fbpx

7 Things You Didn't Know About The Iconic Peterbilt 389

Peterbilt 389 is one of the most powerful heavy-duty trucks available in the market. If you are looking forward to purchasing a heavy-duty truck, make sure that you look at this option. Then you will surely enjoy what it is capable of offering you. 

The Model 389 is a famous classic combining Peterbilt tradition with a tried-and-true design. Increased load capacity is possible because of lightweight components, including the all-aluminum cab and the industry’s first aluminum hood, and a selection of light front and rear suspensions. Aerodynamic improvements for better fuel efficiency all guarantee that your Model 389 investment pays off long after you buy it.

In this article, we will share 8 things that you probably didn’t know about the Peterbilt 389.

Table of Contents

It was the biggest highway truck of the company at the time of its introduction

At its introduction, the Peterbilt 389 was the company’s biggest highway truck on the road, and it remains one of the most recognized big rigs today.

Peterbilt has manufactured over 230,000 units of the Model 389 since its introduction in 1987, with over 89% still in use today.

For the whole of its 20-year manufacturing run, this famous truck was Peterbilt’s top-selling vehicle and the #1 spot in the hearts of truckers all over the world.

Cabin construction is quite similar to other trucks

The 389’s cab construction is similar to that of many Peterbilt conventional trucks, and it even has the same doors as the 362 and 273 cab-over-engine variants. The 389 had several features in common with its predecessor, the 359, including the lightest cab and bed on the market.

engine repair & overhaul

Peterbilt 389 comes with one of the most powerful engines

The 389 was fitted with the most powerful engines available in Class 8 on-highway trucks throughout its existence. The three most common engines for the 389 were the CAT, Cummins and Detroit Diesels. The 389’s spacious engine compartment, on the other hand, enabled any engine and gearbox combination to fit, making it a very adaptable vehicle.

It is the most favored truck of Chris Eubank

Chris Eubank, a British boxer, is a significant collector of small and large automobiles and has a modified Peterbilt 389. This 389 is even outfitted with a “1 KO” license plate.

Peterbilt 389 Movies

This truck has been featured in movies

Black Dog,” a lesser-known picture from 1998, also featured a Peterbilt 389 truck and a star-studded ensemble. The late great Patrick Swayze and music legend Meat Loaf, as well as country music star Randy Travis, star in this film.

Swayze’s character, Jack Crews, is a truck driver who was just released from jail for vehicular manslaughter, resulting in the loss of his commercial driver’s license.

Jack is compelled to run one last load to pay off his debt and turn a fresh leaf. After being assigned a brand-new truck to carry, Crews opts for an older 389 model instead. After all, there’s nothing quite like a 389-er!

The infamous Optimus Prime in the film Transformers was designed from a Peterbilt 389. Of course, the Optimus Prime that we know has unique chrome customization.

In reality, the Dynaflex exhaust stacks seen on the notorious Optimus Prime vehicle can be found at numerous chrome shops.

The 389 Optimus Prime Peterbilt was bought in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 2016 at a Barrett-Jackson Collector-Car Auction. Rick Hendrick, the owner of Hendrick Motorsports, paid $121,000 for the vehicle..

389 has an excellent resale value

Despite being one of the costliest trucks on the market, the 389 had and still has the finest resale value. In fact, since its discontinuance in 2007, the 389’s resale value has only increased with time, and it is presently higher than it has ever been.

These heavy-duty trucks are known for luxury

389’s are known for their luxury ride and attractive long-nose design. The interiors of all Peter mobiles, particularly the 389, are believed to be their most appealing feature. The 389 features a lot roomier cab with substantially more legroom for our vertically fortunate drivers and their stunning aesthetics.

Final words

That concludes our list of 8 facts about Peterbilt 389.

As you can see, Peterbilt 389 is one of the most outstanding heavy-duty pickup trucks available to be purchased. Not only is this truck durable, dependable, and truly, one of the greatest rigs available for the road. It also has a rich history in America, making it a respected trucker’s dream. 

Check Out More Truck News