A Historical Review of a line of American Workhorses
A Historical Review of a line of American Workhorses
It was known as the "Motor Truck Division" of the International Harvester Company, based in Chicago, IL, and the company was well known for its extensive line of farm tractors and agriculture equipment, industrial power equipment, home appliance refrigeration and air conditioning products. The roots of the company goes all the way back to the 1830s when Cyrus Hall McCormick invented the horse-drawn grain reaper.
Adding an automobile to their product line came in 1907, with the International Harvester Corporation "high-wheeler" motor vehicles. The company, which had a good reputation and was well known for bringing mechanization to farmers, and now by having a motorized vehicle that was built with high ground clearance to negotiate the rough roads of the day hauling produce between the farms and towns where the markets were located.
The first automobiles from International Harvester were "high-wheelers," starting in 1907, called the "Auto Wagon" models. The pictured 1909 model was known as the Auto Wagon Express, which had its two-cylinder engine mounted mid-ship and not considered a Motor Truck by the company until 1912.
The 1934 International C-1 pickup (this was the first year for the C-Series) featured a raked, V-shaped radiator shell and, a stylish cab. At this time IH had some 33 different variations of this truck line, 1/2- to 1 1/2-ton, and the engine was the 78.5-horsepower l-head inline six-cylinder, originally designed by Willys-Overland). IH had purchased all the tooling and now had the rights to that rugged powerplant. This restored example has the steel spoke wheels(18-inch diameter) with optional trim rings, with Firestone wide white walls, while not era-correct, they certainly do add some pizzaz to the vintage truck.
The 1937-1940International light-delivery D-2 Deluxe Panels came in different wheelbases(113-, 125- and 130-inch) and from 1/2- to 1-ton capacities. All-steel design, turret-top styling. "Every type of load -- every type of hauling -- can be exactly suited by these new Internationals. The right chassis and the right body for every business. "This 1938 advertisement was highlighting the "prestige" that an International truck could offer for home delivery service.
This model was known as International's "Commercial Station Wagon" and it could be delivered in eight or eleven passenger sizes. These wooden-bodied vehicles were promoted as: "Here is smart, yet economical, transportation for schools, private homes, estates, country clubs, airports, and resorts. International Station Wagons combine town-car style with sturdy utility and abundant power.
These classic ad promotes both the 1938 (yellow) and 1940 (green) 1 1/2-ton International (COE)Cab-Over-Engine Model D-300 rigs. The message of the advertisements was that the there was was a growing amount of businesses turning to International Trucks. "This eye-arresting quality is a real prestige builder in the bottled beverage business."
In 1939 Mobil oil hauled their petroleum products in style! Using a Heil Company (Milwaukee, WI)streamlined tanker body combined with their DR-60 truck, the delivery of oil to service stations never looked better. Power came from a 360-cid inline six-cylinder gas engine and it ran on 20-inch wheels.
The K Series trucks debuted in the 1940 model year, a very extensive line with a total of 42 models and over hundred different wheelbase lengths. Capacities ranged from light duty 1/2-ton to 90,000 pounds. A new styling feature was the headlights being integrated into the fenders, and there was still an oval access hole in the lower portion of the grille, through which a manual engine crank could be inserted.
A D-2M International Canadian ambulance from 1942. Power came from an L-head 213-cidinlinesix-cylinder engine, that produced 82 horsepower. Note the mounting of a single windshield wiper, these were the days of twin wiper blades being a option!
Here's a circa 1942 K-3 Brink's armored truck, over 90-percent of their vehicles were based on International Trucks, which was a fantastic testament to the strength and reliability of these rigs, which is so important when hauling millions of dollars.
A dump truck was just one of the uses for the 1947 "KB" line of IH trucks, which came in light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty versions, with gross vehicle weight ratings from 4,400 to 35,100 pounds. "For 16 years more heavy-duty International Trucks have served America commerce and industry than any other make."
IH's 40th Anniversary took place in 1947 and this advertisement featured a shiny new 1947 Series KB-1pickup (fitted with optional spot lamp and fog lights), which was a model that was still essentially the same as the pre-war line of pickup trucks. These1/2-ton trucks came in either a 113- or 125-inch wheelbase.
