When it comes to big wheelers, the first name that comes to most folks' minds is the legendary Mack truck, although Kenworth might be somewhere down that list. However, these days, much of the news circulating about these haulers is their gradual conversion to green energy and in the case of Kenworth, its adaptation of fuel cell technology. But this tasty morsel of a news item issued Tuesday on YouTube is more of a nostalgic piece going back to Kenworth's nascent internal combustion days, featuring a 1955 model with an interesting story of its own.
Kenworth Created A Legendary Cabover
Anyone owning a Kenworth that old also possesses a valuable piece of trucking history, as the automaker was among the first to create a cabover rig. During the 1950s, to circumvent highway safety regulations limiting a hauler's length, Kenworth built a 500-series semi that placed the cab directly above the diesel motor, saving valuable feet in the process.
Unlike later models that incorporated a design to swing the cab forward to get access to the motor, Kenworth cabovers had the cab bolted directly into the chassis. Mechanics either had to remove the grille and radiator or fold open the floorboards to service the engine, a cumbersome process for sure.
Saved Kenworth From A Wichita Scrapyard
But the unidentified individual didn't seem to have a problem with that. He had originally rescued a maroon 1955 Bullnose Kenworth from a scrapyard in Wichita, paying $300 for it. After restoring the semi, he used it to haul cattle during the 1970s before selling the vehicle to someone in Rancho, New Mexico in 1984. "I lost all track of it after that," he said "I didn't know where it was all these years."
Then last winter, his son received a call from the son of the man who purchased that Kenworth, telling him his father had died in January. Additionally, the caller asked if the family wanted to buy back the Kenworth since he had no use for it. A quick huddle later and the family agreed to acquire the truck depending on its condition after all those years.
Semi Remains In Top Condition
Amazingly, they discovered the Kenworth to be in the same condition as the time it traded hands in 1984. The original maroon paint job looked intact, with the semi still wearing the same tires. Even the interior revealed very little signs of wear. The Kenworth's shape impressed the family to the point where they bought the semi once again. While they didn't reveal details of the transaction, it would seem karmic if the family of the deceased sold it for $300.
Source: The Asian Mai Show