The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum in Walcott, Iowa, is celebrating a century of trucking with a show-stopping centerpiece—a meticulously preserved 1925 Kenworth KS 3-Ton truck. This treasured artifact showcases the birth of the Kenworth legacy and highlights how far trucking technology has come.
A Closer Look at the 1925 Kenworth KS 3-Ton
“This 1925 Kenworth KS 3-Ton is a very early Kenworth model,” remarked the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum in a statement. “Most trucks at that time, aside from Macks, Packards and Whites were assembled trucks. This one is no exception.”
At the heart of this vintage marvel is a Buda 4-Cylinder engine, paired with a Cotta 4-Speed transmission and a Timken-manufactured rear axle. While its top speed of 25 mph may sound modest by today’s standards, during its heyday, this truck exemplified cutting-edge engineering.
“Kenworths are still assembled trucks today,” the museum further explained, emphasizing the brand’s enduring commitment to its foundational approach to manufacturing.
Kenworth’s Origin Story
The story of Kenworth began in 1912 in Portland, Oregon, with the establishment of Gerlinger Motor Car Works by brothers George and Louis Gerlinger. Initially a retailer of both automobiles and trucks, the company released its first heavy-duty truck, the Gersix, in 1915. The business eventually moved to Tacoma, Washington, before being acquired by Edgar Worthington and Frederick Kent, who renamed it the Gersix Motor Company.
Kenworth Motor Truck Company came to life in 1923 when Frederick Kent’s son, Harry Kent, and Edgar Worthington officially incorporated the company by combining their surnames. While Kenworth became synonymous with trucks, it also ventured into bus manufacturing early on and began incorporating diesel engines into its vehicles by 1933. The 1925 KS model on display gained popularity among heavy industries like logging in the Northwest.
Unearthing a Rare Treasure
The 1925 Kenworth KS 3-Ton currently featured in the exhibit comes with an incredible backstory. Found not far from Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington, this truck—with serial number 2012—was used by a construction firm to haul dynamite. With its unique combination of hard rubber tires on the rear and pneumatic tires up front, it is believed to be the oldest surviving KS model to date.
The Legacy of the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
Bill Moon, the founder of the Iowa 80 Truckstop, envisioned preserving trucking history, which led to the establishment of the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum. Moon’s passion for antique trucks and collectibles fuelled this one-of-a-kind collection, which now showcases rare and significant vehicles.
“We are pleased to be able to share this collection with the general public,” the museum said. “Every truck has a story to tell and can provide a unique glimpse back in time. Many rare and one-of-a-kind trucks are on display. View short films about trucking history in our REO theater which is a great way to learn even more about the trucks of yesteryear.”
More Stars of the “100 Years of Trucking” Exhibit
While the 1925 Kenworth KS 3-Ton is the highlight, the exhibit also features other industry-shaping vehicles from the same era, such as:
- 1925 International Water Tanker – Boasting a 4-Cylinder, 283-cubic inch engine with a 4¼-inch bore and 5-inch stroke, this tanker reflects the early industrial ingenuity of its time.
Source: Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
- 1925 Douglas Well Drilling Rig – A fascinating example of well-drilling equipment mounted on a truck, showcasing the period’s dedication to functional design.
Source: Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
Both vehicles provide an additional layer of insight into the engineering marvels that laid the groundwork for modern trucking.
Experience the Exhibit
Whether you’re a passionate trucking enthusiast or simply enjoy exploring historical innovations, the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum’s “100 Years of Trucking” exhibit offers an immersive glimpse into the industry’s origins. Visit to admire the iconic 1925 Kenworth KS 3-Ton and learn about the pioneering machines that shaped the road ahead.
Source: The Trucker
Image: Iowa 80 Trucking Museum
