The phenomenon of monster trucking is a relatively new one. American 4x4 enthusiast Bob Chandler is credited with creating the first monster truck in 1974 when he raised the suspension on his Ford F-250 pickup truck and fitted it with immense 122-centimetre tyres. He then attempted to traverse over two scrap cars in the vehicle, and was surprised at just how easily the truck accomplished the task. A legend was duly born.
Bigfoot 1, as it became known, was in fact a stock pickup truck, with a beefier frame and engine later added to complement the changes in ride height and wheel size. Weighing in at a monumental 5,000 kilograms, Bigfoot 1 wowed the crowds with its original stunts of driving straight over and squashing conventional cars.
Despite these early revelations of newfound motoring entertainment, vast improvements in the build were needed to prolong the life of a monster truck. This soon led to a new, more durable design being implemented.