Adaptability was a key element for the International Light Line D-Series trucks, with a wider choice of wheelbase options available than any of its competitors at the time, plus buyers could even choose a chassis-only and transform it into whatever special needs vehicle they were seeking. But the base pickup was also a good choice for general family use, and this 1973 International 1210 here on Craigslist has been in the same household since it was new. The truck is in Sacramento, California, with the family hoping to gain $19,500 from the sale, and many thanks go out to Rocco B. for the tip on this one!
More good news is that the International has resided in California its entire life, and the seller says it’s always been garaged and well-cared for, plus the service records through the years have been documented. It’s described as an excellent condition all-original survivor, with the finish looking overall nicely preserved to be at the half-century mark. There’s a crease in the bedside and a dent in the tailgate, plus that bed is no stranger to hauling, but hey, it’s a pickup! The only rust mentioned is a spot near the windshield, but for the most part, the body looks good for its age, with one other nitpick I noticed is a couple of drilled holes on the driver’s door frame, where it looks like perhaps a larger mirror may have been present at some time.
The 392 V8 has a reputation for durability and a long lifespan, and this one only has 76,000 miles so there’s probably plenty of good life left in it. Under the hood, the engine compartment is looking orderly and there’s a new A/C compressor, so it ought to be nice and cool on sunny days. This one’s a 2-wheel drive model with an automatic transmission, and it’s also equipped with power steering, power brakes, heavy-duty suspension, and two gas tanks. Both the front and rear brake lines are stated as new.
Things are said to be all stock inside, but you do get an aftermarket CB radio so that’s kind of cool and nostalgic. The seller mentions that the photos make the interior look blue, but it’s actually black, and everything we can see in there looks well-preserved, with the dash stated to be in nearly perfect condition. The pickup is said to run and drive great, and I’m really digging the originality and survivor status here, although the next owner may have other ideas. What would you do with this one?
Nice truck! It could come to my place and I would give it a good home.
Lots of parts available although not as plentiful as some of the competition. Sheet metal such as inner fenderwells and especially the firewall area where the hinges bolt up are available. Floor pans as well. Repro gas tanks as long as plastic is okay. Engine, not bad. This truck is likely running an A-727 transmission which is easy to get parts for. Chassis and brakes aren’t too bad but you can end up shooting yourself in the foot in some areas. Overall, a good reliable truck that no one else has so don’t be surprised to see a lot of rubber neckers.
You seem to know these well. This appears to be 2wd but looks like it has a solid front axle and leaf springs. Would that be because of the HD suspension or were they all this way?
Lots of them out west. I actually worked for a GM/John Deere dealership but being located just off a wide spot in the road we worked on everything that came in the door, including Internationals. I spent the last 33 years of my career working in an independent shop where, like my first employer, anything went. Of course small Binders were fading away but there were still enough of them to make their presence known.
My Dad ran them through the 50s and into the 60s, with his last one being a ’69 3/4 ton Travelette. Good, tough trucks for the most part.
I got retired in ’19 after nearly 50 years pulling wrenches. Trouble was, I wasn’t ready to retire so I started looking around for something else. Today I work for a Navistar truck dealer that runs a sideline specializing in vintage Binder parts. Two of us burnt-out partsmen/mechanics do our best to keep the old trucks running and we sell parts all over the world. It’s a great ride…
Geomechs amazing career aside, perhaps I can field this one. IH used a straight front axle on their 2wd trucks, and I believe still had old king pins. IH didn’t exactly set the world on fire with innovations, like IFS, and that front axle was probably from the 50s. It was one of their downfalls in the light truck market. Unless one has experience with straight front axles( ever hear of “bump steer?), it will be an eye opening experience. Nice find, I can just smell the gas from here,,
International built trucks. They did that well, their sheet metal well had issues as like Studebaker they didn’t seem to understand the concept of wheel wells to protect the fender.
International actually brought out IFS with Torsion Bars in the early 60s. The 1000/1010 Series trucks were all IFS. There was even an IFS on some 200 series 3/4 ton trucks toward the end of the line. It worked well but today parts are time-consuming. Ball-joints can be obtained but the price is just shy of extortion. Been having a lot of chats about what will fit with the fewest modifications.
Don’t sell the straight axle short. I have yet to see a truck turn as sharply as an International. I remember Dad’s Travelette; it could turn on a dime and give you change…
Check the hood hinges on the inner fender wells for rust, as in, falling off. Talk to your banker before buying gas for the 392. Tow anything
what is with all these yellow vehicles all of a sudden?
Did anyone notice the size of the radiator hose! That thing looks like a 4 inch sewer pipe! Anaconda size so I’m guessing it runs cool!