Daily Big Rig: A Dream Ride 1995 Peterbilt 379

In the world of trucking, where the open road represents freedom and adventure, sometimes the most remarkable stories are hidden beneath the hoods of these powerful machines. Such is the case with Dallas, Texas-based owner-operator Willie Flores Jr., whose unique journey began when he stumbled upon a remarkable find in the form of a 1995 Peterbilt 379. This story is even more fascinating because this gem of a truck had spent 27 years overseas in the United Kingdom before finding its way to Flores. This article delves into the remarkable tale of how a dreamy Peterbilt made its way across the Atlantic and into the hands of a passionate trucker.

A Chance Discovery: Willie Flores Jr. was already a seasoned owner-operator, leased to Landstar and operating a 2019 Western Star in his day-to-day operations, when he stumbled upon what would become his pride and joy. It was late 2021 when he found an ad on Facebook for a 1995 Peterbilt 379 overseas in the United Kingdom. The truck had been initially purchased and customized by UK-based Paul Scase to make it a show truck across the pond.

Flores was immediately drawn to the truck’s unique charm and character. He reached out to the seller and, with the support of his wife, decided to pursue the purchase. It was a decision that would lead to an incredible adventure.

A Transatlantic Voyage: Bringing the 1995 Peterbilt 379 from the UK to Texas was no small feat. Leveraging his connections at Landstar, Flores found an agent experienced in sea freight who helped him navigate the complex logistics of shipping the truck across the ocean. The journey culminated in May 2022 when the truck finally arrived at the port in Galveston, Texas, where Flores eagerly welcomed it as its fourth owner.

A Showstopper: The 1995 Peterbilt 379, already known for its show-worthy features, made its truck show debut in March 2023 at the prestigious Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. To the delight of Flores and truck enthusiasts alike, it turned heads and clinched the first-place trophy in the First Show — Bobtail class.

The truck’s breathtaking custom work had been meticulously executed by its original UK owners, and Flores decided to keep its unique character intact. His only modifications were swapping the 24.5-inch wheels and tires for 22.5s and adding an aluminum fifth wheel, ensuring the truck’s heritage remained unaltered.

A Rare Gem: What sets this Peterbilt apart is its astonishingly low mileage of around 78,500 miles, attributed to its previous life as a show truck overseas. Equipped with a 3406E Cat engine and an Eaton 13-speed transmission, Flores intends to preserve this low mileage for its pristine condition. The truck also features a Double Eagle sleeper that has remained in original condition, a rare find.

Flores expressed the rarity of the Double Eagle sleeper, noting that it had seen very little wear. Its “Livin’ the Dream” vinyl lettering on the back of the sleeper was already in place when Flores acquired the truck, making the entire experience feel like destiny.

A Dream Come True: Willie Flores Jr.’s journey with his 1995 Peterbilt 379 is not just a story of acquiring a remarkable truck; it’s a testament to dreams fulfilled. His wife had long dreamed of becoming a truck driver and being trained by the right partner. In 2017, that dream came to fruition when the couple went to Covenant Logistics, and Flores had the opportunity to train his wife. This life-changing experience led to their “Livin’ the Dream” adventures together.

Finding the Peterbilt on Facebook, with the words “Livin’ the Dream” already adorning it, felt like more than a coincidence for Flores. It symbolized the realization of their shared dream and their journey together in the trucking world.

Willie Flores Jr.’s 1995 Peterbilt 379 is not just a truck; it’s a symbol of dreams, determination, and the power of serendipity. From its beginnings as a showstopper in the United Kingdom to its new life on the American roads, this truck embodies the spirit of adventure that draws many to the trucking world. As Flores and his wife continue to live their dream, their Peterbilt 379 serves as a testament to the remarkable journeys that can unfold on the highways of life.

See more photos and thanks: Custom Rigs.