The Thunder Roller is based on the real Kenworth K100 Aerodyne. The Aerodyne cab design (the taller "sleeper" section behind the front seats) was introduced on the K100 in 1976, and made famous by the TV series BJ and the Bear (1978–1981). The real K100 could be ordered in extended lengths at the buyer's request, and the Thunder Roller model has an extended length cab relative to a default K100 Aerodyne. The Thunder Roller is part of the main ~1/64 Hot Wheels line, but based on the height of the cab, is actually sculpted in 1:87 scale (aka HO scale).