It earned the nickname "Needlenose" from its narrow nose and butterfly hood, popular with truckers for ease of engine access and superior visibility.

Like its companion series 351, it had only two small round headlights.

Remaining in production until 1976, the 281/351 was a durable and popular series.

[1] A model 281 was prominently featured in the made-for-TV movie Duel, directed by 23-year-old Steven Spielberg,[2] in 1971.

These additional scenes were shot with a Peterbilt 351, modified to match the original 281 as closely as possible.