VIDEO: The Big Red Truck Versus The Big Red Sea

This video may switch off a few viewers whose patience or understanding of Arabic doesn’t extend very far, but we recommend you give the guy a chance before clicking the “x” on your browser tab. The man you see here, Hasan Kutbi, has something special to share about this big red International MXT.

The International MXT (short for Military Extreme Truck) ended production in 2008. 9-11 MPG fuel mileage may or may not have played a part in that decision...

The International MXT (short for Military Extreme Truck) ended production in 2008. 9-11 MPG fuel mileage may or may not have played a part in that decision…

We all know and love the name of International Harvester, the agricultural corporation (now known as Navistar International) that gave us such classics as the Scout 800 and Scout II. International ceased production of typical consumer vehicles in 1980, but nevertheless went about producing mammoths like this MXT seen here to satisfy consumer needs for 14,000-pound bricks.

All kidding aside, Kutbi’s mission here seems to be a demonstration of the MXT’s fording capabilities, which he does in a shallow harbor extending out into the Red Sea near Jellah City, Saudi Arabia. And as indecipherable as Kutbi’s native tongue might be, it’s all too clear how well he understands the situation as he slowly enters the crystal clear waters from a boat ramp.

Kutbi fords ahead in the beautiful Arabian water near Jellah City, Saudi Arabia.

Kutbi fords ahead in the beautiful Arabian water near Jellah City, Saudi Arabia.

As you might expect, the MXT is all too macho and badass to be slowed down by a few inches of water. The truck, as a matter of fact, clears 14.5 inches with 40-inch tires on all fours, and has an approach angle of 40-degrees. But Kutbi’s driving is what we’re all here for, and drive it he does, meandering around the harbor for nearly an entire minute as the big red truck’s VT 365 V8 diesel mill roars its way through the crystal clear H2O.

If we’ve learned anything here today, it’s a couple of things. One, that the love of huge, fuel-guzzling trucks spans entire oceans, and two, that the MXT is more than ready for a drive through your local puddle or flooded area. We think we’re ready to put the MXT on our list of “Most Desirable Post-Apocalypse Vehicles,” but we’ll have to scrounge up $130,000 first to buy one.

About the author

David Chick

David Chick comes to us ready for adventure. With passions that span clean and fast Corvettes all the way to down and dirty off-road vehicles (just ask him about his dream Jurassic Park Explorer), David's eclectic tastes lend well to his multiple automotive writing passions.
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