To provide a delivery vehicle for the burgeoning SUV market, in 1999 Gunderson began production of the Auto-Max articulated auto rack car. The design criterion was to provide optimal space utilization for delivery of SUVs from factory to marketplace. The new car is capable of carrying 22 SUVs on three sets of internal ramps with a minimum of wasted space. Designing an articulated railroad automobile carrier that pushes the operational and clearance limits of the railroad industry have accomplished this. The prototype is truly massive measuring over 140 feet long and over 20 feet tall from the railhead. Athearn has captured the massive lines and unique articulation of this car in its Ready-To-Roll line.

This release features six schemes with three road numbers available for each.