December 2017
RJ Taylor's 1951 Kenworth 525 Ol' Blue
WRITTEN BY:
- Mark Harter
PHOTOS COURTESY OF:
- RJ Taylor
Welcome to the December 2017 edition of the “Truck of the Month”. This month we have a very special truck to share with you, a truck that needs no introduction, RJ Taylor’s 1951 Kenworth, “Ol’ Blue”.
Ol’ Blue, a 1951 Kenworth, was acquired by her owner RJ Tayler in 1964. Someone owed RJ money, and instead of cash, gave RJ an old worn out semi-tractor to repay the debt. RJ fixed up the old tractor enough to make it legal and road worthy so he could start working the truck. During this time, RJ tried selling the tractor, but had no luck due to her age and lack of good looks.
Ol’ Blue, a 1951 Kenworth, was acquired by her owner RJ Tayler in 1964. Someone owed RJ money, and instead of cash, gave RJ an old worn out semi-tractor to repay the debt. RJ fixed up the old tractor enough to make it legal and road worthy so he could start working the truck. During this time, RJ tried selling the tractor, but had no luck due to her age and lack of good looks.
After 3 years, RJ, now resigned to being stuck with the tractor, hired an eccentric custom painter, Fred Lamont to paint the old Kenworth blue. When Fred finished his masterful spray-paint job, he scrolled the words “Ol’ Blue” across the Kenworths big aluminum front bumper. RJ didn’t like the name, but Fred convinced RJ that it would grow on him. It did, and the name “Ol’ Blue” has been a registered trademark since 1977. The name “Ol’ Blue” is now cut through the front bumper and is backlit using a blue screen.
In 1964, “Ol’ Blue” was powered by a 220hp Cummins Diesel Engine, power was run through twin sticks, a 5-speed main and 3-speed Brownie box to old twin screw rear ends. Today, Ol’ Blue sports a 440hp Cummins Big Cam III, an 18-speed Fuller transmission, with air-ride rear suspension and a 276” wheelbase with new frame rails that make up for a 14,600lb lightweight.
In 1964, “Ol’ Blue” was powered by a 220hp Cummins Diesel Engine, power was run through twin sticks, a 5-speed main and 3-speed Brownie box to old twin screw rear ends. Today, Ol’ Blue sports a 440hp Cummins Big Cam III, an 18-speed Fuller transmission, with air-ride rear suspension and a 276” wheelbase with new frame rails that make up for a 14,600lb lightweight.
Some interesting facts about Ol’ Blue:
- From 1969 to 1996, Ol’ Blue has appeared in over 150 publications around the world.
- The name “Ol’ Blue” became a registered trademark in 1977.
- In 1973, RJ Taylor and Ol’ Blue became the first commercial carrier tractor-trailer to haul the Apollo 14 spacecraft.
For 3 months out of the year, Ol’ Blue leaves her home in California and travels cross-country, accompanying RJ and team members on a national safety tour for Ol’ Blue USA (United Safety Alliance). To find out more about Ol’ Blue and Ol’ Blue USA, please visit their website at: www.olblueusa.orggg.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
- On December 6, 2017 at the age of 75 years old, we were informed that RJ passed away due to natural causes. He was a good friend of our website administrator, Mark Harter and a friend to the trucking industry. He was the keeper of "Trucking's Holy Grail" and will be missed. You were a legend and an icon in the industry. R.I.P. RJ and Godspeed.
- This article was originally featured in December 2007 on EyesOnTheRoad.org and has been republished with permission.
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