1970’s Allentown

Truck capital of the world. That was once the slogan proudly worn by the citizens of Allentown, PA when Mack Trucks headquarters and manufacturing facilities could be found within the city limits. Over the decades the world changed and factories closed or headed down south. Things were slightly different when David paid a visit to attend Mack School at some point in the 70’s.

DRG83

Look at all those R-Models. Just as today the chain link fence conspired to spoil photographs. Looking at the photos below you’ll find some shots of steel nose DM’s and an a few ValueLiners. There also appears to be a few cabovers that resemble the MH series but that would’t jive with the time these photos were taken so I must be wrong. Can anyone identify them? They almost appear to be wearing UPS brown.

Cool shots and I’m glad David had the presence of mind to take photos of what were common trucks back in the day. I’m not sure I would do the same if passing a parking lot full of all white, steel wheeled aerodynamic trucks of today. May God have mercy on us if we ever look back at the rigs of today with fondness regarding their cookie cutter styling! C:\endrant.exe

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5 Responses to 1970’s Allentown

  1. Joe says:

    They sure like MH’s to me. I think 1982 was the first year so maybe he’s a few years off from memory unless these were prototype’s of some sort.

    Also of interest are the R-models destined for Roadway (or at least they look like they are) in photo one. I knew they had some earlier ones with V-903 Cummins and Detroit 8V-71’s in them, early ’70’s or so. Since these are obviously later ’70’s or early 1980’s photos I wonder what they had for power. I also seem to remember Roadway running U-models with 6V-92’s also.

    • Eric says:

      You’re not the only one who spied those R-Models for Roadway. Other pictures on the web confirm the setup and suggest they probably lost their aluminum buds for steel wheels once they transferred from highway to local service. (Thanks for that tip John!)

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