Big Rigs · Nationwide · October 23, 2026

Classic Semi Trucks Every Big Rig Fan Should Know

Some trucks are remembered long after the last one rolls off the line. They show up at truck shows, in old photos and in the stories drivers tell about their first rigs. This guide covers some of the best-known classic semi trucks from three American builders, Mack, Peterbilt and Kenworth, using the companies' own histories and trade press reports.

Mack

Mack B series

The Mack Trucks Historical Museum says the B series was introduced in 1953 and that its rounded styling set a new standard for truck design. According to the museum, 127,786 B series trucks were built before production ended in 1966, and some are still in service today. The same decade brought Mack's Thermodyne diesel engine, which the museum dates to 1953.

Mack L series and H series

The museum dates the L series to the 1940 to 1956 era and says some 35,000 were on the road in their day. The H series of the 1950s was dubbed the "Cherry Pickers" for its very high cab. The museum says the H was built with a short bumper-to-back-of-cab length so it could pull 35-foot trailers within a 45-foot overall legal limit.

Mack R series

Mack's own history says the R series replaced the B series in 1966 and became one of the world's most popular heavy-duty diesel trucks. In 1967, according to Mack, the company introduced the Maxidyne engine, which delivered maximum horsepower over a wider range of engine speeds and cut the need for shifting. Mack says that allowed a five-speed transmission, rather than one with ten or more speeds, for most over-the-road work. The five-speed Maxitorque transmission arrived the same year.

Mack F model

Mack dates its F model cabover to 1962. In 1969, the company says, it pioneered and patented cab air suspension to improve ride and cab durability.

Peterbilt

Where it started

According to Peterbilt, the company built its first truck, the Model 334, in 1939.

Peterbilt 351

Peterbilt says the Model 351, introduced in 1954, had the longest production run in the company's history.

Peterbilt 359

The Model 359 arrived in 1967, according to Peterbilt, which says its brand evolved to iconic status with that model. Peterbilt also notes that the Model 358 was the first of its trucks to wear the bird hood ornament.

Peterbilt 379

Peterbilt introduced the Model 379 in 1986 and calls it the most popular owner-operated truck of all time, as well as an enduring favorite on the show truck circuit. When the last 379 was built in 2007, CCJ reported that the model had a 20-year run with more than 230,000 trucks built since 1986. The company told CCJ at the time that more than 89% of those trucks were still in operation. The final truck was the 1,000th Legacy Class Edition, and the Model 389 took the 379's place, CCJ reported.

Kenworth

Kenworth W900

Kenworth's 100-year history says the W900 was introduced in 1963 with larger cabs and redesigned instrument panels. In 1965 it became the W900A, with a longer hood for longer diesel engines and a larger radiator. In 1990, the W900L added a hood 10 inches longer than the W900B and became Kenworth's flagship owner-operator truck, the company says. A W900A with a 36-inch sleeper starred in the 1977 movie "Smokey and the Bandit," according to Kenworth. Kenworth says the W900 quickly became a favorite among owner-operators and fleet drivers. In March 2025, the company announced that it would end production of the W900, along with the T800W and C500, in 2026, citing changing emissions rules and component constraints.

Kenworth K100

Also in 1963, Kenworth introduced the K100 cabover. The company says the K stood for Kent, honoring cofounder Harry Kent. In 1971 came the VIT, short for Very Important Trucker, a version of the K100 cabover, according to Kenworth.

Kenworth T600A

On February 28, 1985, Kenworth introduced the T600A at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. Kenworth says the design improved aerodynamics by 50%, and testing at the PACCAR Technical Center found the T600 was 20% more fuel efficient than the W900. The truck came to be called the "anteater." By the end of 1985, the company says, the T600A made up 40% of its tractor sales.

Kenworth T800 and C500

Kenworth's 2025 announcement dated the T800 to 1986 and the C500 to 1972. Both models were part of the same production sunset as the W900.

Why these trucks still matter

Some of these trucks have lasted a remarkably long time. The Mack museum says B models are still in active service, and in 2007 Peterbilt told CCJ that more than 89% of the Model 379s built since 1986 were still in operation. The T600A story shows how fuel costs pushed designs toward better aerodynamics in the 1980s.

The industry has kept changing since then. For a look at that side of the business, see Big Rig Daily's reports on Tesla Semi production in Nevada and the latest trailer and truck orders. Anyone thinking of buying an older truck to run for a living can read the owner-operator vs company driver guide and the hours of service and ELD guide, which explains when older trucks may use paper logs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Mack B series trucks were built?

The Mack Trucks Historical Museum says 127,786 B series trucks were built from 1953 to 1966.

When did Peterbilt stop making the 379?

The last Model 379 was built in 2007, CCJ reported, after a 20-year run. The Model 389 replaced it.

What truck was in "Smokey and the Bandit"?

Kenworth says a W900A with a 36-inch sleeper appeared in the 1977 movie.

Is Kenworth still making the W900?

Kenworth announced in March 2025 that it would end production of the W900 in 2026.

What made the Kenworth T600A different?

Kenworth says the T600A, introduced in 1985, improved aerodynamics by 50%, and company testing found the T600 was 20% more fuel efficient than the W900.

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