Introduced in 1981 as the replacement for the Transtar II COE, two generations of the model line were produced in North America until 1998.

Sharing its doors with the Transtar 4300, the C09670 featured a wider cab, and larger windows and windshield.

For 1988, Navistar redesigned the 9000-series cabovers, allowing for the addition of a set-back front axle version.

[1][2] As an option, Navistar offered a sleeper compartment with a roof extending above the front seats.

Following the discontinuation of the 9000-series COE in the North American market, Navistar continued cabover production by sending the tooling for the model line to Brazil.

[4] Due to law changes in New Zealand around vehicle dimensions, set forward axle trucks became more advantageous.