For Sale at Auction: 1940 International D2 in Auburn, Indiana

In 1937, new Art Deco-inspired styling was introduced by International with the D-2 designation. Classified as �-tonners, the factory offered bodies that included express or pickup trucks, panel or delivery trucks. But for those requiring special applications, chassis with just the partial cabs were available, which allowed custom coachbuilders to fabricate exactly what the customer wished for. One such supplier was U.S. Body and Forging Company who specialized in wood-bodied Suburbans. While this company was a major supplier of these bodies for Plymouth and Dodge, they would supply these utilitarian woodies for other marques as requested. Their Westchester Suburbans were superior to many of the competitors, offering roll-up or fixed windows for all openings which contributed in more pleasurable riding experiences. This rare example of an original International D2 "Woodie", was sent from International's assembly plant in Springfield, Ohio to U.S. Body & Forging's Frankfort, Indiana facility where a hand-crafted Westchester body was custom installed. According to research by our consignor, this International D2 was evidently ordered by and sold to the Gardner-Denver Company in Quincy, Illinois. In a 2009 book chronicling the 150-year anniversary of that company (copy included), photos from a WWII company pep rally show this International in close proximity to the speaker's stand. Found in complete and rather solid condition by our consignor's father in 2004, it was destined for a complete restoration. The hood, cowl and fenders were stripped of a dark green paint, down to bare metal, and returned to their original color of International Cream while the body was treated to a sympathetic restoration refinishing the original wood where possible, replacing only those parts that had suffered from the ravages of time. During this process, the original 213-cid, 78-HP inline, L-head six-cylinder engine was rebuilt while the chassis was cleaned and detailed. Both the three-speed transmission and clutch were also serviced at that time. This hard-working machine can carry up to nine passengers seated comfortably upon one of three sturdy tubular framed bench seats expertly finished in rugged brown leatherette. To absorb some of the noise and vibrations, new rubber mats were installed on the floor. Great care was taken in the restoration of the instrument cluster making the gauges and meters fully operational and resetting the odometer back to zero. As a commercial vehicle this Suburban is devoid of any frills, such as just a single windshield wiper for the driver, and in the cab, the only "extra" we found was the factory-supplied heater. All windows were replaced with new safety glass and hardware for the lift and tail gates was restored to their original function and appearance. The body presents an unusual three-door configuration with a driver's door on the left and front and rear passenger doors on the right. Mounted to the body side panel behind the driver's door is the restored spare-tire holder. After restoration, this Westchester Suburban was used for a couple of short family trips including one event where a Mullins trailer was towed. It has only been shown on one occasion, at a recent Arizona Concours d'Elegance, but has never been judged. Sure to win the admiration of fellow participants at either an Antique Truck Historical Society or Antique Automobile Club of America event, one can imagine that this rare and magnificent machine would be crowned a winner. This father and son team have done the hard work bringing this piece of rolling art back to life and making it ready for the next caretaker to cherish, enjoy and share this International Woodie. * Beautiful restoration and concours veteran
* Original, authentically restored factory running gear
* Suburban wood body complete with glass windows all around
* Invited and displayed at the Arizona Concours d'Elegance

In 1937, new Art Deco-inspired styling was introduced by International with the D-2 designation. Classified as �-tonners, the factory offered bodies that included express or pickup trucks, panel or delivery trucks. But for those requiring special applications, chassis with just the partial cabs were available, which allowed custom coachbuilders to fabricate exactly what the customer wished for. One such supplier was U.S. Body and Forging Company who specialized in wood-bodied Suburbans. While this company was a major supplier of these bodies for Plymouth and Dodge, they would supply these utilitarian woodies for other marques as requested. Their Westchester Suburbans were superior to many of the competitors, offering roll-up or fixed windows for all openings which contributed in more pleasurable riding experiences.

This rare example of an original International D2 "Woodie", was sent from International's assembly plant in Springfield, Ohio to U.S. Body & Forging's Frankfort, Indiana facility where a hand-crafted Westchester body was custom installed. According to research by our consignor, this International D2 was evidently ordered by and sold to the Gardner-Denver Company in Quincy, Illinois. In a 2009 book chronicling the 150-year anniversary of that company (copy included), photos from a WWII company pep rally show this International in close proximity to the speaker's stand. Found in complete and rather solid condition by our consignor's father in 2004, it was destined for a complete restoration. The hood, cowl and fenders were stripped of a dark green paint, down to bare metal, and returned to their original color of International Cream while the body was treated to a sympathetic restoration refinishing the original wood where possible, replacing only those parts that had suffered from the ravages of time. During this process, the original 213-cid, 78-HP inline, L-head six-cylinder engine was rebuilt while the chassis was cleaned and detailed. Both the three-speed transmission and clutch were also serviced at that time. This hard-working machine can carry up to nine passengers seated comfortably upon one of three sturdy tubular framed bench seats expertly finished in rugged brown leatherette. To absorb some of the noise and vibrations, new rubber mats were installed on the floor. Great care was taken in the restoration of the instrument cluster making the gauges and meters fully operational and resetting the odometer back to zero. As a commercial vehicle this Suburban is devoid of any frills, such as just a single windshield wiper for the driver, and in the cab, the only "extra" we found was the factory-supplied heater. All windows were replaced with new safety glass and hardware for the lift and tail gates was restored to their original function and appearance. The body presents an unusual three-door configuration with a driver's door on the left and front and rear passenger doors on the right. Mounted to the body side panel behind the driver's door is the restored spare-tire holder.

After restoration, this Westchester Suburban was used for a couple of short family trips including one event where a Mullins trailer was towed. It has only been shown on one occasion, at a recent Arizona Concours d'Elegance, but has never been judged. Sure to win the admiration of fellow participants at either an Antique Truck Historical Society or Antique Automobile Club of America event, one can imagine that this rare and magnificent machine would be crowned a winner. This father and son team have done the hard work bringing this piece of rolling art back to life and making it ready for the next caretaker to cherish, enjoy and share this International Woodie.