Last of the Big Fords

In 1996 Ford redesigned its Louisville series of heavy trucks. A new cab with swept back windshield and a new hood gave the trucks a stylish and modern look. When Ford decided to sell off its heavy truck division to Freightliner in 1997, it was this new cab and hood that was simply rebranded as Sterling. The new Ford L series were therefore only in production for about a year under the Ford banner, and thus relatively rare.

I was pleased to see one in Truro last weekend. The Nova Scotia Department of Highways, well known for their excellent maintenance and rebuilding capabilities, have kept at least one going in plow service for the winter and construction in summer. This one is fitted with a lift off plastic tank body, used for water and dust suppression.