Editing Peterbilt (section)

=== 1950s ===
[[File:1954 Peterbilt 351 flatbed truck (18971058239).jpg|thumb|1954 Model 351 (one of the first red-oval trucks)]]
During the early 1950s, Peterbilt developed the "dromedary" cargo system; a longer-wheelbase truck (typically a [[cab over|COE]]) was configured to transport a auxiliary cargo system placed between the cab and trailer.<ref name=":22" />

In 1953, Peterbilt introduced its current brand emblem, switching from a rectangular border to the current red oval.<ref name=":22" /><ref name="auto"/>

In 1954, the 280/350 underwent a redesign, becoming the [[Peterbilt 281|Model 281/351]] "Narrow-nose" conventional; the grille was redesigned, converting to horizontal grille shutters.<ref name=":11"/>  A 281/351 COE was introduced, introducing a larger, wider cab design (sharing only the doors with the conventional).  The shorter-hood Model 341 was heavier-duty, intended for vocational applications.<ref name=":11" />

In 1958, following a decline in truck sales, Ida Peterman (the owner of the company real estate) announced to company owners her plans to redevelop the factory site as a shopping center.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" />  Rather than take on the large investment of developing a new factory, the investment group chose to sell Peterbilt Motors Company in June 1958 to [[Paccar|Pacific Car and Foundry]], a Seattle-based company that specialized in production of [[Freight car|railroad freight cars]]<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" /> which had acquired local heavy truck manufacturer [[Kenworth]] in 1944.  The new owners of Peterbilt began the relocation of the company, keeping it in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]]. In 1959, construction commenced on a 176,000 square-foot facility in [[Newark, California]].<ref name=":10" />

For 1959, the 281/351 COE was replaced by the 282/352 COE.  While externally similar (though upgrading to quad headlamps), in a major change, the new design introduced a tilting cab to allow better access to the engine.<ref name=":3" />{{Clear}}