When the talk turns to vintage pickup trucks, the focus is mainly on Ford, GM and Dodge, with an occasional Studebaker thrown in for good measure. Often left out are the sturdy and attractive workhorses built by International Harvester, which produced trucks from 1907 through 1975.
The Pick of the Day is a 1948 International KB2 pickup that is not only restored to original but has a special history: for its seven decades of existence, it has been owned by just one family, one of whom bought it new in 1948, according to the Denver, Colorado, dealer advertising the truck on ClassicCars.com.
The KB series of pickups were built by IH for just three years, 1947-49, as slightly updated versions of the K-series trucks introduced in 1940 and used heavily by the military during World War II. The KB trucks were sold until IH cranked up production of its modernized trucks for 1950.
This pickup looks like it’s been accurately restored to how it was delivered, with none of the new-fangled gear that came later. The styling is simple but handsome, in an Art Deco sort of way. The no-nonsense interior with its bench seat was fitted with a small but incongruously stylish speedometer and gauge cluster, which the seller says is the restored original.
The speedometer shows about 70,000 miles, but the full restoration would make mileage irrelevant.
Power comes from the original rebuilt side-valve 6-cylinder engine, and the seller says the manual transmission also has been rebuilt. The truck was restored frameoff, the seller notes, using original International parts, including the grille, trim and hubcaps. The paint color is the original International red, according to the ad.
Parts for these orphan-brand trucks are apparently not hard to come by, according to brand hobbyists, and there is decent club support.
Pickup trucks have been rising in value and popularity in the collector car market, so this unusual truck’s asking price of $19,900 seems more than fair. All the work has been done, it would appear, so all that’s left to do is drive and enjoy, and maybe tote home a load of lumber.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I would love to have this truck. My father in law was born in 1905 owned a 1953 .
I would definitely love to own piece of Machinery like that but at the moment all’s I have is the 1948 cab with doors and windows it is not tore up and all the parts are there that make the windows go up and down on the windshield go in and out I would love to see it original but I will sell it as it is for 800
Doug do you still have the 48 international pickup cab
Looking for a motor for my 48 international KB-2. Or at least a good block. I have my complete truck restored and have been showing it with awards. My GD214 motor has a cracked block and I need another one.
Anyone out there have some leads?
Doug, te mail if you still have international
I have internacional 48