Scania Remembers: The V8-powered LS140

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Press Release / October 30, 2014

Up until the 1970s, Scania’s powerful DS14 V8 engine had only been mounted in cab-over-engine (forward-controlled) trucks. But there was market demand for more-powerful bonneted trucks, not the least among forestry transport companies.

The new 14-litre V8 engine achieved significant success with its 350 hp of power, an impressive figure for the time. The engine was initially mounted only with forward-controlled cabs. But there was strong market demand for bonneted trucks.

Most European competitors had ceased making bonneted trucks, but Scania decided to build this style of vehicle using the new V8 engine.

An all-round forest vehicle

Construction on the bonneted models, which were called the L140 and the LS140, began in February 1972, two and a half years after the appearance of their forward-controlled predecessors.

The new conventional cab design was developed from Scania’s COE cab, with a high level of interior comfort and ample room for drivers, something which up until then had been uncommon in bonneted trucks.

It was primarily forestry transport companies that wanted bonneted trucks, as it felt safer to have the motor in front of the driver on narrow, icy roads. But the new L-models also became popular vehicles for construction, heavy haulage and towing applications.

A total of 1,653 L 140-series vehicles were produced between 1972 and 1976.

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FYI: The Scania DS14 V-8 was based on the Mack ENDT865/866. Mack introduced the 14.2 liter ENDT865 in 1969, the same year Scania introduced the 14.2 liter DS14. Scania used an individual cylinder head design (favored in Europe at the time), while Mack used a two-cylinder head design (four heads total). The DS14 was 14.19 liters, while the Mack ENDT865/866 engines were 14.17 and 14.19 liters respectively.

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