Vehicle Description
1930 International 6 Speed Special 1 Ton Truck
"The first International engine driven farm tractor was
manufactured in 1906, and the first engine driven truck was
introduced the next year. The author of "International Trucks,"
Frederick W. Crismon, said, "The first motor truck was known as the
Auto Buggy, the newcomer was adaptable as either a passenger
vehicle or, when the back seat was removed, as a light truck. It
found quick acceptance among farmers." Motorcities.org
For consignment, a 1930 International 6 Speed Special 1 ton truck
showing 25,769 miles, but the true miles are unknown. Family owned
since 1967, this veteran of parades has been kept original and was
housed at the family's International truck dealership until 2021 at
which time it was stored at a home.
Exterior
This rare find presents nicely with black paint covering everything
from the grille to the cowl and including the fenders and running
board. From there, green takes over and covers the cab and enclosed
bed. The frame and wheels are painted red, as they were from the
factory, which creates a wonderful contrast that immediately
catches the eye. International's early enamel emblem is on the
grille surround, a triple diamond the company included with the
phrase, "This emblem identifies great trucks" in early print ads.
The high walled bed is made of substantial wood planks bound with
robust hardware, showing appropriate age under the green paint,
while the planks on the floor of the bed are smooth. Back in front,
the boxy cab has a vertical two part windshield with a visor,
single wiper, and single side mirror. 20-inch cast spoke wheels
carry 6.00-20 tires and other than some patina, the exterior of the
truck is in fantastic condition.
Interior
Black painted inner doors lead a black vinyl split bench, simply
constructed and emblematic of early work trucks. A wood rimmed four
spoke steering wheel presents to the driver and shares the column
with the spark and throttle levers while the choke is on the dash
along with the speedometer, ammeter, oil pressure gauge, temp
gauge, and ignition. A toggle switch has been added to send power
to the coil as the ignition switch recently failed. The beautifully
aged wood floor is home to the shifter and emergency brake lever.
Wood laths dress the ceiling providing both structure and vintage
esthetics.
Drivetrain
The very original 173ci Waukesha L-head 4 cylinder is behind the
engine covers, rated at 30 horsepower and fueled by a 1-barrel
carburetor. It is tied to a 3-speed manual transmission sending
power to the 2 speed Eaton rear with 6.33 gears. Mechanical drum
brakes are utilized on front and rear wheels. The truck remains in
its 6 volt configuration.
Undercarriage
Pressed steel channel type is used on the meaty frames, painted red
and clean underneath. In fact, all major components are red
underneath including the massive rear axle, giant U-bolts, and leaf
springs. We note some oil around the transmission and some dampness
on the rear differential, but the truck is 95 years old, so none of
it comes as a surprise on this otherwise clean underside. A single
exhaust flows to a stock style muffler before terminating under the
truck and beefy leaf springs are used front and rear for
suspension.
Drive-Ability
This vintage rig made its way around the test loop like a champ,
the L-head's 30 horses propelling the truck with smooth, functional
power. Visibility from on high is good as long as your mind your
blind spots, the rear window providing a view of the back and bed.
We note the headlights and trip odometer are not working, but all
other functions on board do. While Classic Auto Mall represents
that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we
cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of
your purchase.
This one ton is the baby of the International family of 1930 with
models that range all the way up to five tons and all would be
painted in a similar configuration. The company would go on to
create a variety of trucks and be called on by the military during
World War II. This working and original example is a piece of
American automotive history and deserves to go from long term
ownership, to a new chapter of a pampered life.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
