Vehicle Description
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.
