1974 Wentward Commando 4x4 1.1

In 1957, Wentward pioneered the world of trucks by introducing the first known crew cab truck known as the P-2510 Commando. The original Wentward P-Series trucks were popular. But, sales started to decline in the 1960's when they struggled against Bruckell and Gavril's offerings. Despite declining sales, the Wentward LT-Series would be introduced in 1969 as the replacement for the aging Wentward P-Series trucks. LT stood for "Light Truck". The LT-Series went through two facelifts. One of which was introduced in 1974 when the newer Wentward badge that we now know and love today was first introduced. All vehicles using the LT-Series platform and the Wentward Lieutenant started using the newer Wentward badge as opposed to just having the words "WENTWARD" on the hood. Although, the Wentward LT-Series had several options including the LT-150, LT-250, LT-350, LT-450 and, the LT-550 cab chassis, the Commando only used the LT-250 configuration.

The Commando would also be one of the 1st vehicles to be offered with a bendix anti-lock braking system alongside the LT-Series pickups, Surfside and, the Lieutenant. This feature was first introduced in 1971. But, it was very expensive and rarely selected as a feature due to the fact that it was a highly-advanced system at the time. However, the LT-Series trucks and the Commando were both the first in their segment to offer this advanced feature hence why some of them with the system included braked so well.

1974 would be the last year for the 4x4 Commando models and it would be 2WD only in 1975. The oil crisis of 1973 sealed the fate of the Wentward LT-Series trucks and the Wentward Surfside SVU which both had poor fuel economy compared to Bruckell and Gavril's offerings. And, the 398s were in short supply due to them being used in Wentward's buses and trucks. So, the venerable 423 cubic inch Gavril "Ultra Thrust" V8 was offered as an alternative to anyone who can't get access to Wentward's own 398 c.i V8. And, Gavril's 232 c.i. Inline-6 was also offered as the base engine starting with the P-Series in 1968.

There's also the fact that because of the truck-centered nature of Wentward, sales were never as great as the competition and they were often being sold alongside their buses, medium-duty trucks and, heavy-duty trucks which were more profitable. Bruckell and Gavril trucks can be sold in suburban areas and towns since both companies have started opening dealerships in those areas and people have more options in those dealer networks as cars are also being sold there.

The Wentward LT-Series along with the Commando crew-cab pickup truck and the Surfisde SUV would all be discontinued in 1975 as an effort to focus more on their buses and commercial trucks. The smaller and better-selling Lieutenant would stick around until 1981. Thus, sealing the fate of Wentward's consumer division. Nowadays, Wentward is known for their buses and line of commercial trucks. The DT40L is one of their more popular models and has become a staple in cities all over the United Sates of America and Canada. But, Wentward would never bother making any consumer products for years to come.