Trucks: Mack AC – Pioneering the Evolution of American Trucks

At the turn of the 20th century, the world was witnessing a remarkable transformation with the advent of motor vehicles. Early motor trucks, often referred to as “commercial cars,” were simple and rudimentary, resembling little more than powered farm wagons. However, as technological advancements and industrial progress surged forward, the foundation was laid for the modern truck to emerge.

In the midst of this transformative era, two brothers with a vision for the future of transportation, John and Augustus Mack, founded the Mack Truck Company in 1900. Little did they know that their company’s innovations would pave the way for a revolution in the trucking industry, and the Mack AC would become a symbol of American engineering prowess and determination.

By the time 1916 arrived, the Mack Truck Company, headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, had established itself as an early commercial vehicle innovator. Building on the lessons they had learned, the company’s Chief Engineer, Ed Hewitt, set out to redefine truck design and engineering. His mission was to create a truck that would be advanced, reliable, and set new standards for the industry. The result was the groundbreaking Mack AC model – a truck that would not only make history but also leave a lasting impact on the world of trucking.

The Mack AC was no ordinary truck; it represented a leap forward in design and engineering. Hewitt’s meticulous attention to detail and commitment to innovation led to the granting of 18 patents for various features on the AC, underscoring its advanced nature. The two-wheel drive, two-axle vehicle came in three different sizes, offering impressive payload capacities of 3.5, 5.5, and 7.5 tons.

Under the hood resided a formidable four-cylinder gasoline engine, producing an astounding 74 horsepower. The engine itself was a marvel of engineering, boasting an aluminum crankcase, a governor integrated into the camshaft timing gear, and a three-speed manual gearbox with a clutch brake. These innovations not only enhanced performance but also contributed to the AC’s reputation for reliability and durability – traits that would become synonymous with the Mack brand.

While driver comfort may not have been a primary concern in the AC’s design, its ruggedness and dependability made it the truck of choice for demanding working conditions. The truck featured a chain-drive powertrain, and its chrome-nickel steel chassis underwent heat treatment, ensuring it could withstand the harshest environments and heaviest loads.

As drivers maneuvered the roads on solid-rubber tires, they sat exposed to the elements in the all-steel cab, where a canvas roof provided some respite from the weather. However, the Mack AC introduced a groundbreaking improvement in driver ergonomics with its unique steering wheel design. Departing from the norm of steering wheels sticking straight up from the floor, the AC’s steering wheel extended at a 45-degree angle from the firewall, providing drivers with a more comfortable and natural driving experience – a feature that would become a standard in future truck designs.

The Mack AC’s striking appearance further contributed to its allure. Its distinctive front end, characterized by a combination of the Mack logo and grill, garnered attention wherever it went. This attention extended beyond American borders when the British Army discovered the Mack AC’s capabilities during World War I.

As the Great War raged on, motor trucks became increasingly vital for the efficient movement of materials to the front lines. Impressed by the AC’s ruggedness and reliability, the British Army quickly adopted the truck, employing it for a wide array of tasks. Soon, the Mack AC earned the affectionate nickname “Bulldog” from British soldiers (or “Tommies”), owing to its unwavering toughness and pugnacious front-end.

Approximately 2,000 Mack ACs were ordered by the British Army, and when the United States entered the war in 1917, another 4,500 were provided in U.S. Army colors. The truck’s valor and service during the war solidified its legacy as the “Bulldog,” leading to Mack officially adopting the Bulldog as its corporate symbol in 1922 – a symbol that still graces every Mack truck today.

The Mack AC continued to leave its mark long after its production ceased in 1938. During the 1930s, newsreels often featured the robust Bulldog ACs, assisting in the construction of iconic structures like the Golden Gate Bridge and Hoover Dam. Its association with these monumental projects further endeared it to the American public.

Even beyond its active years, the Mack AC continued to be a common sight in American cities and on job sites well into the 1950s and 1960s. Its enduring presence left an indelible impact on the trucking industry, inspiring future generations of truck designers and manufacturers.

In many ways, the Mack AC set the template for the design of modern, heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Its international acclaim, earned during World War I, reverberated across the globe, influencing truck builders worldwide.

As one of the most pivotal truck designs in the history of motorized freight, the Mack AC stands tall as one of the greatest American trucks ever to grace the roads.