For many, International is either a forgotten or unknown auto manufacturer. Sure, their class eight tractors, sold under the Navistar brand, are common but their automobile biz has been gone for at least 40 years. We do cover International Scouts and Travelalls from time to time, but many aren’t in particularly great condition. Today’s find, a 1971 Travelall, is an exception – it looks great and is probably the nicest that I’ve seen yet, Best of all, it seems to be reasonably priced. Want to take a closer look? Found in Cypress, Texas, this fine-looking people transporter is available, here on craigslist for $13,900.
International’s Travelall was offered between 1953 and 1975 and its appearance went from frumpy at the start to stylish, if boxy, such as our 1971 subject, a member of the fourth and final generation. The seller has little to say about it but suggests “I put a lot of work into (it) over the past few years and would (be) happy to expand if you want to give me a call or come take a look“. The two-tone finish (GM’s Marina Blue hue from the ’60s perhaps?) is excellent and the body appears to be straight and rust-free. The finish isn’t what I would consider to be a show car finish, it’s more like what would be found on a driver, and that’s perfect in this application. The wheels are reminiscent of Ansen Sprints and they do this early SUV justice! It’s not said via the listing but I’d run with the thought that this Travelall has been lowered – it has a nice stance.
Powering this rig is a 392 CI “Comanche” V8 engine that generates somewhere in the neighborhood of 235 HP. It’s said that “It runs good, drives good” but nothing is detailed about its specific status i.e. original, rebuilt, etc. and the engine image isn’t too revealing. The listing states a mileage reading of 40K miles but the text then adds “The odometer is in the 30k but I don’t know if it has been flipped“. I’d guess it has been once around but as to how many miles are on the engine, in its current state, is anyone’s guess. The listing also references a manual transmission but the interior image tells me that this Travelall has a steering column shifted automatic gearbox.
Speaking of the interior, only one image is included but from what can be spied, it appears to be in fine nick. The seats have been reupholstered, new carpet installed and there are a trio of engine gauges mounted to the transmission hump. Also, the door panels appear to be in matching condition (at least what can be seen in this single image). I’d like to catch a glimpse of the way back (cargo area) as there’s an area that is often neglected in station wagons and SUVs but none are included – another item for inquiry.
So, what’s not to like? Nothing as far as I can tell. And it’s not only this Travelall’s condition that garners attention, it’s the fact, for me anyway, that it’s essentially a dead brand rolling and that’s always a curiosity draw. Not a vehicle that I’d recommend as an everyday driver but there are a multitude of uses where this natty SUV could be well deployed, wouldn’t you agree?
It’s an outstanding find of a vehicle that wasn’t very popular in the 1st place. It just shows what might still be hidden in all those barns I passed on a recent cc trip. The old man had one to pull our campers, with dismal results. Not the Travelalls fault, more like my old mans shoddy maintenance. These were great trucks( more on that in a sec), the mechanicals were school bus quality, and considered a step above the Suburban,,to some. It’s only downside was it’s voracious appetite for fuel. We, as kids liked it, because we got to stop often and get out. The old man, not so much. Great find, can’t go wrong here.
NOW, hear me out, in related International news, on my trip, I made a gratifying observation. In the class 8 truck segment( semis), WE’RE BACK!!! That’s right,,in the 80s, a name only associated with small cars and I think outboards, a new face on the scene, Volvo. Gingerly introduced as White/Volvo/GMC, what harm could it be? Well, Volvo decimated Internationals market by undercutting the price. Carriers have little pride, and the bottom line prevails.
I noticed very few newer Volvos, but a HUGE increase in Internationals again. International to me, was the best truck in the world. Sure, there may be nicer trucks,( Pete/KW) or tougher trucks(Mack), but IH was the best all around truck. In all my jobs, and I had quite a few, an IH was in there in some capacity. While all trucks today are the same underneath, its great to see International grace our highways once again. Made an old timer proud,,
Color me unimpressed. White and GMC fell, and blended, under the auspices of Volvo. Which, BTW, sold their automotive division to Ford, who sold it to a Chinese company.
Navistar, which used to be International…postponed their crisis forty years, from their sale of the ag business after their closing out light trucks…but it did fall; and now is property of what used to be called Volkswagenwerk.
Foreign interests own three of our major Class 8 truck manufacturers – Freightliner being property of what used to be Daimler-Benz.
For this rig: Well preserved. A good strong heart. But I have too many memories from working with one of the final-generation of International trucks. Body not sturdy; poor ergonomics; pathetic body drainage and corrosion protection.
This one belongs with someone who can appreciate it – and baby it, watching the hidden parts, keeping it dry. If ya want a working Cornbinder…get one of the A-through-C series trucks, which in my memory had much thicker, sturdier steel and construction.
Give me a call and I’ll explain the details! Why don’t you just write a detailed ad? Next they’ll say I’ve been bombarded with so many questions that I can’t keep up. I ignore ads like this, if you can’t write an ad maybe you’re hiding something. Not much for the smurf blue interior either.
For sale in Texas, California tags, Craigslist…. Do your due diligence…
Neighbor in the mid 70’s sold these. Remember being astonished at the amount of storage space and height in the back compared to the usual wagon of the age.
The Prius mats are interesing.
surprised 2C the 2nd rd side dor. @ this yr thought only 1 there (the driver’s).
Yes, seems lowered’n that wheel/tire combo look good 2 me. Auto is fine as it’s not 4 WD – a rd car. As such I can C it used to get the race crew to the sloop w/room in the lill back for several sail bags/lunch/beer… Even tow an alu trailer w/the access dingy, PFDs?
try writing in English next time. Your gibberish is too hard to try and cypher. I wish there was a block feature on here.