DAC 6135

The DAC 6135 was a Romanian truck that was produced from 1975 to 1992 by Diesel Auto Camion (DAC) in Brașov. It proved popular in Romania and was also exported. Based on the preceding SR 113 Bucegi of 1962 but powered by a 99 kW 6-cylinder Saviem diesel engine, the truck could carry a payload of 6000 kg. It was available as the 6135R base model with three different wheelbases, a tipper and a tractor, as well as the four-wheel drive 6135RA and 6135RAN. The truck was to be succeeded by the more advanced 8135 in 1985, but stayed in limited production alongside it for several years.

Design and development
In 1954, the Romanian truck manufacturer SR, (Steagul Rosu named in honour of the Communist movement, introduced a 5000 kg truck made in their factory in Brașov. The model, inspired by Russian designs, was available in a range of sizes, with either diesel or petrol engines. The SR 113 Bucegi of 1962 was typical. Powered by a 140 bhp V8 diesel engine, the truck had a capacity of 5000 kg. The truck was popular amongst users in Romania and was also exported by Kașinexport.

As the following decade progressed, and particularly after the 1973 oil crisis, there was a desire for vehicles with greater fuel efficiency. In consequence, in 1975, Diesel Auto Camion (DAC) introduced the 6135. Derived from the Bucegi, the new model replaced the V8 with a lighter and more fuel-efficient 6-cylinder engine, and had slight alterations to the grille. The 6135 was a normal control truck with a ladder type frame manufactured in four wheelbases: 3620 mm, 4000 mm, 4400 mm and 4800 mm. These corresponded to three overall lengths: 5580 mm, 6915 mm, 7433 mm and 8207 mm. Overall width and height to the top of the cab were both 2350 mm. The 5488 cc 797-05 engine was a Saviem design and longitudinally mounted under the hood. Power output was 99 kW. Drive was to the rear wheels through a single plate clutch, five speed ZF manual transmission and two speed spiral bevel gears. The brakes were air-assisted. Maximum speed was 95 km/h.

The steel cab accommodated three people. The basic model was termed the 6135R and had a load capacity of 6000 kg. The truck was also produced with a tipper as the 6135RK and as a tractor as the 6135RS. A four wheel drive version was also available named the 6135RA and 6135RAN.

Production
Production commenced in 1975. The truck soon became popular, both as a general transport for goods, and in more specialised roles, including as a mobile workshop to support urban tram and trolleybus networks. The truck soon came to dominate the streets of Romania, particularly as a transport for bread and other foods. Improvements were made in 1980, when non-structural steel parts of the design, including the hood, were replaced by plastic, saving 1000 kg in weight.

By 1983, the plant had been renamed Intreprindea de Autocamione Brasov. Production was to cease with the introduction of the 8135 as a replacement in 1985, but the popularity of the truck meant it was still manufactured, although in smaller quantities, throughout the decade. The truck was exported, increasingly helped by the favourable exchange rate of the Romanian lei, which meant the export price of a 6135N in 1988 was $4890. Exports continued after the Fall of the Berlin Wall, increasingly to Western countries like Germany and the United States, but against greater competition from more advanced products. In 1990, the manufacturer, now known as Roman, continued small scale production of the 6135 without change under the original brand DAC. However, the end was in sight. By 1992, production had ceased.