Agriculture, earthmoving, refridgeration, plus over-the-road hauling were staple products in addition to the line of light-duty trucks from IH. City folk, country folks, highway travelers, there was something or another with the International Harvester logo on it!
The 1949 model year was the last year of the pre-war body style that was introduced during the 1940 model year, the pictured example had a list price of $1368.99 and these pickup trucks were promoted as "Express" trucks, and filled with a213-cid straight six-cylinder, 82-horsepower.
There was an all-new L Series 1950 line of trucks that replaced the previous KB series, featuring completely new engineering and styling. Under the hood was an OHV inline "Silver Diamond" 220-cid six-cylinder engine that developed 101 horsepower.
Starting in 1953 International Harvester came out with their Travelall model, which was a heavy-duty truck-based station wagon that offered families a large-sized hauler that had plenty of room inside. The first version was basically their existing panel wagon but fitted with side windows, and inside there was either two or three row seating. Depending on how it was ordered, either a tailgate was used on the rear or a pair of swinging doors.
The first generation Travelall was manufactured from 1953-1957 (1953 R-110 shown here) and ran on the same 115-inch wheelbase as the Model R pickups.
Multi-purpose and ideal for several different types of duty, the new 1953 International Travelall was an alternative to the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Suburban Carryall. Before the Travelall, IH had station wagon-type vehicles that had wooden bodies constructed by outside vendors.
New for 1954 was a lower-cost IH pickup, the "R100" which was priced $60.00 lower, was fitted with improved springs, larger brakes, and slightly more horsepower(now 104) as a result of using 7.0:1 compression, up from the previous 6.5:1. Mid-year options included an overdrive transmission (30-percent less rpm at highway speeds) plus an automatic transmission, sourced from General Motors.
Driver comfort from the "Comf-Vision Cab" was a selling point in this 1955 Canadian IH Truck ad, promoting the cab's "Sweep sight" windshield with narrow corner posts that minimized blind spots as well as the truck's big side windows and, new for 1955, a one-piece rear window. "See-Ability" in every direction!
Female driver's for IH pickups and the ease of driving them (automatic transmissions, power steering, power brakes available as optional equipment), Also for 1956, the trucks received a new trapezoid grille shape and a flatter hood, with a wider air scoop. Two-tone paint jobs and three different available two-tone color interiors, added style. "Today's International pick-up is designed and built for the lady of the house, too."
The 1956 truck was definitely getting a "dated" appearance, and these models were actually built up until the middle of the 1957 model year. This red/white S 100 had a base price of $1607.00 with a shipping weight of 3710 pounds. From 1907 to 1956, International Harvester had built over 2.6 million trucks, and according to their research at the time, the IH publicity department claimed that approximately 1.1 million of them were still in use in 1957.
1957 marked the 50th Anniversary for International Harvester and with that came a new truck, and with a whole lot of modern styling! And even for a "work truck" as depicted here, two-tone paint was what it was all about in the mid- to late 1950s.
Dual rear wheels on this 1957 Travelall were typical of these rigs used in the Forestry Service, and this example was equipped with a two-way Ramsey electric winch. 4WD became available starting in 1956.
1957 marked the company's 50th Golden Anniversary and with that came with a completely-new product line with distinctive styling, which came out in April of 1957. was promoted as the A-Line Golden Anniversary model and "A" was for Anniversary. The half-ton pickup was done up in two-tone Sunshine Yellow and Driftwood Grey, which screams late 1950s art and style!
A new 1958 chassis, wider cab with slab sides, latter roof, semi-wrap-around windshield and sculptured front fenders (that now extended from the headlamps to the doors) were part of the re-design of the A-Line. Also new was the "Bonus Load" wide-bodybed.
After getting the assignment in 1958 to create a vehicle that could go head-to-head with the "Civilian" version of the Jeep, International Harvester's chief designer Ted Ornas finally came up with a design that came to him at home and drawn on his kitchen table, that caught the attention of the higher-ups at thecompany. " By July 1959, a full-sized clay mockup was made and management approved it that November.
A new 266-cid V8 SV-series engine was released in 1959 and known as the "Comanche" engine. The powerplant produced 154.8 horsepower at 4400 rpm, using 8.4:1 compression ratio, a front-mounted distributor and a two-barrel carburetor.
