By Dominic Teahan

Subtle is not a word you would use to describe Steve Gutschlag's new Kenworth. From it's mass of polished chrome and stainless accessories to its sheer size and presence, this truck demands attention. Buying the 2.9m sleeper version of the Kenworth K104 model just wasn't enough for Steve, something different was desired.

Over the years Steve has owned a number of class rigs, in particular a classic looking FLB 110" set forward model dubbed "The Heartbeat of America", also in Mainfreight colours. Steve's latest purchase is another example of how a truck can be transformed from another high spec truck to something a little bit different.

Most of the engineering work on the truck was done by Jacksons Enterprises in Pahiatua and Emmetts Service Centre in Palmerston North. Although the truck has only just gone on the road in the last week or so, it has been in the country for almost 2 months and has spent numerous days in the workshops adding various accessories to it. In this time the Kenworth has undergone an impressive transformation and now features some interesting eXtras. Some of these include a drop visor which was made in Australia, offset polished alloy wheels, a custom back bumper, 6" cut exhausts and round air cleaners, a nine bar grille, twin polished fuel tanks and a host of communication devices inside the cab.

The Kenworth hauls general freight in a 6 axle B-train curtainsider and can be seen around much of the North Island. Powered by a 630hp Cummins Signature and coupled to an 18 speed Road Ranger transmission, the new Kenworth should make light work of some of the tough roads it will encounter.

A lot of thought has gone into the presentation of this rig with the end result and overall look that Steve has attained, impressive. It's sure to turn heads wherever it travels. A truck that looks great from every angle, a real beauty and a Beast!

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