1939 International D2 Pickup

It's easy to forget that International Harvester Co.'s heritage encompasses more than farm and agriculture equipment. In addition to tractors and industrial engines, the Illinois-based IH also produced four-wheeled workhorses.

This truck for consignment is a great example of International Harvester's venture into the world of the big 3 automakers with a light duty pickup. Owned by the same family for 80 years! Our consigner's father in law used this truck for various chores, mainly to pick up supplies for his general store, which also sold gas, and was a US post office for a bit of time. A D2 version, now sprayed with red, retains much of its original charm and body, dash and steering wheel. Harken back to a simpler time but only in the use of technology, as the design is amazingly beautiful.

Exterior
Certainly looking the part from 1939…a V styled tall grille with horizontal ribs and a chromed highlighter for every 6 tiers leads the way. This is flanked by shortened bullet style headlights with blue metal jackets and chromed bezels. Below a simple curved bumper protects the curvaceous fenders with turn signals atop either side. As we move back the top two tiers of the grille form a side vent in the cowls of the hood, complete with International badge. In the front of the rounded roof cab is a split windshield with a blue painted trim. The blue also highlights the beltline of the doors and covers the round mirrors hanging off the doors. Under the door is a short running board to be used as a step up to gain access to the cab. On the back is a full metal bed, in body matching red all steel and no rust, with an indoor-outdoor carpet covering the bed. Fence style wood stake sides add some height to the sides of the metal bed for those higher loads of hay! Firestone all weather “snow knobbies” are on all 4 corners and have blue metal wheels with chrome moon caps. A 5th wheel as a spare hangs off the passenger's side of the bed.

Interior
Simplicity, utilitarian rugged, all full metal jacket bathed in body matching red for the interior metal surfaces, including the dash and door panels. A long bench seat stretches across the cab and is covered with a cloth, so we did not peek underneath. We will leave that to the interested buyer! A long gearshift lever rises from the center, and the original rectangular trimmed speedometer and gauge cluster is fronting the large original steering wheel, which has wonderfully aged and is covered in patina. Low pile red carpet covers the floors, and a rubber mat spans the width over the carpeting. Black cardboard material curves around covering the headliner and rear of the cabin, around the rear glass.

Drivetrain
An original 213ci flathead inline 6-cylinder is under the vented cowled hood and shows as original. It has a 1-barrel side draft carburetor, with an oil bath air cleaner. A 3-speed manual transmission possibly the original to the truck is on back. Some restoration has been performed to the tune of a new starter, oil bath housing, and horn, with some updated wiring.

Undercarriage
A fine coating of surface rust is seen on the frame and body hangers, but all is structurally sound. Floorboards are solid metal and rust free. Leaf spring suspension is on all 4 corners and drum brakes proliferate each wheel.

Drive-Ability
An awesome example and awesome experience to drive this 61-year-old truck. I felt the history coming through as I went through the gears, imagining the times spent by the owner supplying his store, and making deliveries, making use of his tool. It runs well, and goes easily and effortlessly from point A to point B.

Seldom seen, the earliest version of the International Harvester truck we have in house. It does have some faults, dings and dents, and chips in the paint, and even a rust hole at the bottom of the driver's side cowl, but somehow this does not matter for it would be a shame to make it look pristine. Out of character if you will and take away its past. All here, all ready to roll and give experiences to its next 60-year owner!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.