BF Auction: 1946 International K1

• Seller: Dwight W est
• Location: Richville, Minnesota
• Mileage: 12,631 Shown
• Chassis #: 39507
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: Jaguar 4.2L Inline-6
• Transmission: Borg Warner Automatic

Custom builds allow an owner to let their imagination off the leash. The finished product can sometimes be extraordinary, which is undoubtedly true with this 1946 International K1 Pickup. Created by the owner’s father as a labor of love for his wife, it has spent over a decade in hibernation. The owner and his father recently coaxed it back to life, feeling the time is right for this gem to find a new home. Therefore, he has listed the K1 exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

There is so much to unpack with this Pickup that it is difficult to know where to start. The owner’s father created this classic for his wife in the 1980s, commencing the build process with an old Green farm truck. He removed the body from the frame, media blasting everything before applying Black to the frame and Red to its arrow-straight panels. The paint no longer holds a mirror shine but possesses a warm glow that is very attractive. A close inspection reveals chips, cracks, and other signs of deterioration. This might motivate the winning bidder to perform a cosmetic refresh. However, the overall presentable appearance and lack of penetrating rust would allow the buyer to enjoy this classic in its current form as they consider their strategies moving forward. The timber stake-sides and matching steps add a classy touch, as do the vintage 15″ Keystone Torq Thrust wheels. The trim is in good order for its age, and the glass is clear and free from fogging. It is worth scrolling through the image gallery to gain insight into the finer details of this Pickup and to discover just how solid it is.

I mentioned that custom builders can exercise their imagination on a project, which is undoubtedly the case with this K1. The owner’s father operated Ernie’s Sports Car Center, in Davenport, Iowa. His extensive experience with exotics allowed him to follow a left-field choice with this pickup’s drivetrain combination, which should provide excellent performance. The K1’s original 214ci flathead six and manual transmission were consigned to the bin, with the engine bay housing a beautiful 4.2-liter DOHC six that started life in a 1960s Jaguar Mark X. He teamed this engine with a three-speed Borg Warner automatic transmission and a 1960s Chrysler 8¾” rear end. The International retains its original four-wheel drum brakes, although they are improved by adding a booster and master cylinder from a Datsun Z-Car. This classic’s original flathead would have generated around 93hp and 170 ft/lbs of torque. However, Jaguar’s Mark X Specifications Sheet from the period suggests the upgraded engine should deliver around 260 hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque. The drivetrain upgrades don’t just significantly improve acceleration but also make this Pickup an effective open-road cruiser. The owner confirms that his father kept meticulous records and photos during the build, including receipts for parts and work performed by external suppliers. The vehicle has hibernated since 2013, but the engine has been coaxed back to life. It runs, although the rear brakes are said not to be functioning, and the Pirelli tires are very old, so it isn’t roadworthy. However, the owner’s father is happy to take interested parties for a spin to gain insight into what this classic can do.

This Pickup’s interior isn’t as radical as the drivetrain but is neat, tidy, practical, and comfortable. The painted surfaces wear the same Red that graces the exterior, with the bucket seats trimmed in Gray vinyl. The carpet is the same shade, protected by fitted mats. The dash houses a range of toggle switches and vintage Smiths gauges that the owner’s father collected in his travels. There is also a radio/cassette player for tunes on the move, a timber sports wheel, vintage air conditioning, and a roof console. The bucket seats will appeal to most buyers, although the seller includes the retrimmed original bench for those wishing to improve its versatility. The interior presentation is impressive for its age, with no evidence of wear or other issues. The owner confirms that the gauges and lights work as they should, apart from the speedometer. His father believes the speedometer issue might be due to a faulty right-angle drive from the transmission, which should be easy to trace and rectify. The A/C currently doesn’t blow cold, but the owner believes he has a couple of cans of R12 refrigerant that he will throw in so the winning bidder can perform a recharge. For those preferring air as provided by Mother Nature, the windshield cranks out as it should to admit copious amounts of fresh air.

I have always admired a carefully considered and well-executed custom build, and this 1946 International K1 Pickup ticks those boxes. It would have been a stunning vehicle in its prime, with the drivetrain upgrades providing performance befitting its good looks. The buyer could immediately undertake a cosmetic refresh to recapture its glory days or preserve the Pickup in its current form as an excellent window into the 1980s custom scene. The hard work is done, leaving the buyer to complete the revival so this gem can find its way back onto our roads. Whatever path they choose, the process will be straightforward. That is why this K1 deserves more than a passing glance.

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