AMT 1:25 International Transtar 4300 Eagle Sprite

AMT 1:25 International Transtar 4300 Eagle Sprite

The International TranStar (originally the International 8000 Series), is a range of Class 8 trucks produced by Navistar International for North America. Produced nearly exclusively as a semi tractor, the product range is focused towards local delivery and regional shipping.

Introduced in 2002, the 8000 Series replaced a product line of the same name derived from the long-running International Harvester S-Series. In 2007, Navistar rebranded the 8000 Series as the International TranStar. The name is derived from International Harvester Transtar, used for various Class 8 conventional and cabover highway tractors from the 1960s to the 1980s.

During the 1960s the DCOF-405 or "Emeryville" was the top seller among American trucks for four years.

In 1965, International Harvester introduced the CO-4000, replacing the DCO-400. Featuring a larger and wider cab, the CO-4000 was distinguished by a large trapezoidal grille, a design feature that would be used on International cabovers into the late 1990s. For 1968, the CO-4000 was given an update, with the standard engine becoming the turbocharged IHC DVT573 diesel V8 with optional diesel Cummins and Detroit Diesel engines. Internally known as the CO/COF-4070A and as COF-4090A (with a raised cab), the new truck was marketed as the Transtar.

For 1970, two new models were introduced. A Super Transtar featured a Detroit Diesel 12V71 V12 engine, allowing for loads of up to 144,000 lbs. The all-wheel drive Unistar was introduced; the truck was fitted with a freewheeling front axle, powered when the drive system detected loss of traction from the rear wheels; the Unistar was sold through 1972.

During 1974, the Transtar cabover underwent a second upgrade, becoming the Transtar II (CO/COF-4070B). Visually, few changes were made between the two vehicles, although a Transtar II is distinguished by windshield wipers mounted from the top of the cab. Under the cab, to accommodate trends towards larger-displacement engines, International modified the engine lineup. International offered its own V800 turbocharged diesel V8 (replacing the DVT573), with Detroit Diesel introducing the 8V92 V8 (in place of the 12V71), the Caterpillar 3406 six, and several Cummins engines, including the 1150cid KT-450 six (among the largest engines ever fitted to a roadgoing vehicle).

In 1981, the Transtar II CO 4070 was discontinued, replaced by the CO-9670, the first of the Newport Series cabovers. Sharing little more than the trapezoidal grille with the Transtar, the 9670 (also branded as the XL-Series) shared its doors with the Transtar 4300 conventional. In a significant break from precedent, the interior of the 9670 and its successors were designed without any intrusion of the engine or transmission (leaving a flat floor). The final Newport-series cabover sold in North America was assembled in 1998.