237D Cody Fogden & Olivia Sheaff

“WILD WILLY”

Drivers

Sponsors

Truck Details

NameWild Willy (Smooth Talker)
MakeHowat
Year BuiltRebuilt in 2014, Built in 2008
Weight>1300kgs
EngineGM 3.8 V6 Supercharged
Transmission4l60E with Cruiser Transfercase
DiffsToyota Landcrusier 80 Series 8″ Front and Nissan Patrol 9″ Rear
LockersHowat Hydraulic Lockers
SuspensionFox Shocks, 4-Link Front, 4 Link Rear
Wheels35×12-15 Journey Claw MT on 15×10″ OMF Alloys

History

Previous DriversAccolades
Cody Fogden (2025-)First season in new truck
Graham Foote (2021-2025)
William Jeffery (2020)
Warren Jeffery (2013-2016)Top 10 (2016)
Michael Dodunski (2012-2013)
Martin Walton (2008-2012)Top 10 (2009, 2011)

Originally built as a copy of the 2005 & 2008 1NZ Howat buggy known as Optimus Prime, then named Smooth Talker achieved its own success with Top 10’s in 2009 & 2011.

In 2014 Warren Jeffery had the buggy rebuilt back at Howat Engineering, transforming the truck into WILD WILLY! Resembling a Willys Jeep with paint job to match. It wasn’t all for show, with the buggy receiving upgraded diffs and suspension.

Warrens son and A Class champ William drove the buggy for a single season, before it was sold to Graham Foote.

After a few seasons Graham has now lent the D Class buggy to Cody Fogden & Olivia Sheaff, who makes the step up after a couple season winning in E Class.

Wild Willy on the left, Optimus Prime on the right