Peterbilt 359 CLASSIC(S19) – specifications
Built: 1983 · Series: 359
Data for the version built 1983 · Data origin: Official register · sources
More machines from model year 1983
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Peterbilt 359 – the American long-nose tractor classic built from 1967 to 1987, 294 to 335 kW, six- and eight-cylinder diesels of 14,590 to 18,000 cc, 7,610 to 9,100 kg unladen weight
This page gathers the versions of the Peterbilt 359, which Peterbilt built from 1967 to 1987 as a long-nose tractor unit. Peterbilt was founded in 1939 by T. A. Peterman from the remains of Fageol Motors in California, has manufactured for decades in Denton, Texas, and has belonged to the PACCAR group alongside Kenworth and DAF since 1958. The 359, with its characteristic long bonnet and free-standing radiator, is among the most individualised American trucks of all, and as the basis for countless show trucks it shaped the image of American long-haul trucking; EXHD denotes the extra-heavy-duty version for especially heavy trailer loads, Classic and S19 later special and collector's versions.
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The register lists here 8 versions with 294 to 335 kW from six- and eight-cylinders of 14,590 to 18,000 cc, unladen weights from 7,610 to 9,100 kg, gross weights from 21,400 to 22,900 kg, lengths from 7,280 to 9,550 mm and widths from 2,450 to 2,600 mm.
The 359, alongside the Kenworth W900, is regarded as the epitome of the classic American highway truck and became an icon through appearances in film and television and as the preferred vehicle of independent long-haul drivers; even after production ended in 1987 it stayed sought-after among collectors and in the custom-truck scene.
On used examples, the condition of the frame and cab mounts, engine wear and compression of the Cat, Cummins or Detroit Diesel engines, the clutch and manual transmission, and corrosion on the long bonnet and radiator grille all count; parts run through the Peterbilt network and dealers specialising in US trucks.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Peterbilt 359, Peterbilt Motors Company (manufacturer)
Technical data
Engine
| Power | 317 kWcorrect |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 8correct |
| Displacement | 14,590 cm³correct |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 8,280 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 2,600 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 7,700 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Gears | 13correct |
|---|
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 41.2 kW/t (317 kW / 7.7 t)
Stronger than 64% of the trucks in the register — out of 25,242 models with a stated power figure.
Calculated from the documented figures above — not a rating.
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the Peterbilt 359 CLASSIC(S19) have?
The Peterbilt 359 CLASSIC(S19) delivers 317 kW.
How much does the Peterbilt 359 CLASSIC(S19) weigh?
The unladen weight is 7,700 kg.
What engine does the Peterbilt 359 CLASSIC(S19) have?
8 cylinders, 14,590 cm³ displacement.
What are the dimensions of the Peterbilt 359 CLASSIC(S19)?
8,280 mm × 2,600 mm.
When was the Peterbilt 359 CLASSIC(S19) built?
Production years: 1983.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 8 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
The technical data on this page comes from official vehicle registration records (RDW/Traficom), not from the manufacturer.
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Other models in this series
Sources: Traficom — Finnish vehicle register (retrieved August 2026) · Data sources and cross-checks
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