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Smart Trucking

The Smart Trucking Survival Guide for the Trucker

Classic Semi Trucks Photo Gallery From The Golden Years Of The Trucking

May 29, 2020 By Catherine MacMillan

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Whenever I see classic semi trucks, I get to feeling just a little nostalgic. Those old big rigs are a wonderful sight.

However, the styling of the older model big trucks, may look outdated to some.

But when I catch a glimpse of one of these fine looking older model trucks at a truck show, or better still, one rolling down the highway, in all it’s splendor, it gives me hope for this ‘torn-up industry’.

The old classic trucks may have been simple and plain in style.

But man, they were solid, well-built trucks. Built to last.

They were REAL TRUCKS.

Simple is Best

Simplicity was one of the best features of these old classic trucks.

Repairs were simple. No complex, computerized diesel engines, no emissions junk to mess with.

Back then, you didn’t need to have an engineer’s degree to work on these trucks.

The average trucker who was mechanically inclined, could work on his own rig. A big money saver for ‘backyard mechanics’.

Older Model Peterbilt Custom Sleeper Berth

The New Trucks? Big Bucks!

In the mid ’80’s,  a top of the line Kenworth or Peterbilt could be had for under $100,00.

Now, the same truck, in a newer model, is $150,000+.

But, to make matters worse, the newer semi models aren’t any better than these old classics. …and whoever coined the phrase, ‘new is always better’, was dead wrong.

Timeless Classic Big Rigs

The Kenworth W900,  Peterbilt 359, the  Peterbilt 379, Mack trucks and the cabover models, to name a few…. all solid, tough trucks, built for work… built for the long-haul.

These timeless classics are symbols of the prosperous days of trucking….. when trucks were reliable, well built, easy to repair and the average trucker, was making damn good money.

When I see one of these older model trucks, meticulously restored in all it’s glory, in a truck stop parking lot….. the chicken lights glowing at night, the drone of a reefer motor and the heavy, strong scent of diesel in the air, I think about those ‘golden years of trucking’.

If these trucks have stood the test of time and survived, maybe we as truckers will survive in this industry too.

Maybe, just maybe, these restored old classic trucks are a symbol that the trucking industry may one day come full circle and the glory days of trucking will return.

Wishful thinking I know, but one can dream.

1980 W900A Kenworth

Classic Semi Trucks Gallery

Some older iron and a few ‘iron cowboys’.

Old Needlenose Kenworth Green Custom Sleeper Berth

 

1980 Kenworth W900A

1985 Peterbilt 359 Custom Large Sleeper

Older_Model_Peterbilt_Purple_PS

Classic Old Kenworth Cabovers

Peterbilt Cabover Blue
White Freightliner Cabover
1984 Peterbilt 359
 
1984 Kenworth W900B
1980 Classic Kenworth W900A Big Rig
Peterbilt
 
Diamond Reo Cabover
1978 Kenworth W900A
1979 Kenworth W900A
 
1984 Peterbilt 359
1986 R Model Mack
1995 Cabover Freightliner
 
1975 White Freightliner/PowerLiner Cabover
1988 Kenworth Cabover
cabover-kw-rob-hastings-early70s-waterm
 
Old Mack Truck Restored
Cabover Peterbilt
Peterbilt, Truckers Jamboree, Walcott, IA
 
Older Kenworth W900A Classic Big Rig
1973 W90A Peterbilt
 
 

Where Would You Like to Go Next?

  • The Classic 379 Peterbilt Photo Collection You Have To See!
  • Collection Of Old Semi Trucks: Memories Of The Glory Days Of Trucking
  • Classic Peterbilt 359 Numbered Trucks: One Of The Best Rigs Ever Made

Filed Under: Big Rig Guide

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