A shot of the factory's assembly line circa 1959, a row of various IH trucks being readied for final assembly, led by an A-Series Panel.
1959 B-100 in Metallic Green Iridescent with off-setting Magnolia Ivory. 7.60 x15 wide whitewalls were optional. The 266-cid V8 two-barrel carburetor was standard equipment.
The 1959 Travelall was available in both 2WD and 4WD and rode on a 114-inch wheelbase. There were two doors for passengers curbside and this was the first year of the optional266-cid V8 engine that developed 154.8 horsepower.
1959-'60 IH trucks had stacked headlamps and pictured is a 1960 B 120 All Wheel Drive model, which was powered by a 266-cid V8 engine, newly created and debuting in 1959.
1961 saw a freshened-up body, and the introduction of torsion-bar from suspension (2WD models) and as viewed in this advertisement, with the flush-sided "Bonus Load" bed, it had a very modern appearance.
Here's how the 1961 IH Travelall was promoted in magazine advertisements: "Carries 8 in style" and for cargo hauling, it's got 124 cubic feet of room with the two rear seats out, and "for business, pleasure, family or sports use, the Travelall can deliver the greatest satisfaction of ownership."
The all-new Scout made the cover of the April 1961 Mechanix Illustrated magazine, and the innovative creation caught a lot of industry insiders by surprise, as it was immediately popular by appealing to folks who wanted something a bit more civilized than the Jeep. The name Scout came spontaneously as a project nickname from the man who penned it, Ted Ornas. His sketch on his kitchen table was the beginning of a vehicle that greatly helped the International Harvester company for the next 19 years. Three different versions were offered: Steel Travel Top, Steel Cab Top, Vinyl top, and when removed, a roadster.
The 1962"C-99" was IH's Compact Pickup for the Canadian market, and it rode on a 107-inch wheelbase, came with a 6-foot bed, was equipped with the 93.5-hp4-cylinder engine, it was both nimble and economical. "The lightest touch on the steering wheel brings swift and positive response," so said the Canadian advertising campaign. It shared the same basic dimensions as the 110 pickups, but with a shorter wheelbase.
Construction crews must have enjoyed these IH crew cab "Travelette" rigs, and with 4WD(1962 Model C-1200 pictured) they could go a lot of places hauling a crew. They ran on a 140-inch wheelbase with a 6-foot bed.
1963 saw this new model to the USA lineup, the Model 900, geared for the light-duty market. It was designed to get great fuel mileage (4-cylinder Scout engine) and with a 6-foot bed, 107-inch wheelbase and a gross carrying capacity of 1,100 pounds. Shipping weight was 3210 pounds and priced at $1952.00. Small jobs was its specialty.
Miniature IH trucks are few and far between, however, there's these examples: 1963 C1100 diecast pickup in 1/25th scale in Seascape Blue and White from First Gear
Third-generation Travelalls (1961-1968) had a 119-inch wheelbase and were available with either a flip-down tailgate or two opening doors. A rendering depicts a 1964 model with two-tone paint, top engine option was the 304-cid V8 that had 193 horsepower.
The 1965 IH truck had a freshened new "waterfall" grille with 31 vertical bars. The top engine option was the 304-cid V8 that delivered 193.1 horsepower.
Johnny Lightning's green-hued 1/64th scale 1965 1200 Bonus Load pickup.
1967 4WD model 1100 2WD shown, these rigs were direct competitors to the Chevrolet Suburban. Note the unusual location for the fuel filler cap, positioned on the RH-side front fender.
By 1967 the body had changed very little, and there were eight models with GVW (gross vehicle weight)between 4700 to 5800 pounds. It would not be until the 1969 model year that the truck would be changed.
Said to be styled "like a brick on wheels," the all-new D-Series Light Line body for1969, Model 1100D 4X4 Bonus Load shown, lacked any real personality but was certainly clean and uncluttered.
A 1972 long-wheelbase4WD step side, while not a glamorous rig but a workhorse. The pictured 3/4-ton Model 1210 rode on a 131-inch wheelbase and had a listed weight of 4195 pounds, base price $3580.00.
1975 marked the end of the road for the light-duty truck line, the pictured Omaha Orange and White Series 150 ran on a 132-inch wheelbase and had an available 392-cid V8. The company had been struggling to directly compete with the "Big Three"(GM, Ford, Dodge) in the light truck market and every year in then recent times their market share had been dropping.
The body shape of the Travelall was all-new for 1969, and remained until the end, which came during the middle of the 1975 model year (1975 example shown). A variety of engines were offered to buyers, with the largest being an AMC 401, know as the V-400, available only because of shortages of IH-built engines during 1973-74, and the IH 392 V8
In April of 1975, the company pulled the plug on light truck production, the only thing left was the Scout, and that lasted until 1980. The company had to contend with increased government regulations, rising labor costs and conservative management that held back much-needed innovation and modernized styling.
In addition, part of the reason that the pickup trucks were discontinued was because of the dealer network. Those farm equipment dealers had no real incentive to sell those small trucks and rather focused their efforts on the big-ticket items, the large tractors and related implements.
On October 21, 1980, Production of the Scout II ended, which culminated some 73 years of light-truck manufacturing and an end on an era for a sporty little utility vehicle that was unique and different. Over a half-million were produced, and it all started with a sketch on Ted Ornas' kitchen table.
In an example of the words "overkill" that is second-to-none in the pickup truck world, the International "CXT" (Commercial eXtreme Truck) was introduced in September of 2004 and lasted four model years in production. This was a 21-footlong rig that had a 9-foot tall cab, and was built on an International 7300 chassis equipped with a 466-cid inline turbodiesel Navistar International engine, Allison 2500HD and 4WD.
Inside a full assortment of creature comforts as well as available DVD, navigation system, satellite radio and back-up camera. Added to that is leather and ostrich skin upholstery with a back seat that folds down into a couch. With a curb weight of 14,500 pounds, it was the heaviest pickup truck ever to be built in America and has is capable of towing some 20 tons. The optional hydraulic "dump" bed was handy for quick unloading.
You know it calls under the "classic" category when the US Post Office issues a special postage stamp on it! In 2006 they added this commemorative stamp of a 1938 D-2 pickup.
There's a small but extremely focused and loyal group that have made their own version of a modern-era "International pickup truck" and as shown here, a 4700-Series low profile chassis tractor outfitted with a Ford dually pickup bed. If there was ever a homemade example of the most macho pickup to hit the streets, this has to be it!
Built for those who live and breathe "extremes," the 2004-2008 International "MXT" (Military/Most eXtreme Truck) was a giant purpose-built 4WD machine built to appeal to consumers who desired a military-type vehicle for personal use. It ran on a 202-inch wheelbase and was eight feet wide, seven-feet seven-inches nearly tall, and had an overall weight of 10,500 pounds. Power came from a VT365 V8 turbodiesel (300 horsepower, 530-lb-ft of torque)with an Allison 2200 RDS 5-speed automatic transmission. 20-inch alloy wheels(8-lug bolt pattern) and 40-inch off-road rubber helped provide the "go-anywhere, do anything" ground clearance and the cab rode on an air suspension system.
These rigs can tow 16,000 pounds and it got about 13 miles per gallon with a 40-gallon tank. The base price was set at $69,900.00 It was all about "look at me!" and drew a lot of attention, even more than a Hummer.
For debut at the Chicago Auto Show, a 1939 International D-series pickup truck was custom-built with a 6.4L Maxx Force 7 twin-turbo diesel with 350 hp, 650 lb-ft of torque and Allison 1000 automatic. Numerous small, subtle body mods (top lowered 1.5 inches, 5 inches taken out of bed length) along with aftermarket frame / Air Ride Technologies air suspension, Baer brakes and 16-inch front, 17-inch rear rolling stock.
The work was done by American Speed Company in collaboration with the International Truck and Engine company, to promote the company's then-new 2008 Lone Star Class 8 truck. New life for an old IH truck.
Historically, the line of International Harvester light trucks were true American workhorses in farming and industrial industries. With such an important role in the agricultural world, the name IH became favorite work trucks for farmers. After WWII, IH trucks were regularly ranked third in the industry behind Ford and Chevrolet. In the end, over the long number of years, the company produced its lines of light, medium and heavy-duty trucks, they will long be remembered.
CORNBINDER: That was and still is the nickname for IH trucks because of the company's vast amount of farm tractors and equipment that was their primary business.
