In 1956, Shell was operating several oil concessions in Algeria that proved to be a logistical nightmare. The lorries that managed to navigate the dunes could not carry their loads, whilst those that were fully laden became stuck in the dunes.
Paul Berliet realised that it was not feasible to build roads all the way to the wells and that there were no lorries suitable for this kind of work. So he set to work on it. He commissioned André Biliez to design a lorry capable of carrying 50 tonnes of cargo across the dunes without having to use a track or road. Biliez returned from Africa with the idea of creating a gigantic lorry.
In January 1957, work began on the design of the T100; it all started with the largest tyre manufactured by Michelin, and nine months later, in October, a 103-tonne “baby” was born, christened the T100 and exhibited at the Paris Motor Show before being shipped to Algeria. It was nicknamed the ‘Giant of the Desert’.
This T100 is 15.30 metres long, almost 4.5 metres high; each wheel weighs almost 1,000 kg and its V12 engine weighs as much as that of the Mercedes-AMG G 65 – that is, 2.5 tonnes. A V12 which, incidentally, is fuelled by two diesel tanks, each holding 945 litres.
Under the bonnet – as large as that of an SUV – beats a smooth-running, 29.6-litre V12 turbo-diesel engine producing 600 CV, supplied by Cummins. Berliet opted to purchase an engine rather than develop one in-house for cost reasons (and ultimately made the right decision). Torque is sent to all six wheels – yes, it is all-wheel drive – via a semi-automatic Clark gearbox with four forward gears and four reverse gears. The steering is, naturally, power-assisted and has its own motor: a Panhard two-cylinder boxer engine. This kicks in to turn the wheels if necessary, thereby avoiding the need to start the V12 just to turn the wheels.
Remember that at Vallor Trucks you’ll find the lorry you’re looking for; we have a wide range in stock:
