Peterbilt 281 was large semi trailer trucks manufactured by Peterbilt Trucks. The Peterbilt 281 series of trucks were accompanied by 351 series of trucks which were identical to the 281. The production for the 351 trucks continued even when the production for the 281 series which was discontinued in 1976.
Peterbilt 281 was very popular among truckers and trucking industry clued people, but the model was unfamiliar with normal public. 281 featured in movie Duel in 1971 produced by Steven Spielberg, the truck gained a lot of popularity in the US and around the world.
281 were manufactured at manufacturers’ assembly in Denton Texas from 1954. The truck had simple and conventional design with two small round head lamps.
The Peterbilt 281 was loved by trucks as it featured a butterfly hood which made easy reach to the engine.
The 281 and the 351 were the most durable trucks that Peterbilt trucks had produces and are considered to be the toughest till date. In later years Peterbilt started facing competition from other design trucks which featured cab over design.
Duel was Steven Spielberg’s first film released in 1971. the movie featured a psychotic trucker chasing a motorist. The trucker used a Peterbilt 281 in rusty condition. the movie was a suspense, Steven had choosen the 281 because the front face of the truck looked like a face and he wanted people to fear the truck as though out the movie the truck driver is not shown.
Peterbilt 281 received a Cummins NTC engine that generated 350 horsepower. The engine made it power through 6 cylinder with turbo chargers. Five speed Transmission were sourced from Dana Corporation. Some of the 281 models are still available for sale over the internet.
Peterbilt 362 was manufactured in 1980’s with cab over design to beat competition. The 1984 Peterbilt 362 was a flat bed truck having a 14 liter Cummins diesel powered engine that was mated to 10 speed manual transmission. Peterbilt 362 came with optional power and tilting steering and air seats for comfortable ride in rough condition.
These heavily used trucks are priced at $12,500. 362 can’t be put for heavy use but can be used for restoration activity.
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