International Harvester was not only in the agricultural implements market but also the truck business in the 1960s and 1970s. Production never reached the levels of Dodge, Chevrolet, or Ford. The International D-series were built between 1969-75 and this one was equipped for snow removal service at an airport, so it got used only during the winter months. And that supposedly adds up to under 5,000 miles. Located in Sidney, Nebraska, this working pickup is available here on eBay where $12,750 is the top bid so far.
The International D-Series, also known as the International Light Line, appeared in 1969 and was the continuation of a naming convention that was previously the A, B, and C-series. In 1974 the naming logic changed yet again, as the trucks were now called 100, 150, 200, or 500 depending on their weight rating. The 200 would be the one-ton rated trucks, like the one that the seller is offering.
The only history we have on this transport is that it plowed snow for the fly-boys and we don’t know if that’s been its only job for the past 46 years. But it has the equipment to do the work. It’s got a 4-wheel-drive with a 392 cubic inch V8 engine paired with a T-19 4-speed transmission. Along with that comes a Divorce NP205 transfer case, Dana 70 front and rear axles with 4.88 gears and no lockouts but a limited-slip differential. Its seven-foot snowplow is supported by an 8,000-lb. electric winch with a corded remote.
This truck is nearly rust-free with a little here and there on surface areas, but nothing major. The orange paint still shines up nicely in most places. We’re told it was stored in a heated area when not used, which would have helped keep it fresh. If you can believe it, the odometer reading is just 4,577 miles, reflective of its mostly idle lifestyle. Though it comes with no keys, we’re told that it runs and drives well, although it has a few leaks (oil and exhaust) that should probably be attended to. If you needed a turn-key vehicle to plow snow at a ski lodge or somewhere similar, this truck might just fit the bill. It’s not perfect, with a couple of tears in the upholstery, but it likely has a ton of life left in it.
Thanks Russ for the good write-up. I’ve always liked these Internationals, they have that no-nonsense look and feel. I can see it having a future at a ski lodge or at someone’s winter home, but wouldn’t it be fun to see it at Cars & Coffee at some southern town? Just to see the double takes and the quizzical looks.
A couple minor corrections: I think the lack of keys refers to the utility box, and I’m glad there is a winch mounted on the front, not a wench.
Good point, Bob-the addition of an 8000 lb wench would make this a no-sale at ANY price!!!😆
And yea a good write up on an honest truck, though more back story could raise the price..
Fixed. Always gets my wenches confused!
Understandable. In some cases (such as mine) it was an honest confusion attributed to too many times divorced..😳😂
Just remember on plow trucks of this vintage, 1 mile forward, one mile backward turns the odometer to nothing. Sure it most definitely is a fairly low mile unit, but?
Airport plows don’t back up very often, since each pass is often 5,000+ feet. Regardless, the odometer has a ratcheting mechanism–reversing the truck will not remove miles from the odometer. Ask Ferris or Cameron. 😂
Those were hard-won miles, though. Plowing is hard on everything, not just the drivetrain. I think I’d rather have a 4,500-mile drag car!
Beautiful truck, , this mileage is true, not a story like others, great looker, spotless underneath too. Should put on a 8 foot plow, , looks to be original tires, also that speedometer looks like a gm?
I think they used Dodge gauges.
Yumpin’ yiminey, what a find. If everyone is looking at me,,,,I say it’s the real deal, BUT,,,I don’t think it was a snow plow originally. I say, a municipal or fire truck that got used very little. Reason is, most snow plows had yellow rotating beacons and I never saw a snow plow with a siren or compartments like that, snowplows were all business. Most were repurposed trucks and had no box at all, and a big cement ( or metal) block on the back. Coming from Wis. I’ve seen a lot of snow plows. Junkman is right, while snowplows rarely rack up a lot of miles, especially in a small airport in Nebraska, plowing is the hardest thing to do for a pickup. IH handled it in stride, but alas, as tough as they were, rust took many away. As rare as this truck is, and in this condition, it would be a crime to use it as a snowplow again, it’s just too nice a find.
Howard A I had that big question in my mind concerning continue to plow snow? I grew up with all IH trucks and pickups, to me they were just work vehicles I never thought much about them. This one looks to be in pretty good shape and that in itself makes it rare, like you said rust killed many of them! I would not be interested but I am sure there’s an IH fan out there drooling!