Kenworth Celebrates America’s Bicentennial with Special K100 VIT 200 Aerodyne 43rd Scale IXO Models

The 200th Birthday of the United States of America was celebrated in 1976 with massive parties and events. Companies also made commemorative products like the Kenworth VIT 200 Bicentennial Edition K100 & W900 Aerodyne Trucks. IXO Models replicated the 1976 Kenworth K100 VIT 200 Bicentennial Edition exquisitely in 1:43rd scale diecast metal.
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Key Moments in this Episode:
0:00 Kenworth Releases 2 New Trucks Unlike Any Before
1:17 Movin' On TV Series Gets Early VIT Kenworth W900
1:42 Length Restrictions Hold W900 Aerodyne Back
2:17 Sales Slump Hits K100 & Kenworth Fights Back
3:20 Kenworth Announces New Truck Design
4:09 Kenworth Marketing Makes Hit With Bicentennial Celebration Truck Models
4:35 1:43rd Scale Kenworth K100 VIT 200 “Bicentennial Edition” by IXO Models Product Review
11:32 Kenworth's Aerodyne Sleeper Changed Truck Design Forever
12:04 What To Do Next

Extra, extra, Kenworth celebrates America’s 1976, bicentennial by releasing two new models of trucks. The Aerodyne versions of the K100 and the W900 trucks.

The VIT200 was a design unlike anyone had ever seen. Tall roof lines on the outside and interior room enabling one to stand up and walk around inside the sleeper. The VIT stood for “Very Important Trucker.” At the time, a larger sleeper for the W900 was deemed not feasible due to the strict length regulations.

The K100 VIT proved to be more popular with drivers. Toward the end of 1973, it was decided a conventional W900 version of the VIT might just be worthwhile, and a prototype was built.

In 1974, two identical W900 VIT tractors were built for a new TV series, “Moving ‘On”. The series was a hit with viewers & Sonny Pruitt’s spacious W900 cab VIT package soon became popular with drivers.

However, the length regulations prevented universal acceptance of the Aerodyne on the W900 that the K100 Aerodyne enjoyed. But the temptation of a 60-inch walk-in sleeper, and spacious interior soon overcame the objections of most of the drivers. You know, creature comforts can only be ignored for so long.

Kenworth saw a short period of declining sales just as the age of improving aerodynamics, increasing cooling capacity, and creating more comfort for the K100 tractor was upon them. To combat this a standard 86-inch cab was raised on the chassis to provide space for a much larger radiator and grille. The roof line was raised as well to direct air more smoothly over the top of a trailer and as a result save fuel. A second bunk was also located in the raised sleeper berth area for the convenience of a second driver. Windows were added and the K100 Aerodyne sleeper tractor was born in the design studio at Kenworth.

Kenworth announced the VIT200 In October 1975. A new design that was promised earlier in the year was revealed to dealers. Dealers were told to expect a new raised roofline to increase aerodynamics and save fuel. The raised roof line would add to the interior size of the sleeper. The drivers could save on hotel costs and reduce fatigue from being on the road. The luxury and economical aspects could be effectively marketed to owner-operators and small fleets alike, the two main groups that historically bought Kenworth trucks.

In October 1975 Kenworth marketing wanted to draw as much attention as possible to the new truck design. So, they decided to build the truck around the coming celebration of the United States’ 200th birthday. The new truck would be designated the VIT200.

About Logan Skeele the host of Toy Talk:
Logan Skeele is the founder of Advantage Diecast. He works with brands to make physical long lasting products to make a lasting impact on customers. These products are constant reminders to the customer of your brand and of the quality they will put keep in their office and show off to other colleagues, keeping your name and logo in front of them every day.

Contact Logan here to find out how he can help you achieve the same marketing brand loyalty.

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#KenworthK100 #bicentennial #ixomodels