Kenworth Semi Trucks

Customized Kenworth semi trucks are the kings of the open road. Dozens of America’s most radical and desirable customs roll across the pages of this stunning collection. Photo illustration wizard Greg Smith, digitally combines the best Kenworth semi trucks with beautiful backgrounds in this must-have book.

Founded in 1923, Kenworth has since become one of the most recognized names in American truck manufacturing. This book highlights the golden era of trucking in crisp period photographs that present a variety of trucking companies and their Kenworth trucks - in action. Kenworth trucks are featured at work in a variety of settings and jobs - from logging to hauling all types of commodities, including grain, oil and gasoline, livestock, lumber and meat. Photo shots include the many types of trailers used in moving goods from place to place. A visual treat for the Kenworth enthusiast.

For Kenworth, the 1950s were some of its most exciting years. A financial windfall started out the decade, with a special truck built for ARAMCO that became a standard at oil sites around the world. In the mid 1950s Kenworth began building trucks in Canada and developed a new design with the cab beside the engine, upping the cargo capacity by 1,000 pounds and offering greatly improved visibility for the driver. In 1956 the company became a subsidiary of the Pacific Car and Foundry Company and under new ownership the 900 model, with a lighter, shorter chassis, was introduced. And, in 1957 the first tilt cab over engine was introduced with easier access to the engine and transmission for servicing. See the huge variety of Kenworths moving goods to Americans at the start of boom times.

A truck driver's tractor-trailer is more than just a vehicle or a tool for making a living. It is a calling card, a personal statement, a way of life. Truckers take as much joy and pride in modifying their rigs as hot-rodders and car customizers. Bette Garber present some two dozen of the most interesting and creative custom trucks to be seen on the roads today. Each feature tells the story of the men and women who modify and drive these trucks, including the tricks of the trade. All are featured in full-color photography that highlights the flash, incredible detail, and personal touches of custom semi trucks. The book also provides an overview of the truck-show scene and what makes for an award-winning rig.

A lavishly illustrated celebration of trucks and trucking, from the first motorized wagons to the advent of electric, driverless freight vehicles. Charting decade after decade of innovation and change, The Truck Book is a beautifully illustrated history of trucks, trucking culture, and the romance of the open road. Trucks, semis, and vans share their origins in the steam wagons of the 1800s and the invention of the modern combustion engine in the 1870s. As steam power gave way to gas and diesel engines, trucks evolved and diversified according to their desired purpose - becoming everything from panel vans and pickup trucks to heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), or construction trucks, such as log carriers or concrete transporters. Military forces worldwide soon realized the value in these vehicles, and so they played a defining role in the wars of the 20th century. In the meantime, they have also saved lives as ambulances and fire trucks and entertained the masses in the form of monster trucks. The Truck Book showcases the most important and iconic makes and models of every era - from the Ford TT to the Bedford TM Turbo 92 Series, to the Toyota Hilux. Along the way, it evokes the freedom and nostalgia of the open road, explores trucking culture, and shows how trucks and trucking companies, such as Mack and UPS, have won a place in fans' hearts. Weaving together stunning photographic catalogs with specially commissioned "visual tours," feature spreads on truck models, designers, and manufacturers, as well as on milestone events or technological developments over the last 200 years, The Truck Book is the most comprehensive and best-illustrated title available on the subject.