Regular Barn Finders will acknowledge that we feature some interesting and desirable Pickups on our site. Most wear Bow Tie or Blue Oval badges, but occasionally, one appears that breaks that mold. Such is the case with this 1952 International L110 Pickup. It’s a solid old beast that has obviously worked to earn its keep, wearing a few dents and marks and tired paint. However, it is a prime candidate for restoration, although using it as the foundation for a custom or rat rod project is another option. The seller feels it is time for this beauty to find a new home with someone who can do it justice. Therefore, they have listed the Inter here on eBay in Eden, Utah. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to $3,950.
International introduced the L-Series commercial range in 1949 to replace its KB models. Variety was the order of the day, with an incredible fifty-three versions available. The L110 is the ½-ton model, proving popular among farmers and builders. The history of this one is unclear, although the seller acknowledges that the tired Silver paint gracing its panels isn’t original. A quick glance under the hood reveals that the first owner ordered it in Salt River Sand. The overall appearance makes it an obvious candidate for a rat rod project, but its originality and generally solid nature will motivate many to consider a faithful restoration. The exterior carries a selection of dings and dents, which are par for the course with vehicles of this type. It has typical rust in the lower cab corners, but replacement steel is easy to find following a brief online search. The floor has amateur rust repairs, meaning the new owner will probably consider a rework to improve the quality. The trim is intact, and the windshield has a chip. The seller located replacement glass and seals and seems willing to pass the details to the winning bidder.
The most significant difference between the L-Series and its predecessor can be found in the engine bay. The older model featured a “Green Diamond” flathead six that dated back to 1933. It was considered heavy and dated, with International adopting a more modern “Silver Diamond” OHV six. The powerplant in this Pickup is its original entry-level 220ci unit, producing 100hp and 173 ft/lbs of torque. Both figures appear modest, but these were effective load carriers with torque peaking at 2,000 rpm. Power feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission, with the drivetrain components considered pretty bulletproof. The seller indicates the engine runs with good oil pressure and no evidence of smoke or odd noises. They recently fitted a new master cylinder and have had no trouble finding a ready supply of parts online. It is unclear whether the vehicle is roadworthy, but it sounds like reaching that point won’t be challenging if it isn’t.
The seller describes this Pickup’s interior as usable but not good. It requires a total refresh, but that is pretty straightforward. One of the attractions of these vehicles is how easy the interiors are to dismantle. That makes surface preparation and applying new paint a task the winning bidder could tackle in a home workshop, and bolting everything back together a piece of cake. This aspect of the restoration could be the most affordable because the shopping list will comprise little more than paint, preparation materials, a new seatcover, and a rubber floor mat. Once complete, it should look stunning.
The seller opened the auction on this 1952 International L110 at $500 but quickly received twenty-three bids. However, it remains in affordable territory, making it tempting for anyone seeking a classic Pickup as a project candidate. It will be fascinating to see how high the price climbs and whether we have readers who would pursue it further. Are you up for that challenge?
Now, this is a find! Next to a ’38 Ford Barrel-Nose, this is in the running for me. It’s my favorite of the L-R-S Series. Looks like a prime candidate for driving and enjoying, with a good fix-up in the future. The front end has been hit and obviously the (2) stainless bars have been removed. Replacement bars are about as easy to come by as the winning Powerball ticket but some people seem to luck out at finding them (and the Powerball). Others manage to resort to second best.
Sheet metal parts are not being reproduced as of yet but that’s slowly changing. There’s guys casting some new badges for the sides of the hood/cowl. Brake system components, including new drums, wheel bearings, seals, readily available. Cab weatherstripping, window channels, all rubber stuff, including a new floormat, readily available.
I’ve put some engine rebuild kits together for customers. Bearings can take some time but they’re not impossible to get. Oversize pistons may have to be ordered although some shops have adapted Chevy pistons. Tappets are the same as the DT 466 so there’s not likely to be a shortage in the immediate future.
A person has to realize that this truck is in its early 70s and some replacement parts (some of us in the same age bracket need new parts too) may take some time.
Interesting that the color of this truck isn’t in any of the color charts, yet it looks almost factory. There was a gray but I’ve never seen silver, yet I’ve seen a lot of trucks of this vintage sporting silver livery. But then, the maroon color of the truck in the photo I borrowed and attached isn’t in the L-series charts either. However, it’s available in the K-models before and the R-models afterwards. I sure wouldn’t kick it off my driveway in any color although if it was a certain rainbow combination it would likely get a hasty rattle-can respray. Otherwise I’d have to wear a paper sack over my head and they chafe at my neck.
geo…yep, bought 38 f. 3/4, v8-60…put 67 mustang drivetrain, 289/4-sp, & r/e..plymouth tall white buckets, edelbrock torquer, holley.tried 2 drive her home orig, froze block, so filled rad w/rerun motor oil…got 20 miles…
Correction: It’s a respray afterall. I see the original color being a shade of calf-scour yellow. I think they called it “Yuma Cream.” Where do they get those guys that work in the color section anyways? Call the color the first thing you think of and everyone will recognize it…
It’s up to $4,050 as of my reading with 24 bids. Not bad.
I think these trucks should come with a copy “Truck -A love story” by Michael Perry
Second the suggestion on Michael Perry’s book. I bought it just because there was an IH pickup on the cover and was pleasantly surprised!
Not bad for the money in the listing the seller seem upfront about known issues and its close enough I can drive down and get it with a Uhaul auto transport but then the big question is what to do with it after I get it home.
I like this one, leave it as is with a matte clearcoat, redo the seat and spruce up that engine bay. Or (at the risk of sounding sacrilegious) fit in an Ecoboost from a wrecked Focus ST.
I’d get it safe to drive and use it as is. Please don’t weld a bunch of skulls on it.
Had a L-160 dump and R-100 pick up. Could never say enough about the cab comfort, visibility and sweeping dash. They did all expected of them then. This one…….put all the mechanicals into new condition and go enjoy it!
I don’t think I would do more than make it safe to drive. I would love to drive it just the way it looks.
Put an LS in it! HAH!
Put an LS in it! HAH!
No,No:-)
I am the lucky new owner of this pretty girl. She’s just as good as she looked in the ad and the best part… she won’t be leaving the valley of Eden
Congrats Hannah, good luck with it. Don’t know of a way to share you getting her on the road. Most of all enjoy and have fun. The folks who see you will hound you with questions about her
You can follow her progress on Instagram! @utahvintagecars. We plan to enjoy her and slowly start the resto process! We actually had a neighbor already trying to buy her from us! But we’re in love haha!