The Berliet GR (rigid truck) and TR (tractor truck) was a family of heavy trucks manufactured by Berliet in two generations; the original design was first introduced in 1961 (GRK10, using the 1957 Relaxe cabin design) and the second generation, using the all-new square KB 2400 cabin, was introduced at the 1970 Paris Salon. The GR/TR was replaced by the Renault R-series in 1980, essentially just a facelifted version still using the KB 2400 cab.[1]
| Berliet GR/TR | |
|---|---|
 Berliet TR 4×2 (tractor) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Berliet |
| Also called |
|
| Production | 1961-1980 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Heavy truck |
| Body style | COE |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Straight-six engine * G-series (9.5/9.8 L) * G-series (12 L) V8 engine (14.88 L) |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3.8–5.8 m (12.5–19.0 ft) |
| Length | 7.2–10.55 m (23.6–34.6 ft) |
| Width | 2.49 m (8.2 ft) |
| Height | 3 m (9.8 ft) |
| Kerb weight | 6,000–6,830 kg (13,230–15,060 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Berliet GCK |
| Successor | Renault R-series |
Design
editBerliet offered a range of engines in the various models, originally inline-sixes of 9.5 litres for the GRK10/TRK10. This engine, the M 620Z, was built under a licenese from German MAN. The 12.0-litre GR12 and TR12 (M 635) were added in 1964.[2] A 14.9-litre V8 was added on the second generation. The initial models received model numbers indicating the displacement in litres, such as TR10 or GR12. From 1968, the model code indicated engine power instead, with the models becoming the GR/TR200 and GR/TR250 respectively along with slight engine upgrades and incremental power increases.[3]
in the early 1960s, the lineup was only offered with a six-speed, single-range transmission,[2] but in the 1970s Berliet offered six different transmissions - including options from ZF and Fuller.[1]
There was also a lower-rated version with a maximum load of 10 tonnes, intended for European export markets where the weight limit was stricter than in France. These models were called the GF12/TF12; only aroud thirty examples were built,w mainly delivered to the Netherlands.[3]
Models on a 6×4 chassis were denoted by a trailing letter "H" (GRH/TRH), while the initial version with the gear shifter mounted on the dash was sold as the GRK/TRK10. The GRK10 was updated in 1967, becoming the GR10. The original cab was fixed, but the new KB 2400 cabin was a tilting design (basculante, hence the "B").
Second generation
editThe new model had a somewhat rushed development and proved unreliable. Berliet responded with significant changes and a realignment of the lineup in 1973, just in time for the oil crisis. A second facelift in 1977 brought the headlamps down, out of the grille and into the bumper, along with a revised interior. This look was taken over by Renault in 1980 for their R-series.
References
edit- ^ a b "Step-by-step transition". Losange Magazine. No. 10. Summer 2020. p. 16. Archived from the original on 2022-12-30.
- ^ a b "Vous verrez au salon: Chez Berliet..." [What you will see at the show: at Berliet...]. Le poids lourd: Spécial Salon (in French). 49 (592): 136–137. October 1964.
- ^ a b Stich, Pascal (2023-04-12). "Camion-mystère: au volant de quel camion est-on? Suite et fin" [Mystery Truck: Which Truck Are You Driving? Continued and End]. France Routes (in French). Archived from the original on 2023-05-14.