The Great American Trucking Show (GATS) received a big dose of Mack attitude when a Mack Pinnacle 70-inch high-rise sleeper model delivered Evel Knievel’s 1974 Mack FS786LST model show truck. Knievel’s truck, affectionately nicknamed “Big Red,” arrived fresh off its appearance in Hollywood at the premiere of the documentary film “Being Evel,” and was featured in Mack booth no. 12093 at GATS, which ran from Aug. 27 to 29 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas.

Arguably one of the most famous over-the-road trucks to ever travel our nation’s highways, the fully restored truck is now the centerpiece of a traveling exhibit featuring Knievel memorabilia, including his motorcycles, leathers, helmets, medical X-rays, casts and other items. Mack provided two Mack Pinnacle models to help transport the exhibit across the country as part of a recently announced partnership between Mack Trucks, Evel Knievel Enterprises and Topeka, Kansas-based Historic Harley-Davison.

“When Evel Knievel needed a tough, durable truck to get him and his equipment to his jumps, he chose a Mack,” said John Walsh, Mack vice president of marketing. “Today’s Mack models carry on that tradition of dependability, which is why we couldn’t be more proud to once again have Mack trucks bringing the legend of Evel Knievel to fans across the country.”

The Mack Pinnacle model brings the same “get it done” attitude and toughness as its predecessors and features several innovative components designed to improve fuel efficiency, boost productivity and enhance driver comfort.

All Pinnacle models come equipped with the Mack mDRIVE automated manual transmission as standard. Designed to work seamlessly with Mack MP series engines, mDRIVE can boost fuel efficiency by up to 1.5 percent when compared to a standard transmission. The Pinnacle model also is available with the Mack Twin Y air suspension. Featuring two y-shaped high-strength steel blades, Twin Y delivers a smoother, more stable ride, while also being up to 400 pounds lighter than other air suspensions, according to the manufacturer.

Pinnacle models also come standard with Mack’s GuardDog Connect telematics solution that monitors fault codes that could potentially shut down a truck or lead to an unplanned visit to the dealer, enabling a quick diagnosis of issues, proactive scheduling for repairs and confirmation that needed parts are in stock and ready to install, all while the truck is still on the job. Through Mack ASIST and the Mack OneCall customer support network, GuardDog Connect also offers proactive communication of critical information to maximize customer uptime.

Big Red began as a standard Mack FS model cabover truck. Featuring an innovative front suspension design, a high torque rise Maxidyne diesel engine and legendary Mack durability. Knievel customized his FS model with several unique features, including a custom-built dressing room and a cab finished in his signature red, white and blue theme.

For more information, visit www.macktrucks.com.

This story also appears on Truck and Trailer Guide.

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