BTS21: Kenworth unveils Legend SAR

Grabbing plenty of limelight at the PACCAR stand at the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show is this Kenworth Legend SAR 50th Anniversary Edition – the third in the brand’s Legend series of special-edition trucks, this time commemorating Kenworth’s 50th anniversary of truck manufacturing in Australia.

Dubbed ‘Son of Nugget’ in tribute to the iconic W-series limited-edition ‘Gold Nugget’ released in 1984, the Kenworth Legend SAR 50th Anniversary Edition follows in the wheel-tracks of the Legend 950 (2015) and Legend 900 (2017).

It’s modelled on the iconic W900SAR produced in Australia between 1975 and 1985 and distinguished by its short sloping hood, rounded fenders, short quarter guards, short bumper-to-back-of-cab measurement and raised cab, the latter improving airflow and driver comfort.

The W900SAR was the first Kenworth designed, engineered and built in Australia specifically for Australian conditions.

The Kenworth Legend SAR 50th Anniversary Edition comes with the following exclusive features:

• Heritage Kenworth and Cummins hood badges
• A red-and-gold heritage italic Kenworth bug over its distinctive SAR grille
• Two-piece split windscreen with chrome trim
• Bullet-style cab marker lights
• Heritage-style front indicators
• Traditional extruded aluminium tank steps and round fuel tanks
• Heritage-style under-cab battery boxes and toolboxes
• Traditional flat dash layout with handmade heritage-style white-faced gauges with chrome bezels, toggle switches with backlit graphics, and four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Premium interior with diamond pleat trim
• ‘Legend SAR 50th Anniversary Edition’ embossed in the rear wall and door trim
• Wooden plaque on the glove box lid with each truck’s unique build number

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Powered by a Cummins X15 engine that has been painted beige to commemorate the engine manufacturer’s long history with Kenworth, the special-edition truck’s 36-inch or 50-inch sleeper cabs are available in either an Aero 1 or flat roof design, with a dovetail air deflector also available for the Aero 1.

“The truck not only commemorates 50 years of proudly manufacturing Kenworth trucks in Australia; it symbolises what was a turning point for local design and engineering and the custom-build philosophy for which Kenworth is still renowned today,” said Brad May, Director Sales and Marketing at PACCAR Australia.

“In addition to recognising our long heritage in this country, the Legend SAR pays homage to all those that have stood, and stand today, behind the badge of a Kenworth truck. The ones that have helped make Australian-made Kenworths an integral part of the unique Australian landscape.

“As per previous Legends, there will be a one-day sale – on July 8 we will open the order book, and the number of sales will determine how many trucks we will produce. We’re very confident this truck is going to be very popular and a great way to commemorate this special year.”

The Kenworth Legend SAR 50th Anniversary Edition will be on display at the PACCAR Australia stand at the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show from May 13 to 16.