A dozen of Kenworth‘s special edition ‘Legend 900‘ model, which premiered at the Brisbane Truck Show in May, are destined for New Zealand.

Richard Smart, Southpac Trucks general sales manager, said this was a fantastic result.

“We have them destined for all round New Zealand, from Auckland to Southland, in various different applications.”

The Legend 900 model sold more than 250 units during a special one-day sale event on 26 June.

Combining modern technology with limited edition features and a uniquely Kenworth heritage feel, the Legend 900 is the second historic tribute model after the Legend 950, which was 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 reminisced when unveiling the replica version.

Building on that dual legacy, the Legend 900 turned out to be a veritable crowd magnet in Brisbane. 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 said the pull of the Legend 900 directly translated into sales a month later.

While the Legend 950 model was limited to 75 units, the Legend 900 went to market with a different strategy – it was sold for one day only, with no limit on overall volume.

According to Kenworth, sales came in in a steady stream, with some customers requesting specific production numbers to suit special occasions in their companies‘ histories. The result is a one-off 250+ production run, 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,” explained Brad May, director sales and marketing at PACCAR Australia.

“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 also revealed that 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.