Kenworth’s special edition Legend 900 model has been sold more than 250 times during a one-day sale event.
The truck premiered at the Brisbane Truck Show in May, and in the June new vehicle sales statistics Kenworth topped the heavy duty truck segment.
Combining modern technology with limited edition features and a Kenworth heritage feel, the Legend 900 is the second historic tribute model after the Legend 950, 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 says about the replica version.
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 says the “pull” of the Legend 900 directly translated into sales a month later.
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 June 26, with no limit to overall volume.
Sales came in in a steady stream, with some customers requesting specific production numbers to suit special occasions in their companys’ history.
The result is a one-off production run of more than 250, 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,” PACCAR Australia sales and marketing director Brad May says.
“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 says 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.
And of those T900s, 12 are confirmed for New Zealand, a fantastic result, general sales manager Richard Smart says.
“We have them destined for all round New Zealand, from Auckland to Southland, in various different applications.”
