Peterbilt 359 1980

Thursday 29 April 2021

The 359 Peterbilt truck, is one of THE most popular models of all big rig trucks, originally built for the discriminating owner operator who needed a truck that could stand up to the challenges of long haul trucking.

The 359 Pete was Peterbilt’s top of the line conventional highway truck. In it’s day, it was THE hottest rig to own.

Peterbilt has made some great trucks, but this model, truly helped to make the Peterbilt company what it is today.

At the time the 359 was first introduced to the market, if a trucker wanted a long hood rig, the choice was the Peterbilt 359 or the Kenworth W900A truck. The Pete 359’s had a large engine compartment. Almost any engine and transmission combination, could be spec’ed for an order. This was a huge advantage as they could be designed for logging, produce work and any kind of specialized trucking. 

At the time, the 3408 Cat engine was popular and it would fit under the hood of a 359….a popular choice. 

Virtually any tranny could be placed in the 359 model, even the Spicer 604, the transmission of choice at the time.

Another added perk to the aluminum composition, was that it didn’t suffer from corrosion, so the bodies of this model, would, and have lasted a long time. aluminum body also made for a light weight truck.

If a trucker was looking for the lightest unit possible, this truck could be ordered with an all aluminum cab and bunk, and even the frame could be ordered in aluminum.

It was ‘full size’, and didn’t weigh very much…. a factor that was especially important to truckers hauling extra heavy freight, like produce haulers.







Technical data:
- engine: V8
- capacity: 18000 cc
- horsepower: 425 HP
- gearbox: 15+1
- top speed: 100 km/h

Brak komentarzy: