The Kenworth W900 Is Being Discontinued

There have been lots of long-running vehicle designs cruising American roads, but few can compete with the longevity of the Kenworth W900. Introduced in 1961 and fundamentally unchanged since a 1982 redesign, the W900 is a true legend, older than the Ford Mustang and nearly as ubiquitous. Not only is it a common sight on American highways, it’s even played a significant role in Hollywood, with starring roles in everything from the animated series King of the Hill to James Bond’s Licence to Kill and the road flick Smokey and the Bandit, opposite a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. Unfortunately for die-hards, the W900 will end production in 2026, with Kenworth issuing a last call to its dealers and fans to get their orders in as soon as possible.

The Quintessential American Semi Truck

Alongside conventional-cab trucks like the International Loadstar and Peterbilt 379, the Kenworth W900 became a very common sight on wide-open highways thanks to its versatility. Initially available in shorter daycab configurations, the W900 became the first factory-built sleeper truck with a raised roof, thanks to a new “Aerodyne” option that arrived in 1976. Over the years, different variations were built, including sloped hoods for better visibility and more aerodynamic wraparound windshields, as well as a huge catalog of cab lengths and roof heights.

Produced in three model series – from 1961 to 1964, 1965 to 1981, and 1982 to 2025 – the W900 platform has been largely unchanged for the last 43 years. That 1982 redesign was the truck’s largest, bringing a higher hood and cab that made room for modern powertrains and cooling systems, as well as minor functional updates like rectangular sealed-beam headlamps. Unlike passenger cars, semi trucks are somewhat coachbuilt, with Kenworth providing the frame, structure, and body and other suppliers providing the engine, transmission, axles, and fittings. This allowed the W900 to remain current and competitive, despite its aged (though classic) design.

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Modern Designs Have Made The W900 Obsolete

However, despite its long service life and flexible model lineup, Kenworth finally admitted a few days ago that the W900 would end production in 2026 alongside its derivatives, the vocational T800W and rugged-service C500 tractors. Evolving emissions regulations and dwindling component supply have finally put an end to the dated semi truck lines, which have already been functionally replaced by other members of the Kenworth family. In the case of the W900 truck, its role has largely been backfilled by the W990, whose 2.1-meter cab design is more spacious and aerodynamic than its predecessor.

Kenworth will issue a last call to its dealers and clients when the W900 nears its end of production. At that point, the truck – currently available in wheelbase lengths ranging from 181 inches to 331 inches, will ride off into the sunset, ideally with a Trans Am leading the way and a few drug-dealing Bond villains giving chase in a helicopter.

Source: The Drive