End of an Era: Kenworth Retires Legendary W900, T800, and C500 Trucks

Since its debut in 1963, the Kenworth W900 has become one of the most recognized trucks in North American trucking history.

Kenworth Truck Company has announced plans to discontinue production of its legendary 1.9-meter cab Class 8 trucks — including the W900 (W900L and W900B), T800W (wide hood), and C500 — in 2026.

This decision reflects the industry’s continued shift toward advanced, integrated technologies and the growing impact of evolving emissions regulations and component availability. A final order deadline will be communicated in 2025.

“These legacy models represent an incredible part of Kenworth’s history, making this a tough but necessary decision as we look to the future of trucking,” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth Assistant General Manager for Sales and Marketing.

“As we move forward, we remain committed to delivering innovation, efficiency, and the craftsmanship that customers and drivers have come to expect from Kenworth — always honoring the spirit of these iconic trucks.”

The W900: A Timeless Industry Icon

Since its debut in 1963, the Kenworth W900 has become one of the most recognized trucks in North American trucking history. Known for its classic long-hood design, rugged durability, and driver-centric comfort and style, the W900 has been a favorite among owner-operators and fleet drivers alike.

Over the decades, Kenworth has evolved the W900 platform through four major iterations, each preserving the truck’s iconic appearance while enhancing performance and functionality. From the W900A’s improved cooling system to the W900B’s cab update, the W900S’s adaptation for the concrete industry, and the W900L’s long-hood styling, the series has proven itself across long-haul, heavy-haul, logging, and other demanding applications.

“The W900 isn’t just a truck — it’s a cultural icon that helped define the North American trucking tradition,” added Haygood. “From truck shows to movie screens, the W900 holds a special place in the hearts of customers and trucking enthusiasts. While production will conclude, its legacy will live on for generations to come.”

The T800: A Durable Vocational Legend

Introduced in 1986, the Kenworth T800 quickly became the industry standard for tough vocational work. Its blend of durability, performance, and adaptability made it a top choice for heavy-haul and off-road applications. The T800W, specifically designed with a wide hood to house larger engines and maximize cooling, has been a go-to model for jobs in heavy-haul, oilfield operations, logging, and other extreme environments.

The C500: Built for the Harshest Conditions

Since 1972, the Kenworth C500 has been known as one of the most rugged vocational trucks ever built. Engineered for extreme heavy-haul, oilfield, mining, and off-road tasks, the C500 delivers unmatched durability, power, and reliability. Capable of handling a gross combination weight rating of up to one million pounds, the C500 is designed to perform in environments where no other commercial truck can operate.

Continuing the Legacy with Next-Generation Models

Kenworth says that models like the W990 and T880 are well-positioned to continue Kenworth’s tradition of excellence, offering best-in-class comfort, performance, and reliability.

The recently introduced T880S with Performance Hood offers enhanced cooling capacity and supports high-horsepower engines, including the Cummins X15 rated up to 605 horsepower and 2,050 lb.-ft. of torque — making it a strong alternative for T800W applications.