{{More citations needed|date=October 2010}} {{Infobox automobile | name = Peterbilt 281/351 | image = Pete281lineup.JPG | caption = Line-up of three mid-1960s Peterbilt 281s | type = Truck | manufacturer = Peterbilt | production = 1954–1976 | assembly = Oakland, California | body_style = 2-door day cab truck, 2-door sleeper cab truck | predecessor = Peterbilt 280/350 | successor = Peterbilt 359 }} The '''Peterbilt 281/351''' is a line of tractor units built by Peterbilt between 1954 and 1976. The 281 series had a single drive axle, the 351 two. It was very popular with truckers, with the 351 series outlasting the 281.

==History==

The Peterbilt 281 emerged from Peterbilt's assembly plant in Oakland, California in 1954.

It earned the nickname "Needlenose" from its narrow nose and butterfly hood, popular with truckers for ease of engine access and superior visibility.<!-- Peterbilt page calls it "Ironnose" Cites needed both places. --> Like its companion series 351, it had only two small round headlights.

Remaining in production until 1976, the 281/351 was a durable and popular series. The basic design made way for different models, with tilt cab-over-engine models introduced in 1959.<ref name="autoev" />

A model 281 was prominently featured in the made-for-TV movie ''Duel'', directed by 23-year-old Steven Spielberg,<ref name="St. Louis">{{cite web|url=http://www.stlouisdumptrucks.com/Duel/Specs.html|title=Stlouisdumptrucks.com|website=www.stlouisdumptrucks.com}}</ref> in 1971.<ref name="autoev">{{cite web |url=http://www.autoevolution.com/trucks/peterbilt/history/ |title=PETERBILT history - autoevolution |access-date=2010-07-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329013430/http://www.autoevolution.com/trucks/peterbilt/history |archive-date=2010-03-29 }}</ref> When the film was released theatrically in overseas markets, additional scenes were filmed in order to lengthen it to 90-minute feature length. These additional scenes were shot with a Peterbilt 351, modified to match the original 281 as closely as possible.

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== * [http://www.tenfourmagazine.com/feature/2004/5.html 10-4 Magazine truck article, ''Duel Lives On!''] * [http://www.peterbilt.com/ Official Peterbilt website]

281 Category:Vehicles introduced in 1954 Category:Vehicles discontinued in 1976 Category:Tractor units