to compliment the body panels that are powder-coated bronze and then painted a Toyota Sunset Mica bronze to get the color just right. Even the mesh on the vents on the bodywork was purposely made from stainless steel to compliment the design ethos. To complete the exterior design, Morgan had a windshield of 96 Bronco installed to get the perfect radius of the chassis.
The custom stainless steel exhaust extrudes the fender well with a Cookcraft muffler and has been integrated as a major design element as it follows the sweeping lines of the car leaning into the heritage of truggys in the mid-2000s, but it acts as a step to get into the truggy. While it may seem like you would burn yourself getting in and out of the car, there is a 1″ riser plate to alleviate the muffler from burning the rubber off of your shoes. Just don’t lean up against it after a long drive.
Underneath the beautiful exterior lies a 418 Stroker LS engine putting out a cool 550 horsepower while only weighing 3800 lbs sending power out the back to a Camburg Housing with Evan Wellar Racing third member with a diff cooler. Paired with 3″ bypass 2.5 Coilover King Racing Shocks, the wheel travel numbers are what you expect, 24” in the front and 36” in the rear. With shock tuning to be soon done by KDM Shock Technologies, this truggy will be bashing whoops across the desert in no time.
Adding to the restoration, no detail was left untouched; Morgan meticulously went through the entire truck, completely rewired it and added new hose fittings and hard lines while retaining the factory ECU for the engine. But there isn’t anything on this truggy that doesn’t need to be there, no Motec or fancy PDMs, just regular switches and breakers.
Stepping into the interior, it’s all business; no fancy screens or GPS; there is custom paneling wrapped in suede with MCD1 branded Livorsi Gauges with an awesome PRP Terra Crew Death Grip collaboration steering wheel. Oh, you certainly can’t leave out the cup holders for your desert sodas.
JK Mayall’s truggy underwent an extraordinary transformation under Morgan’s skilled craftsmanship, emerging as a work of automotive off-road artistry. Every facet of the truggy reflects Morgan’s passion for flawless aesthetics and design, from its raw chassis to the meticulously sculpted bodywork and additions. Meticulous attention was given to every detail, from rewiring the entire truck to the interior. Through dedication and passion for off-road fabrication, this truggy stands as a testament to Morgan’s expertise and the pursuit of automotive perfection.
Check out our in-depth walk around video of the Truggy on our YouTube.
Specs:
Chassis: Armor Craft Truggy Refreshed by MCD1
Weight: 3800lbs
Engine: 418 Stroker 550hp
Cooling: CBR Coolers
Exhaust: Exhaust By MCD1 Cookcraft mufflers
Brakes: Wilwood
Fuel Cell: 30 Gallon
Tires: 40″ BF Goodrich
Wheels: 17″ Method Race Wheels
Body: MCD1 Custom
Front Suspension: 24″ travel Rebuilt by Andrew Cho
Rear Suspension: 36″ travel
Rear Housing: Camburg 3″ Housing with EWR 3rd member
Shocks: Front 3.0 King bypass with 2.5 King coilover
Suspension Tuning: KDM Shock Technologies
Steering: Howe ram assist
Lights: Baja Designs
Communication: PCI Race Radios
GPS: Google Maps
Bonus Images:
