Kenworth Legend 950

[kscarbel2]

Kenworth Trucks Australia / September 13, 2015

[Dirtymilkman]

Why does the Australian w900 look like a cheap Chinese knockoff? No aerocab? So does the steering shaft still go between your feet?

[hatcity]

Showcase truck and they won't put their own motor in?

[Green Dash]

I...uh...like it. I think the cab is designed to look like a '71. The logo and nameplates are of the early 70's style.

[kscarbel2]

While I'm extremely disappointed with Paccar's next generation US product range, the company's Australian unit shines and shines. (Aerodynamics are critical in Europe and North America, but the T680 and T880, using the new cheaper-for-Paccar disposable cab, bear the likeness of a child's plastic toy truck.

Realizing the traditional tastes of many operators there, the truckmaker continues to build impressive (and rugged) trucks that can handle Australia's unique trucking challenges.

Nothing wrong with the DAF motor, but Australian operators are very partial to their long-time American favorites, from the Mack V-8 and CAT, to Detroit Diesel and Cummins. Two-stroke Detroits were extremely popular in Australia.

Chinese knockoff? No trucks in China like that.

http://www.kenworth.com.au/trucks/C5SERIES/

http://www.kenworth.com.au/trucks/t909/

http://www.kenworth.com.au/trucks/t659/

http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/index.php?/topic/41309-owner-driver-takes-the-plunge-with-new-kenworth-c509/?hl=kenworth

http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/index.php?/topic/41696-ken-dillon-is-living-the-livestock-game/?hl=kenworth

http://www.bigmacktrucks.com/index.php?/topic/41534-youthful-livestock-trucking-in-the-west/?hl=kenworth

[Timmyb]

They made 75 of those trucks and they sold out in 48hrs!

[Timmyb]

For those that don't know the background, kw finished making this truck in 2007. Apart from the engine, badges and a few lights it's essentially the same truck.

The cummins isx e5 is painted beige to replicate the early cummims engines.

[kscarbel2]

KENWORTH LEGEND 900

Kenworth Trucks Australia Press Release  /  May 28, 2017

Modelled on the legendary W-model and introduced in 1991, the T900 with its classic look and style was designed with the versatility to operate in almost any application and tough enough to stand up to the harsh Australian conditions.

Built to revive the character of the American-style long bonneted truck, theT900 though not the spitting image of its much loved predecessor the W900AR, showcased its own elegance and class and all that was attractive in the much sought after W-model.

Although it has been many years since production, the T900 has never faded and is reborn with the release of the Legend 900.

.

 

[Timmyb]

Customers seem to embrace these remakes of older trucks. 

Imagine if Mack made 1000 new superliners? Or R models... they would sell out in a few days. 

[Dirtymilkman]

12 hours ago, Timmyb said:

Customers seem to embrace these remakes of older trucks. 

Imagine if Mack made 1000 new superliners? Or R models... they would sell out in a few days. 

Haha. If they did, Volvo would make you get an ishift with a mp7 and taperleaf rear suspension

[fxfymn]

Quote

Imagine if Mack made 1000 new superliners? Or R models... they would sell out in a few days. 

If Mack was still selling those models everyone would be running them down for not keeping up with the competition. There is a reason why they aren't built now.

It's funny how everyone laments the lack of a 600 HP engine for the Granite, but longs to go back to a 237. 

Instead of wanting to turn the clock back we should be hoping that Mack/Volvo can produce a modern truck that everyone wants and blows away today's competition.

[j hancock]

It is amazing the number of folks that think the 359/389 peterbilt or the kw 900 are still a fresh design considering both started in the early 1970's.

I would hope there are enough Mack fans that a run of Superliner Legend's, if properly done by the parent company, could be seen on the road.  The recent past history of the parent company indicates it would never happen.

[kscarbel2]

10 hours ago, fxfymn said:

If Mack was still selling those models everyone would be running them down for not keeping up with the competition. There is a reason why they aren't built now.

It's funny how everyone laments the lack of a 600 HP engine for the Granite, but longs to go back to a 237. 

Instead of wanting to turn the clock back we should be hoping that Mack/Volvo can produce a modern truck that everyone wants and blows away today's competition.

I hear you, but can't fully agree. Kenworth is still selling the 900 Series, but they keep it up to date with the times. Nobody is running down Kenworth for still offering a 900 series truck. Far from it, the world's most profitable truckmaker (tied with Scania) constantly receives accolades for the great job they're doing. And they should. Ask any Mack dealer and they'll tell you that Kenworth has been killing them, particularly in vocational, over the last several years. And then you have the DAF and Peterbilt success stories, based on substance.

If the Mack brand offered an up-to-date Super-Liner as Kenworth does the Legend 900, that wouldn't be called anything but..........smart.

[41180]

The problem with Mack is they don't offer something for everyone. They tell the customer what they should buy, not the other way around. Paccar offers something for everyone. If you want a modern styled aero truck you can get it from Paccar, if the customer wants a traditional long nosed conventional they will make it. Mack won't make what the customer wants unless the customer wants what Mack currently makes. It wouldn't be hard to make a retro styled R model on a Granite chassis and a stretched rawhide CHU with a retro superliner type hood.

[james j neiweem]

Volvo- Sell Mack to Scania. Mack would get the V-8 back along with Scanias inlines. Scania would get access to the conventional market in the US through Mack.

Scania Mack alliance reborn. Still would rather have a US company buy Mack however they would probably dump them down the road as is the case with American capitalism. No long term loyalty.

[Jamaican Bulldog]

2 hours ago, james j neiweem said:

Volvo- Sell Mack to Scania. Mack would get the V-8 back along with Scanias inlines. Scania would get access to the conventional market in the US through Mack.

Scania Mack alliance reborn. Still would rather have a US company buy Mack however they would probably dump them down the road as is the case with American

capitalism. No long term loyalty.

I often hoped that if Mack was to be acquired by any  non-American company it would have been Scania, based on their past connections.  However isn't Scania now part of the VW/MAN group? I am in car area of the auto industry and if the quality of VW group cars is any indication of the quality of the big trucks, it leaves much to be desired.

[fxfymn]

To me the fundamental difference between Paccar and Mack is the number of assembly plants Paccar has. I'm sure it is much easier for them to offer a low production product since it does not disrupt their sole production line. 

I think what everyone regrets is the lack of small custom builders that used to be a big part of the industry.  The smaller builders have either been consolidated into big companies, i.e. Western Star, or just went out of business because they cannot compete like Marmon.  The same thing happened in the fire apparatus industry; when I started in the early 70's there were 20 to 30 builders, today there are four who dominate the industry.

[kscarbel2]

Kenworth's legendary 900

Big Rigs  /  June 15, 2017

Despite the bright lights, innovations and virtual reality spectacles of the Brisbane Truck Show, no display was able to beat the undoubted vintage charm of the new Kenworth Legend 900.

As one of the most lusted-after vehicles on the showroom floor, the nostalgic rig, modelled on the legendary W-model introduced in 1991, embraces classic features not often found in vehicles made today.

In order to celebrate Kenworth's heritage, the 900 combines the iconic model with the original styling accents from the manufacturer's early years in Australia.

Powered by a Cummins X15 engine, specially painted in red and black to commemorate the Cummins N14 engine that was fitted to many of the original T900s, the rig also boasts side-mounted exhausts with a wraparound cover, and exposed chrome elbows, and a traditional flat dash layout which houses a full suite of handmade heritage style chrome-bezeled and white-faced gauges.

However punters wanting to own this limited edition model will have to get in quick, as the Legend will be on sale for - wait for it - just one day.

Yes, the Legend will be on sale for one day only - June 26 this year.

Kenworth general sales manager David Harmsworth said the 24-hour purchase window was to promote the limited nature of the sought-after model.

"We wanted to allow those who want to purchase a Legend 900 to have their chance to own a piece of history," David said.

As such, only a limited number of the Legend 900s will be manufactured, each built to specification and marked with their individual limited edition number.

The American-style long-bonneted truck's grunt and old-world style has unsurprisingly gained a strong following since it was announced.

"There has been a huge amount of excitement about the Legend 900 from the public, starting from well before the model was even publicly announced," David said.

"We have had numerous requests for brochures from people outside our normal networks.

"There are Facebook groups that have been set up for this specific model and anecdotally we have heard from people that the truck has created a huge buzz," David said.

While the Legend 950 in 2015 was a clear launching point for the limited edition historic Kenworth model, the 900's planning process didn't begin until more recently.

"There was always a plan to create another Legend model," David said, hinting at what is to come.

"It is likely the Legend Series will continue in the future, though no models have yet been selected nor dates set."

.

[kscarbel2]

Legend 900 Kenworth’s most successful heritage model to date

Prime Mover Magazine  /  July 5, 2017

Kenworth’s special edition ‘Legend 900’ model, which premiered at the Brisbane Truck Show in May, has been sold more than 250 times during a one-day sale event last week.

Combining modern technology with limited edition features and a uniquely Kenworth heritage feel, the Legend 900 is the second historic tribute model after the Legend 950, which was released in 2015.

It is inspired by the T900 Kenworth introduced in 1991, which in turn referenced the brand’s legendary W-model.

“Built to revive the character of the American-style long bonneted truck, the T900 showcased its own elegance and class and all that was attractive in the much-sought-after W-model,” Kenworth reminisced when unveiling the replica version.

Building on that ‘dual’ legacy, the Legend 900 turned out to be a veritable crowd magnet in Brisbane. Boasting the traditional split windscreen, side-mounted exhausts with a wraparound cover and the original flat dash layout – as well as all the traditional Kenworth, Cummins and Eaton Fuller badges – Kenworth said the ‘pull’ of the Legend 900 directly translated into sales a month later.

While the Legend 950 model was limited to 75 units, however, the Legend 900 went to market with a different strategy – it was sold for one day only on Monday, 26 June, with no limit to overall volume.

According to Kenworth, sales came in in a steady stream, with some customers requesting specific production numbers to suit special occasions in their companies’ history. The result is a one-off 250+ production run, making the Legend 900 the company’s most successful replica model to date.

“The common thread carried through the Legend Series models is the compelling combination of the latest technology for safer, cleaner and more productive operation, with iconic design features that help many enduring memories live on,” explained Brad May, Director Sales and Marketing at PACCAR Australia.

“Not only does the Legend 900 symbolise the Kenworth spirit, it celebrates the long history of manufacturing in Australia and some of the legends that have been along for the ride.”

May also revealed that the first Legend 900 has been named “Steady” in honour of Allan “Steady” Stead, one of Kenworth’s longest-serving employees who dedicated his working life to improving the product for customers all around Australia.

.

[kscarbel2]

T950 LEGEND OF LAWRENCE TRANSPORT

Warren Caves, Power Torque Magazine  /  August 2017  

When Kenworth Australia decided on releasing the limited-edition T950 Legend, essentially making old new again, I suspect that even their own management team was taken aback a little by the demand. All 75 units sold out within 48 hours of release announcement, in fact they were oversubscribed. A real plus for the sales team for certain.

Originally released in 1992 and running through to 2007, the 950 was a solid performer, equally at home pulling triple road trains as it was on East Coast highway duties.

The nostalgic appeal must have been substantial to generate the kind of excitement caused by the announcement of the T950 Legend. Perhaps it was the lure of a limited edition, creating a sort-after classic in the future, or the chance to grab a truck of “Legendary” heritage amalgamated with all the modern advancements in technology to create that perfect partnership of old and new.

Previous limited-edition models, such as the T909 Director, were dressed up versions of their original stablemate, with extras and bolt-on bling. Not so with the T950 Legend.

A genuine stand-alone Limited Edition was designed, created and built at the Bayswater manufacturing facility. With its High, setback modular cabin with no engine intrusion into the firewall, the 950 is a unique beast with old-school credibility, modern-day compliance, and safety, appealing to obviously a large spectrum of purchasers and more than a few disappointed bidders.

From a cabin interior styling perspective the Legend gets a flat dash panel with white background gauges, air-operated windows, custom wood-grained gearstick knob and retro badging on the doors and gearstick boot surround, plus custom seating. This is all embellished by the studded red vinyl trim providing styling accents dating back decades.

Externally, the stainless-steel infill panels below the air cleaners give away the limited-edition status, as does the Cummins Diesel, black on gold insignia recreated for this release. Laser cut identification of the model is also carried over into the Mr Bullbar side wings, adding a nice blended touch. There also must have been a few cans of Cummins beige spray paint left on the shelves from the eighties, which was used to paint the usually red ISX engine. Retro external steel door handles are also included.

Our featured truck is owned and operated by Lawrence Transport and has the title of #72 out of the 75 sold. Lawrence Transport was started by John Lawrence 38 years ago and is still very much a family oriented business, still operated by John and his two sons, Kel and Blake. Currently operating 18 prime movers and 70 trailers, the company utilises up to ten subbies, as needed, out of its Ingleburn NSW depot.

“We are a family business and pride ourselves on old fashioned personalised service,” said John. “We have customers that have been with us for 35 years. We do quite a bit of wharf work in containers as well as generalised work in curtainsided trailers.

A lot of the work we specialise in is dangerous goods, and we operate all over NSW as well as interstate as demand dictates”.

The Lawrence men have always been loyal to the Kenworth brand; however, John said that this is the first Kenworth he has had that is Cummins powered, being an ISXe5 @ 615 horsepower. With the absence of Caterpillar power as an option, John admits to having a little trouble getting used to its mannerisms. But, being only eight months in service and with 45,000 km on the clock, it still has time to get on his good side and prove it can match it with the Caterpillar engines he has previously been accustomed to. Interestingly, John said, “It (the Cummins) seems to work best at 64 tonnes, more so than when it’s running lighter”.

An 18-speed Eaton manual transmission and 4.1 Rockwell differentials round out the driveline.

Purchased in late 2015, the Legend was ordered in the company maroon paint as a base, with the final painting to the company scheme, and then given to Max Smash Repairs in Smithfield.

Blake Lawrence explained that, “We feel very privileged to have been lucky enough to be a part of this limited-edition model, particularly with such demand”.

A good deal of customisation was also carried out on #72 before it was put into service as Johns Truck. Blake explained that it went to Klos Custom Trucks for the bulk of this work.

“On the outside, we wanted to keep with the old 950 feel, so we changed the original roof bullet lights for some more period-styled lights and swapped the round bonnet blinkers for square ones. Stainless steel rock guards around the headlights, stainless steel elephant ears on the front of the air cleaners with LEDs and a stainless steel mid-drop sun visor were also installed”.

John is the first to admit that, “I’m not that keen on polishing, which is why we went with stainless steel wherever possible. It costs a bit more initially, but is worth it in the long run”.

The fuel tanks have been stainless wrapped, cleverly incorporating the wrapping around the AdBlue tank, making it look as one. Stainless wrapping was also used on the alloy wheels, ensuring a long-lasting durable shine, without the polishing. Stainless steel was used on the battery box covers and guards, which utilise low mount brackets hidden from view. Seven-inch exhaust pipes reach skyward.

The inside of the cabin didn’t miss out either, with Custom Air in Melbourne fitting a diesel-powered heating and cooling unit with dual-zone control. Other luxuries include an upright Waeco fridge, TV and DVD player, and, wait for it, a fully-automatic espresso machine, for those mornings when you just can’t get going without your morning heart starter. All power is distributed by the 2000-watt pure sine-wave inverter.

Occasionally a two-up run is needed, or John’s wife or grandkids might go for a run, so a double-bunk is also featured in the cab.

The legacy of the T950 has well and truly been revived, albeit in limited numbers, much to the chagrin of some. The T950 Legend will no doubt be a sought-after acquisition for years to come by way of its limited availability, so, if you missed out on this one, perhaps you got in quick on the recently released T900 Legend. If not, you’ll just have to be content crying over your beer in the pub, and dreaming of what might have been.

.

[Dirtymilkman]

That is class......only complaint is that glove box area. It looks cheap compared to the rest of the interior.