Sterling Acterra
Built: 1999-2003 · Series: Other models
More machines from model year 1999
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Sterling 235 D.D.S.659: heavy N3-class lorry with a six-cylinder engine, six wheels, a gross vehicle weight of 15,422 kg and a kerb weight of 12,250 kg, built in 1948
Sterling was an American manufacturer of heavy lorries that built its own chassis for long-haul transport and special bodywork in the first half of the 20th century. The 235 D.D.S.659 recorded here dates from 1948, from the immediate post-war period of this type.
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The 235 D.D.S.659 is driven by a six-cylinder engine and stands on six wheels, with a wheelbase of 4,570 mm, a length of 8,000 mm and a width of 2,440 mm. The vehicle weighs 12,250 kg empty, with a gross vehicle weight of 15,422 kg.
At a gross vehicle weight of 15,422 kg the 235 D.D.S.659 falls into EU class N3 above 12 t. Kerb weight and gross weight differ by 3,172 kg of payload margin, a fitting share for a lorry of this weight class that points to use with variable cargo rather than permanently mounted equipment. Six wheels on three axles carry this load in the manner typical of medium-heavy long-haul chassis of the 1940s.
Buying such an old chassis second-hand, checking the frame for corrosion and cracks comes first, followed by a check of the riveted joints used on vehicles of this era in place of welded seams. The six-cylinder engine calls for a check of compression and the cooling system, and the brakes should be checked for the transition from mechanical to hydraulic or air actuation, since both systems occur on vehicles from this transitional period.
Sources: SpecCodex-Register: Kennwerte des Modells 235 D.D.S.659
Technical data
Engine
| Engine | Mercedes-Benz MBE900correct |
|---|---|
| Power | 215-300 hp @ N/A rpm560-860 lb-ft of torque @ N/A rpmcorrect |
Dimensions and weights
| Wheelbase | 3,861 mmcorrect |
|---|
Drivetrain and chassis
| Gearbox | Allison Automaic : 2200 HS/RDS 6-Speed 2500 HS/RDS 6-Speed 2550 HS/RDS 6-Speed 3000 RDS 6-Speed 3500 RDS 6-Speed Eaton-Fuller manual gearbox : FS-5406A 6-Speed FS-6406A 6-Speed RT-8709B 9-Speed RT-8908LL 10-Scorrect |
|---|
Origin and approval
| Assembly plants | USAcorrect |
|---|---|
| Parent company | Daimler Truckscorrect |
Other data
| Predecessor | Ford_L-Series_Truckscorrect |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
When was the Sterling Acterra built?
Production years: 1999-2003.
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.
- Shift the gearbox cold and warm — jumps only show up at temperature.
- 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 9 individual figures for this model. They come from 2 recorded sources; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
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Sources: Autopedia (Fandom) (CC BY-SA 3.0) (retrieved August 2026) · Tractor & Construction Plant Wiki (CC BY-SA 3.0) (retrieved August 2026) · Values adopted and presented in our own form; changes from the source are possible. · How we check the data
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