Vehicle Description
International is a long-respected name in the world of medium and
heavy-duty trucks. In the early 1930s, the Great Depression had
taken a significant toll on their core business, and they needed a
new vehicle to boost their sales. A solution was found in the
emerging light commercial truck market, as there was sufficient
demand for lightweight, maneuverable, car-like commercial vehicles
for use in urban areas. Lacking the resources to develop a new
truck from the ground-up, International contracted with
Willys-Overland to build the D-1, which established International
as a contender in the market. When it came time for the D-1's
successor, International had improved its financial standing to the
point where it could develop the new C-1 in-house. The C-1 shared
much of its mechanical makeup with the D-series, but it featured
bold new car-like styling with an attractive V-shaped grille and
skirted fenders. The L-head inline-six got a bump in power to 78 hp
and other minor refinements, and International offered the C-1 as a
short or long-bed pickup, panel delivery, open side, or canopy-side
delivery. Catalogs show the availability of a cab/chassis for
upfitters, and even a woody station wagon was offered. In three
years of production, International produced just over 75,000 C-1
trucks. Thanks to the heavy attrition that comes with commercial
duty, they are a rare sight today and an appealing prospect for
collectors and truck enthusiasts. This marvelous 1936 C-1 is a rare
"Canopy Express" model - recognized by its raised roof extending
over the open-sided pickup bed. The design offered farmers,
florists, bakers, or other vendors a convenient way to transport
and display their goods. This example is one of just a few thousand
long-wheelbase models produced in 1937, and it benefits from a
comprehensive and well-detailed restoration to factory standards.
The dark green over black livery suits it quite well, lending a
classy, upscale appearance and an ideal canvas for custom
lettering. Finish quality and bodywork are outstanding all around,
with just enough brightwork to give the C-1 an upmarket character.
Features include a single side-mounted spare, steel artillery
wheels, authentic International badging, and drop-down vinyl cargo
are curtains. The interior is appropriately restored using
period-correct black vinyl upholstery and rubber floor mats -
hard-wearing materials for a hard-working truck. Unsurprisingly,
the cabin is light on frills and high on function. Niceties are
limited to roll-down side windows and an opening windscreen, though
the cab boasts excellent headroom and visibility. The driver has an
array of instruments monitoring oil pressure, water temp, fuel
level, and amps, and the floor-mounted shifter operates the robust
3-speed gearbox. Motivation comes courtesy of a 213 cubic-inch
International L-head inline-six, fed by a single downdraft
carburetor. The under-square unit was rated for 78 horsepower, with
an abundance of low-end torque for 'round-town duty. As with the
rest of this fine example, the engine is tidy and well-detailed,
and it is a pleasure to drive. This rare and collectible
International would undoubtedly make an eye-catching work/show
vehicle for a farm market or similar display or would simply be a
welcome addition to any enthusiast's garage. The high-quality
restoration has been beautifully maintained, and it remains an
appealing example from one of America's oldest and most storied
truck manufacturers. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7143-1936-international-c1-canopy-express/
