Stolen Classic 57 Chevy 3100 Known as MADER

Santa Rosa, CA – Gearheads, we’ve got a story that’ll leave you wanting to floor it straight to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. Mader, a meticulously restored and insanely customized 1957 Chevy 3100, was snatched from the property of its owner after a 7-year build at THORSON’S EXTREME OFF-ROAD in Santa Rosa, California. This wasn’t just any stock pickup; Mader was a one-of-a-kind beast, primed to turn heads at the SEMA Show and dominate any off-road trail.

From Classic Chevy to Off-Road Icon: The Rise of MADER

The 1957 Chevy 3100 series was a workhorse pickup truck, known for its durability and utilitarian design. But the team at THORSON’S EXTREME OFF-ROAD had something far more audacious in mind. Their customer rolled in with a vision: a Cummins-powered flatbed 57 Chevy transformed into a 4×4 monster truck. The result? MADER.

The Build of a Legend

The crew at THORSON’S poured their heart and soul into Mader for seven years. Here’s a glimpse into the magic they created:

• Ultra-Strong Foundation: A custom 3″x8″x.250 wall rectangular tubing frame served as the foundation, ensuring Mader could handle any terrain.
• Unstoppable Drivetrain: A BD Diesel twin-turbocharged 5.9L 12v Cummins engine, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, provided the power to conquer any obstacle.
• Built to Haul: A flatbed, integrated with exhaust stacks, offered ample space for gear and accentuated the truck’s aggressive look.
• Stopping Power: Custom TBM brakes on the Chevy D60 and 14 Bolt axles ensured Mader could haul itself to a stop whenever needed.
• Conquering Any Terrain: 40-inch Toyo tires wrapped around 22-inch Fuel rims provided superior grip, while 3.0-inch King shocks soaked up the bumps.
• Performance Cooling: A custom Ron Davis radiator and back door intercooler kept Mader running cool under pressure.
• Creature Comforts: Inside the cab, a Rockford Fosgate sound system pumped out tunes, while a Pioneer double-din head unit kept the driver connected. Vintage air conditioning ensured comfort on long journeys, and AMP research steps made getting in and out a breeze.

A Dream Stolen

Sadly, Mader’s story takes a dark turn. On September 24th, 2023, the truck was stolen along with a white 2016 Dodge Ram 3500 and an unregistered flatbed trailer. The sheriff report suggests the thieves used the Dodge and trailer to haul away Mader, which was securely stored in a locked barn on a private property.

Help Bring Mader Home

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office has a stolen vehicle report on file, but THORSON’S staff believes Mader was destined for greatness at the SEMA Show. Now, that dream is on hold. The good news? A reward is being offered for Mader’s safe return. If you have any information, contact Hinch Investigations at 408-461-7714 or @GTAInvestigator on Telegram.

This story is a stark reminder that even the most incredible custom builds are vulnerable. This isn’t just about a stolen truck; it’s about the countless hours of passion and craftsmanship poured into Mader. Let’s help THORSON’S EXTREME OFF-ROAD get their automotive masterpiece back where it belongs.