Vehicle Description
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 a173ciWaukesha 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.