Vehicle Description
1923 International Harvester Huckster
In the Philadelphia of the past century, the huckster was the man
who came around with his cart of vegetables. The cart may have been
mechanical or even horse drawn. He was the man from whom you bought
all your produce. The huckster made his presence known by crying
out loud what he had to offer. In old time Philadelphia dialect, to
say "like a huckster" meant to be too loud in one's speech.
An unbelievable example of an International Harvester Huckster,
this truck was used by a vegetable farmer to take his product to
market, or auction. Hence the covered bed, to preserve any produce
from wilting under the direct sun. This truck is a shaft driven
version, as opposed to a chain drive which was prevalent for the
era. Overall in good condition, the truck currently does not
run.
Exterior
Steel hood and bumpers painted jet black show no rust and are in
good condition. An elongated extra window cab, and long bed are
added to the metal hood cowling area and are wood with reinforcing
metal straps. The long bed is tongue and grooved and shows no
visible seams, or metal insert retainers, seen typically with truck
bedding. Short sides with a "Y" topping, run the length of the bed,
and show vertical stakes which hold a varnished natural color wood
tongue and grooved ceiling. This is covered with canvas on top and
appears to be in good condition. A heavy steel red frame holds the
body, and engine bay, as well as the bed of this truck. Six spoke
steel wheels topped by an International logo polished steel cap are
framed by 4 650/20 tires appearing in good condition.
Interior
A newly refurbished and wrapped in vinyl 60/40 split bench buggy
style seat runs the width of the cab. Dash is steel, framed by
natural varnished oak, the original wood steering wheel, and sparse
instrumentation. Rubber flooring has been installed, and the
interior roof (headliner)of the cab is an extension of the natural
tongue and groove wood that creates the ceiling over the bed.
A wiper motor, double rear view mirror, and a timing clock is seen
on top of the windshield.
Drivetrain
A large canister air filter is attached to a side mounted single
carburetor, feeds an inline 6-cylinder gas engine. Some water
damage is present on the front of the engine, but otherwise
presents in very good condition. This engine currently does not
run, and consigner states it is not known as to exactly why,
however when he purchased the truck 20+ years ago, he drove it into
the barn where it has spent that time since they shut it off. A
4-speed manual transmission connects to a heavy-duty differential
and axles. Drum brakes can be seen on all 4 wheels through the
spokes, and semi elliptical springs provide the suspension.
For a truck collector this example is an excellent starting point,
as all issues seem to play to the mechanical side. As a 95 year old
survivor, little is known about the real history, and exact model
of this truck. For this age the truck is very good condition. A
true piece of farming history still here today.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 150 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find
collection is currently also on display.
This vehicle is 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.
