The first version was the GLR, presented in October 1949 at the [[Paris Motor Show]].<ref name=CC2.108>{{cite magazine | magazine = Camion Classic | title = Era il camion del secolo | trans-title = It was the truck of the century | editor-first = Ferruccio | editor-last = Venturoli | page = 108 | volume = 2 | date = 2010 | ref = CC2 | publisher = Sprea Editori | location = Milan, Italy | isbn = ((9771826058001)) | language = it }}</ref> Production started in 1950. In 1951, the lighter-duty ”’GLC”’ appeared, followed by the heavier-duty ”’GLM”’ in 1953.<ref name=CC2.109>[[#CC2|Venturoli 2010]], p. 109.</ref>
The first version was the GLR, presented in October 1949 at the [[Paris Motor Show]].<ref name=CC2.108>{{cite magazine | magazine = Camion Classic | title = Era il camion del secolo | trans-title = It was the truck of the century | editor-first = Ferruccio | editor-last = Venturoli | page = 108 | volume = 2 | date = 2010 | ref = CC2 | publisher = Sprea Editori | location = Milan, Italy | isbn = ((9771826058001)) | language = it }}</ref> Production started in 1950. In 1951, the lighter-duty ”’GLC”’ appeared, followed by the heavier-duty ”’GLM”’ in 1953.<ref name=CC2.109>[[#CC2|Venturoli 2010]], p. 109.</ref>
The mechanicals, while remaining similar in specifications, underwent steady updates throughout the term of production. The appearance changed more considerably; the original Serie M cab was replaced by the “M2” in October 1960; this model retained the original cabin and doors but had a taller, more square bonnet. This was replaced by the new “Relaxe” M3 cabin in 1963. The Relaxe design was developed for the cabover {{ill|Berliet GAK|fr}} and had first appeared in 1958; for the GL series it was installed behind the typical long bonnet. This was updated again in 1974, becoming the Relaxe M4. The sheetmetal remained mostly the same, but the dashboard was changed and many chrome parts such as the doorhandles were substituted for chunkier design from black plastic.
The mechanicals, while remaining similar in specifications, underwent steady updates throughout the term of production. The appearance changed more considerably; the original Serie M cab was replaced by the “M2” in October 1960; this model retained the original cabin and doors but had a taller, more square bonnet. This was replaced by the new “Relaxe” M3 cabin in 1963. The Relaxe design was developed for the cabover {{ill|Berliet GAK|fr}} and had first appeared in 1958; for the GL series it was installed behind the typical long bonnet. This was updated again in 1974, becoming the Relaxe M4. The sheetmetal remained mostly the same, but the dashboard was changed and many chrome parts such as the doorhandles were substituted for chunkier design from black plastic.
In addition to the GLC, GLR, and GLM versions there were also the ”’TLC”’, ”’TLR”’, and ”’TLM”’ – corresponding tractor models. The tractors received two-speed rear axles.<ref name=bGLR8/> There were also tractor variants of the 6×4 GBH (”’TBH”’) and for [[oversize load]]s the ”’GBO”’ and ”’TBO”’ (truck, tractor), available in 6×4 or 6×6 layouts.
In addition to the GLC, GLR, and GLM versions there were also the ”’TLC”’, ”’TLR”’, and ”’TLM”’ – corresponding tractor models. The tractors received two-speed rear axles.<ref name=bGLR8/> There were also tractor variants of the 6×4 GBH (”’TBH”’) and for [[oversize load]]s the ”’GBO”’ and ”’TBO”’ (truck, tractor), available in 6×4 or 6×6 layouts.
Motor vehicle
The Berliet GL series is a semi-cab-over truck series first presented by Berliet in 1949 and manufactured until 1977. Over 100,000 examples were built in the 37 years it was in production. The range consisted of the GLC, GLR, and GLM models. Berliet called the design philosophy “modular construction”, but it was more a matter of standardization, with the GL series sharing the maximum of components across several types of trucks. The GLs spanned a weight range between 13.5 and 19 tonnes (29,800 and 41,900 lb). The most common and famous variant, the GLR, is often used as shorthand to describe the entire family. The GLR was voted Truck of the 20th Century by French journal Les Routiers in 1994.[1]
History
The first version was the GLR, presented in October 1949 at the Paris Motor Show.[2] Production started in 1950. In 1951, the lighter-duty GLC appeared, followed by the heavier-duty GLM in 1953.[3]
The mechanicals, while remaining similar in specifications, underwent steady updates throughout the term of production. The appearance changed more considerably; the original Serie M cab was replaced by the “M2” in October 1960; this model retained the original cabin and doors but had a taller, more square bonnet.[4] This was replaced by the new “Relaxe” M3 cabin in 1963. The Relaxe design was developed for the cabover Berliet GAK and had first appeared in 1958; for the GL series it was installed behind the typical long bonnet.[4] This was updated again in 1974, becoming the Relaxe M4. The sheetmetal remained mostly the same, but the dashboard was changed and many chrome parts such as the doorhandles were substituted for chunkier design from black plastic.[4]
In addition to the GLC, GLR, and GLM versions there were also the TLC, TLR, and TLM – corresponding tractor models. The tractors received two-speed rear axles.[1] There were also tractor variants of the 6×4 GBH (TBH) and for oversize loads the GBO and TBO (truck, tractor), available in 6×4 or 6×6 layouts.
The regular range was finally discontinued in 1977, but the 6×4 GBH series – popular on construction sites as well as in Africa – continued to be built until 1984. GBHs built after 1980 were given Renault Véhicules Industriels (RVI) badges, after Berliet (and Saviem) were merged into this new company. The GL series was superseded by the new Renault CBH, which largely used the Berliet GLR’s underpinnings with the new Club of Four cabin design.
Mechanicals
The GL series used four-, five-, or six-cylinder diesels manufactured in house. The model names (eg “GLC 8”, “GLM 10”) included the displacement, rounded to the nearest litre. The engines initially used Ricardo‘s indirect injection system and “Comet III” combustion chamber design. Starting in 1958, this engine design was gradually replaced by a direct injection system developed by Germany’s M.A.N.. Power went up considerably; maximum output of the GLR 8’s 7.9-litre, five-cylinder engine increased from 120 to 150 PS (88 to 110 kW).
