Texas Man’s 1988 Peterbilt Truck Becomes More Than a Dream—
Published on Mar. 12, 2026
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When Jarret Landry’s 1988 Peterbilt 379 was named a Golden Ticket winner at the 2025 National Championship in Atlanta, his first reaction was disbelief. He hadn’t built the truck, which he spent years restoring and upgrading, for trophies – he built it to serve his family, hauling livestock and hay around their Texas home. But the truck, which Landry documented rebuilding on Instagram, has evolved into a showpiece that will now compete in the elite combo division at the 2026 National Championship.
Why it matters
Landry’s story highlights how a personal project can take on a life of its own, going from a practical work truck to a show-worthy classic. His commitment to restoring the Peterbilt to its former glory, while also modernizing it, speaks to the passion many have for preserving automotive history and heritage, even as technology advances. The truck has also become a way for Landry to bond with his family, as he plans to eventually use it for its original purpose of hauling livestock.
The details
Landry bought the non-running 1988 Peterbilt 379 with half the engine in the cab. He went through a complete frame-off restoration, replacing nearly every part except the cab and steering box. Over the course of several years, he unibuilt and re-stretched the frame, upgraded the engine to a C15 with big injectors and turbo, and added an extended hood and 13-speed transmission. The truck has been “done” four times as Landry has continued to refine the proportions and details.
Landry bought the truck in the mid-2010s and completed the first version in mid-2022.
In 2024, Landry realized the truck’s proportions were off as a daycab with a sleeper, so he added 33 inches to the frame.
Landry took the truck to the 2025 National Championship in Atlanta, where it was named a Golden Ticket winner.
For the 2026 National Championship, Landry is entering the truck in the elite combo division, a first for him.
The players
Jarret Landry
A project manager at a Texas-based oil and gas company who spent years restoring and upgrading a 1988 Peterbilt 379 truck, originally intending it to be a practical work vehicle for hauling livestock and hay around his family’s property.
Floyd Zeringue
Helps Landry keep the aluminum on the truck flawless.
Brad and Hollie Barrentine
Owners of Truckin’ Awesome, who handled the paint and interior work on Landry’s Peterbilt.
Shawn Wiltfon
Played a key role in building both engines for Landry’s truck.
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What they’re saying
“Me? Oh—me? Okay.”
— Jarret Landry
“If it’s red interior, I’m a fan.”
— Jarret Landry
“It was badass.”
— Jarret Landry
What’s next
Landry plans to attend a few local shows in Baton Rouge, Gulfport, and maybe Nacogdoches before focusing on the 2026 National Championship in Atlanta. He may also consider building his father’s 1998 truck in the future, but his priority now is spending time with his two young sons, whose livestock showing activities are starting to take precedence.
The takeaway
Jarret Landry’s story is a testament to the power of personal passion projects. What started as a practical work truck has evolved into a show-worthy classic that has become a source of pride, not just for Landry, but for his entire family. His commitment to preserving automotive history while also modernizing the truck to suit his needs is an inspiring example of how a dream project can take on a life of its own.
