LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. – After nearly four decades of dependable service, the Mack RD, the last of the R series models, is being retired at the end of 2003.

To celebrate the end of an era, the company is offering a special edition of the vehicle, aptly named the R-Model Legend.

“We retire the RD with mixed emotions,” said Tom Kelly, Mack vice president of marketing. “On the one hand, we are extremely pleased with the response we’ve received from our customers to its replacement, the Granite model. But like all R-models, the RD was a real workhorse and helped forge our reputation for dependability and durability. So we want to send it out with a bang. And we believe the R-Model Legend accomplishes this objective.”

Tricked out with limited edition paint, badges, chrome and a number of other amenities, including a special steering wheel and embroidered seats, the R-Model Legend is certain to become a collector’s item.

Production of the R-Model Legend will be limited.

The plan is to accept orders through the end of August, and have all vehicles built by the end of the year.

“A whole generation of successful businesses has been built on the back of these trucks,” Kelly said. “R models have helped build roads, bridges and buildings throughout the country. The R-Model Legend offers our customers the opportunity to own and operate a piece of Mack’s 100-plus year history.”

For more information about Mack visit www.macktrucks.com