GMC Aero Brigadiers and what could have been

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here are some pics of some Preston owned Brigs I found on a Mack forum.

Always leading the country’s trucking companies in innovation and efficiency, Preston Trucking independently modified unit #2451, a 1980 GMC model J9C064 “Brigadier”, to create a highly aerodynamic road tractor.

All modifications were made at the company shop in Preston, Maryland in 1981. The results were phenomenal. Equipped with a mechanically governed 290 horsepower Caterpillar 3406 tweaked by Alban CAT, Preston’s creation averaged 7.5 miles per gallon in regular service, aided by super-single drive tires and aerodynamic rear hub caps.

At the Caterpillar-sponsored National Fuel Conservation Challenge in Peoria on September 22, 1981, with the nation’s leading trucking companies participating, Preston’s entry with driver Norman Bennett behind the wheel stole the event averaging 7.63 miles per gallon (The Preston fleet at that time averaged 5.7 mpg). The closest challenger was 6.91 mpg.
For the contest, the truck was equipped with a 200 degree engine thermostat, as the philosophy of Preston’s maintenance staff was a warm engine is more fuel efficient.

Friction-reducing synthetic oil was used in the transmission and drive axle.
The belt-driven engine cooling fan was replaced by three electric fans which could be turned on progressively (individually) for optimized efficiency.
The truck’s unique fiberglass aerodynamic hood was designed and produced in-house by Preston Trucking.

“Winning the Fuel Conservation Challenge,” said Preston President Will Potter, “is a good example of what we’re trying to do to improve productivity, fight inflation and keep our rates at a reasonable level for the public.”