The W900 was introduced four years after the 900-series entered service in 1959, with the W an homage to company co-founder Edgar Worthington. (Kenworth Truck Co.
Kenworth Truck Co. will halt manufacturing of three of its legacy 1.9-meter cab Class 8 tractors in 2026, including the W900, the first examples of which began rolling off the production line as far back as 1963.
Paccar Inc. subsidiary Kenworth said March 19 that production of W900, comprising the W900L and W900B models; T800W (wide-hood); and the C500 would conclude in 2026.
Final truck orders will be requested later in 2025, the truck maker added.
Kirkland, Wash.-based Kenworth said it was retiring the models as a result of “evolving emissions regulations and component constraints as the industry moves forward with new, more efficient and better integrated technologies and products.”
“We know these legacy Kenworth models are an integral part of our history here at Kenworth, which makes this decision a difficult but necessary one as we enter the next era of trucking,” said Kevin Haygood, assistant general manager for sales and marketing.
“As we transition to future products, we remain committed to honoring the spirit of these iconic trucks by delivering innovation, efficiency and the same level of craftsmanship that our customers and drivers have trusted for generations.”
The W900 was introduced four years after the 900-series entered service in 1959, with the W as an homage to company co-founder Edgar Worthington.
In 1965, a W900A model was launched with a longer hood. Kenworth replaced the W900A with the W900B in 1982; among the enhancements were a larger radiator to meet cooling requirements. In 1987, the W900S mixer truck was introduced.
Kenworth’s W900L long-hood configuration of the W900 was introduced in 1990 with 10 extra inches of hood. An extended day cab version was introduced in 2002.
“The W900 is truly historic in that it’s helped shape North American trucking culture and tradition as we know it today,” said Haygood. “Often seen at truck shows, featured in movies and on TV, and shown at other events, it’s an iconic truck that’s cherished for its classic styling by our customers and truck aficionados. While production of these trucks is coming to an end, we look forward to seeing them on our roads and at truck shows for many years to come.”
Kenworth’s T880 model was introduced in 1986. (Kenworth Truck Co.)
Kenworth expects the W990 and Class 8 T880 vocational truck to serve the needs of W900 buyers going forward, the company said.
Kenworth unveiled a new hood option for the T880 — the T880S Performance Hood — at the start of March.
The set-forward front axle configuration is the only T880 to allow customers to opt for Cummins’ X15 engine with up to 605 horsepower and 2,050 pound-feet of torque in high gross combined weight rating applications.
Kenworth expects the biggest take up in heavy haul, logging, high-horsepower stationery and other vocational applications.
Customers have three other hood options for the T880 truck — the T880, T880 MX-Optimized Hood and T880S MX-Optimized Hood.
The T800 vocational model was introduced in 1986, with a set-back front axle and heavy-duty chassis aimed at the construction sector.
Kenworth’s C500 is designed for extreme heavy haul, oil field, logging, mining and off-road applications. (Kenworth Truck Co.)
First produced in 1972, the C500 is a severe-duty vocational truck designed for extreme heavy haul, oil field, logging, mining and off-road applications.
Paccar units have been retiring a number of heritage models over the past 18 months, including sister company Peterbilt Motors Co.’s Model 389 tractor, which was replaced by the Model 589, production of which began in January 2024.
Oklahoma dump truck fleet owner Jennifer Best won the last 389 produced as part of a raffle organized to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
