No CDL required: 1952 Kenworth Model 825

, , , , 7

If you’re a fan of Rudolf Diesel in the U.S. right now, you might be wondering if VW just hammered the final nail in the coffin for the oily stuff in the U.S.  It remains to be seen if the market for light duty vehicles will dry up, but there is always heavy duty if you must roll some coal.  You might even be able to avoid a CDL with a vintage hauler.  Find this 1952 Kenworth Model 852 for sale in Spanaway, WA for $15,000 via craigslist.

The Model 852 was a 6×6 tractor built in Seattle by Kenworth between 1950 and 1955.  Powered by a 335 hp Cummins diesel, it put power to the ground with an Allison 3 speed automatic transmission.  Since each truck was built to order, you could pick from 6 optional engines ranging from 318 to 475 hp and an 8 speed transmission from a long option list that also included air filters, brakes, diffs, instruments, springs, custom paint schemes, dual exhausts and even wheelbases.

This truck is said by the seller to have $17,000 invested in its restoration and only needs to have the hood and interior completed.  They also say they have the parts to complete.  Wonder if they are in the laundry basket?

The seller has registered the truck in Washington State as a collector vehicle and as such you don’t need a Commercial Driver License to operate it on the street, nor do you need to stop at weigh stations.  I’m guessing it will still be OK to stop at truck stops for chicken fried steak.

See a better way to give your good buddy a big 10-4? Email it here: tips@dailyturismo.com

Gianni is Daily Turismo’s Pacific Northwest correspondent.  He thinks the only songs worth listening to start with “Well…”