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1928 International

6 Speed Special 1 Ton Flatbed

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Body Color
Dark Green
Stock
387
Engine Size
173ci L-Head 4 Cylinder
Transmission Type
3 Speed Manual
Vin
X22050F
Drivetrain
RWD

1928 International 6 Speed Special 1 Ton Flatbed

1928 International 6 Speed Special 1 Ton Flatbed

What made the Six Speed Special so special?  For one thing, as a one-ton it was right sized for farming, harvesting, and delivering to the processing factory.  All in one truck, stout enough to shoulder a load, yet light enough on its feet to tip-toe through a field, then sprint to the destination.  It doesn't have an abundance of power beneath its hood as a 173ci Waukesha L-head four-cylinder—but it is stingy with a gallon of fuel.  What the Six Speed Special did have up its sleeve was an Eaton two-speed axle, which was a first for a factory-built commercial truck.  Combined with a conventional three-speed transmission, the stick-operated Eaton unit gave the International six forward gears and two in reverse.  The truck, when fully loaded with the harvest, can drive slowly through the field in low range without spinning its wheels or overheating.  Once the International hit the pavement, the driver was able to hit a top speed of 35 mph in third/high (or sixth), to the processing factory.  Dual usage, problem solved!

For consignment, a 1928 International 6 Speed Special 1 ton flatbed.  This has the Waukesha L-head 4 cylinder engine and the 3-speed transmission with a 2-speed rear axle.  That equals six, and is the money shot for this flatbed!  Ours presents as an earlier restoration and shows plenty of patina but is a correct truck in every way.

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Exterior
International sold the Six Speed Special as a cowl and chassis with front fenders, running boards attached to said fenders, lights, a horn, and a set of tools.  Buyers could then opt for extras like an enclosed cab which this truck has and is all steel with a rear window.  This front end steel is all painted military green, (olive drab).  Several panels have evidence of previous repairs especially the front fenders which have numerous attempts to iron out dents and dings.  The rear bed is all steel framing and edging with wood planks as the bed top.  The wood is in fair condition, and shows some edge rotting.  20-inch wood spoked wheels are wrapped in 6.50-20 inch pneumatic tires with decent tread that are somewhat dry rotted.  

Interior
With the cab option installed we swing a door and see a full metal jacket door insert painted black.  A split seat full back bench is mounted in a low custom built box and is covered in black vinyl with padding.  The seats are dirty, however only showing 1 tear in the passenger's bolster of the seat.  The factory tool box is still inside as well.  The wood floors worn inside and a full metal dash is fronting the bench.  Within the unfinished dash is a speedometer, odometer gauge, an oil pressure gauge and an ampere gauge.  A few additional knobs and pulls are here as well. The original steering wheel is on a long stalk reaching for the driver.  The long arm shift lever is just in front of the seats.  The remainder of the inside of the steel cab has studs but nothing on top lining the cabin.

Drivetrain
Within the cowled hood confines is a 173ci L-head 4 cylinder engine.  It is fed by a 1-barrel carburetor and has a 3-speed manual transmission on the back with a dual range rear axle.  In high range the gear ratio is 5.25:1 with low range showing a stump pulling 15.46:1.  The engine shows some water drippings, some corrosion and surface rust.  It does not run, but cranks by hand easily, leading us to suspect it may actually have very low compression based on this hand test which was not done by an expert. 

Undercarriage
Underneath is a red painted pressed 3/16 inch steel frame which shows in a 124-inch wheelbase.  Supporting the frame are 8 leaf front springs and 12 leaf rear springs.  4 wheel mechanical drum brakes are on.

“Power and Speed for Every Need” was the slogan on the advertising and based on the rear axle and the gearbox this was indeed true.  This example is in fair condition needing some TLC, but not too far off with little to no rust on the body and an interesting piece of trucking history with a real dual purpose.

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.