1962 Mack B 61
The Mack B series is a model line of trucks produced by Mack Trucks between 1953 and 1966. The successor to the 1940-1956 Mack L series, the B-series was a line of heavy conventional-cab trucks. Adopting a more streamlined appearance over its predecessor, the B-series was designed with a sloped windshield and larger, rounded fenders. The model line was sold in multiple configurations, including tractors and straight/rigid trucks, cowled chassis (delivery body or bus), or fire trucks.
The Mack B61 model is perhaps the best-known classic Mack truck and many survive to this day around the world, in restored and unrestored condition. They were available as fire trucks, school buses and in a variety of rigid truck and prime mover configurations. The total number of B61s produced was 47,459 – far more than any other B Series truck.
In the case of the END673E engine, maximum power was 180hp at 2100rpm and peak torque was 500lb.ft (680Nm) at 1400rpm. To put that into perspective, you can get that much torque and twice the horsepower in one of today’s big utes!
The 180hp/500lb.ft B61 was expected to pull 32 tonnes GCM regularly in highway service and even road-train weights in the Outback. A modern ute has a GCM around 6.5-9.0 tonnes.
Mack is as well-known today as it was a century ago for its tradition of power and innovation. Its commitment to quality and longevity also should not be overlooked. Mack trucks from the 1940’s through the 1960’s can be spotted, to this day – some with bungee cord and duct tape strategically placed – still chugging stubbornly along. This B61 bulldog may not be pretty, but it’s roadworthy, with a big heart that just won’t quit.
The Mack ‘R’ model was a Class 8 heavy-duty truck first introduced in the early 1960s by Mack Trucks, to replace the very successful Mack ‘B’ Model. Its production ran for 40 years until the RD model was discontinued in 2002 and the RB and DM models were discontinued in 2005. The first R models introduced were powered by Mack Thermodyne diesel and gasoline engines. In 1973 the R cab was given a makeover to include a deeper rear wall for more room and a new dashboard design.
As with all heavy duty trucks, they may be ordered numerous ways (chassis cab & install your own body, box truck, flatbed, stake bed, wrecker, etc.), single or tandem drive axle, tractor with fifth wheel, heavy duty (heavier than ‘normal’ class 8)/off-road, etc.
