OK, enough of this manufactured, “I’ve worked really hard” look or an invitation to “Check out my perfectly applied body shop patina”; here’s the real, worn deal. Parked in a lean-to in Ramsey, Minnesota for the last twenty years is this 1953 International R112 pickup truck. It’s available for sale, here on craigslist for $3,695 OBO. Thanks, once again, to Ikey H. for this tip!
The International “R” series was introduced in 1953 as a follow-on to the predecessor “L” series. Rated with a 3/4 ton carrying capacity, this R112 is one of approximately 123,000 “R” series trucks produced that year. A multitude of light, medium and heavy-duty units comprised the entire series. In late 1955, the light and medium-duty R trucks were replaced by the new “S” series.
The seller lists this truck as an R110, but the ID plate officially lists it as an R112, the differences being the carrying capacity and the chassis weight. There is no image of the 220 CI, in-line six-cylinder, 90 gross hp engine included in the listing but it would be safe to say that this is a non-running example. While the mileage clocks in at 76K miles, the twenty years of sitting has probably had a more adverse effect on this R112’s operational ability. When running, a three-speed manual transmission conveys the power to the rear wheels.
The body of this truck looks solid. There is a light coating of surface rust and a dent or three, but no sign of rot or significant damage. It just looks like it has been out in the sun too long. The seller states that this R112 was last registered in 1986 so it is possible that it was parked outdoors for fourteen years before finding lean-to refuge. The bed, which has raised sides, appears as solid too; this truck truly has an aura of having worked hard, back in its day. Also of note, is the “grain-door” tailgate, a clue that this International was used as a bulk carrier at some point in its long history.
As for the interior, it’s as spartan as it gets but typical for a 1953 vintage work truck. The only departure is the inch-thick plywood seat. It has its advantages though, no upholstery to wear or ruin. Need a new one? Where’s the nearest Lowes or Home Depot? The instrument panel and at least the speedometer are in surprisingly nice shape, no sign of rust, and the gauge is clear. As an added bonus, there’s a couple of hubcaps lying on the floor, probably pretty expensive to replace.
This International R112 has the look that restorers and body shops try to mimick but you can’t beat reality. The mechanical unknowns are a concern but the seller is not asking a king’s ransom either. Besides, if the engine is completely toasted, just think what you could slide under that hood……
Wow! When the good stuff starts showing up it keeps right on coming. This vintage was a fierce competitor in the market place out west. Used to find some of them in the farmers’ boneyards. Too bad they’re disappearing. Like the other Binders you sure couldn’t work these to death…
I have run an L112 for the last 29 years – bombproof truck!
Funny. Says r110 on the badging but r112 on the plate
Strange bed and tailgate. Maybe someone can elaborate.
God bless America
Tailgate designed to dump grain. Elevators had a hoist to lift front of truck and dump grain out of the bed into storage silo.
Huh! Thanks Mike
Great looking truck! The R112 was an augmented model of the R110 series hence the 110 badging on the hood with the 112 model designation on the ID plate.
Man. I bought a ‘55 L110 at a farm auction in 1988, for $250. The 6 volt system & poor brakes vexed me.
It, too, had grain sides and even a “stock rack,” made by the original owner, to haul cattle and pigs.
I think the gross horsepower on the 6 cyl silver diamond was 95. It would travel all day at 40 mph.
This truck is nearly identical to the one depicted in this film from 1956. Start at 4:25 to see a purple R-series at work hauling wheat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwe6mu1JJkc
Nice film. Thanks.
First shows up @ 3:08. The horn sounds like the road runner cartoon, meep – meep.
Got a smile out of this one. I had a ’53 R110 like this. I found it at a golf course maintenance shed in the late 70’s. It had been the golf courses pickup since new. It had no rust, but was pretty tired. Quick $100 bucks, and I dragged it home. Surprisingly, the truck needed very little, usual stuff, brakes, steering, but the motor ran like a top, and I used that truck as my DD for quite a while. I’m amazed the front parking lights ( not turn signals, although I made mine into signals) are intact. That was a bad spot for these. The SD ( Silver Diamond) 220 was barely adequate, but not much could stop it. It did go 55, but felt like the world was coming apart, and 40-45 is much more at home. Gearing could remedy that, as the motor would certainly take it, but these were never designed for high speeds and without radical changes to the suspension and brakes, you’d be nuts to go 70 in this, trust me. Great find.
My L112 has a 264BD and a granny box.Top end is 45.
Those bed extensions are a factory item, called Ad-a-rak and a pretty rare find these days. Like Howard says, a grill in that fine shape is pretty hard to find as well. My R-112 is patiently waiting for me in the garage. One of these days I’ll get back to restoring it. You might catch a glimpse of it in Hairspray or Cry Baby.
That sure is a decent set of hungry boards.
Looks like someone added a bucket seat for the driver! 😂
This would be another one to clean up and enjoy.
I had a 53 R 110 that I bought in 1980 or actually I traded it for 72 Mercury Marguis. I had the mechanic at the gas station where I worked restore it for $5,000 in 1980 money. I immediately took a trip from Atlanta to visit my Aunt & Uncle in New Port Richey, Florida, 500 miles each way. My co-workers thought I lost my mind, but the only things that went wrong was a broken coil wire (which I fixed) and one tire had a slow leak. It was a fun truck to drive with “3 on the tree.” I kept it for 30 years and sold it the day after my wife passed.
I own. R110(maybe r112 because that’s what the door reads) but runs and drives in great shape ! You can see pics on Facebook under 717 Rust Repair I’ll post pics of it with the 3.6 220 6 cylinder motor