The Fascinating Evolution of International Harvester Trucks

Table of Contents

1. History of International Harvester Company
2. The Auto Buggy: International Harvester's First Vehicle
3. The Auto Wagon: Introducing the Wagon Body
4. The F Model: A Different Type of Truck
5. The C Series: Newly Styled All Steel Cab
6. The D Series: Light, Medium, and Heavy-Duty Trucks
7. The K Series: Trucks During World War II
8. The KB Model: Distinctive Features
9. The L Series: First Trucks Since World War II
10. The R Series: Update of the L Series
11. The VB Series: Heavy Duty High Powered Trucks
12. The A Series: Line of Light and Medium-Duty Trucks
13. The B Series: Updated Name from the A Series
14. The DAT Series: Introduction of New Range of Trucks
15. The E Lodestar and D Fleetstar
16. The Transtar: Cab-Over-Engine Model
17. The CargoStar: Forward Control Cab-Over-Engine Series
18. The Transtar 40, 240, 300: Heavy-Duty Long Hood Conventional Truck
19. The Paystar: Severe Duty Conventional Rig
20. The S Series: Medium and Heavy-Duty Conventional Trucks
21. International Harvester's Financial Struggles
22. The CE 9000 Series: Heavy-Duty Cab-Over-Engine Highway Tractor
23. Transition to Navistar International Corporation
24. The 9000 Eye Series: Next Generation Vehicle Models
25. The 4000 and 7000 Models: Medium and Heavy-Duty Trucks
26. The ProStar: Heavy-Duty Highway Semi-Tractor
27. The HX Series: Update of the Paystar
28. The HV, LT, and RH Models: Update of the WorkStar, ProStar, and Transtar
29. The MV Series: Replacement of the DuraStar
30. The CV Series: Joint Venture with General Motors

🚚 History of International Harvester Company

International Harvester Company, founded in 1902, has a long and rich history in the world of trucks. From its humble beginnings as a merger of five Chicago-based farm machinery companies, International Harvester quickly made a name for itself in the automotive industry.

🌽 The Auto Buggy: International Harvester's First Vehicle

In 1907, International Harvester released its first powered vehicle, the Auto Buggy. This small vehicle was designed specifically for rural roads and conditions and targeted towards farmers. The Auto Buggy featured a light wooden body with a primitive gasoline engine mounted below. It boasted tall wheels with iron treads on wooden rims, ensuring it could navigate the often poor rural roads of the time. Over time, International Harvester improved the Auto Buggy by adding pneumatic tires and extra seats for passengers.

🚛 The Auto Wagon: Introducing the Wagon Body

Building on the success of the Auto Buggy, International Harvester introduced the Auto Wagon in 1909. Unlike its predecessor, the Auto Wagon featured a wagon body. This new design allowed for increased utility and versatility, making it a popular choice among farmers and rural communities.

🚚 The F Model: A Different Type of Truck

In 1913, International Harvester introduced the F model, marking a significant shift in their truck offerings. Unlike the previous vehicles, the F model was a completely different type of truck, featuring a steel ladder frame, beam axles on semi-elliptical leaf springs, and a front-mounted water-cooled engine. The F model also introduced band brakes on the rear wheels and a renault-type tapered hood with the radiator placed behind the engine. This iconic design would later be found on the infamous Mac AC bulldog truck.

🚛 The C Series: Newly Styled All Steel Cab

Skipping ahead to 1936, International Harvester introduced the C series, a brand new range of trucks that brought with it a newly styled all steel cab. This was a significant advance in terms of both aesthetics and durability. Alongside the stylish cab, the C series also included hydraulic service brakes and other mechanical improvements, making it a standout choice in the market.

🚚 The D Series: Light, Medium, and Heavy-Duty Trucks

In 1937, the C series was replaced by the D series, which offered a range of light, medium, and heavy-duty trucks. The D series featured rounded styling and a two-piece V-shaped windshield, giving it a distinctive look on the road. International Harvester aimed to cater to different needs and uses with this versatile lineup of trucks.

🚛 The K Series: Trucks During World War II

As World War II began, International Harvester introduced the K series in 1940. Similar to the D series, the K series was available as a complete range of trucks. However, it had some cosmetic changes to differentiate it from its predecessor. The K series became widely used by civilians, military personnel, and was even exported through the lend-lease program.

🚚 The KB Model: Distinctive Features

In 1947, International Harvester updated the K series and introduced the KB model. The KB model stood out with its larger lower grille section, which resembled wings. This unique design made the KB series instantly recognizable on the road. The KB model phased out in 1949, making way for the next iteration of International Harvester trucks.

🚛 The L Series: First Trucks Since World War II

The International Harvester L series, introduced in 1952, marked the first complete range of new trucks since World War II. The L series trucks featured a cab with a one-piece curved windshield, making them visually distinct from their predecessors. Additionally, these trucks proudly displayed the IH logo, which became an iconic symbol associated with International Harvester.

🚚 The R Series: Update of the L Series

Following the success of the L series, International Harvester introduced the R series in 1952. The R series trucks were an updated version of the L series, featuring the same cab with some cosmetic changes to the front end. The R series also offered a wider range of available engines, enhancing its capabilities and performance on the road.

🚛 The VB Series: Heavy Duty High Powered Trucks

In 1953, International Harvester unveiled the VB series, a range of heavy-duty high-powered trucks. While the VB series used the same cab as the R and L series, it featured a shorter hood with a large rectangular grille opening. This update was specifically designed to accommodate a new, larger V8 engine.

🚚 The A Series: Line of Light and Medium-Duty Trucks

Continuing their trucking legacy, International Harvester introduced the A series in 1957. The A series comprised a line of light and medium-duty trucks. Notably, the A 100 Golden Jubilee model was released, bearing a gold and white paint scheme. The A series introduced a new wider cab, which remained in use until May 1976.

🚛 The B Series: Updated Name from the A Series

In 1959, the A series was renamed the B series, reflecting the continuous improvements and updates made by International Harvester. The B series trucks retained the same features and capabilities as their predecessors, offering reliable and efficient performance for various light and medium-duty tasks.

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