The term loaded has several meanings, at least when it comes to vehicles and not humans. We never had a vehicle with power windows and power door locks growing up, so my mind always goes to those two things when I hear a vehicle is “loaded”, but this 1957 International S-120 4×4 doesn’t have those two things. The seller has it posted here on craigslist in Pollok, Texas, and they’re asking $28,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to T.J. for the tip!
Loaded, in the sense of this almost 70-year-old I-H pickup, means factory power steering and factory power brakes! I had no idea those were even available on a 4×4 International pickup in the 1950s, but they’re on this one, as is (are you sitting down?) air-conditioning! That can’t be a factory option (can it be?) and was likely added when this truck was “nut-and-bolt restored” in 2005. If there’s a cooler front bumper, I’d like to hear about it and see photos. I would sit on that bumper and drink coffee every morning, while thinking about driving this truck after I’m fully awake. It also has a Ramsey PTO winch, by the way.
There are no excuses on this one. I’m always complaining about my puny pickup not having power steering, but this huge 4×4 truck has it, and it would be downright luxurious. I wouldn’t need air conditioning, but in southeast Texas, you’d definitely want it if you can get it. It also has factory power brakes, another thing I didn’t realize was available on these trucks this early in production. Most luxury cars had power steering in the early 1950s, but a 4×4 International pickup having it in 1957 is very cool. And it’s a short bed on top of that, so it’s likely more desirable for driving rather than using it for heavy hauling.
The seller says this truck was restored in 2005 and could use some elbow grease to bring it back to its former glory, but man, does it look nice now. One huge issue with this truck, however, is that the factory in-dash clock isn’t currently working. I’m kidding about that being a huge issue, of course. Here’s the seller, showing a well-earned trophy for showing this beautiful beast. Well done, sir. The interior isn’t quite factory specs with its nubby seat and door panel fabric, but I’m sure it’s much easier to live with than vinyl in the Texas heat.
The engine is International’s Black Diamond BD-240, a 240-cu.in. OHV inline-six with about 130 horsepower, and it’s backed by a two-speed transfer case and four-speed manual sending power to all four wheels when needed. It has a new Holley one-barrel carb, it was converted to a 12V system, and has new brake pads and wheel cylinders all around ($1,500 worth). Any thoughts on this easy-to-drive, climate-controlled, nut-and-bolt-restored International 4×4 pickup? My birthday is in December, in case anyone was looking for gift ideas…
I think that is as close to my dream truck as I could get.
Won’t find any of today’s computer controlled wizardry on this 4wd.
What…no cup holders? (kidding!)
Yeah, and I’ll bet the sun visors aren’t lighted, either.
When I first scrolled past I thought it was my buddy Joe’s truck, he had one just like it, even the same color. Backed up and looked, nah, on his the front clip was cut and welded to tilt forward and reveal a big Olds engine. He used it to pull a goose-neck trailer.
The last 20 or so vehicles posted by Scottie have been must reads. Thanks!
Yep, Scottie, you are NAILING it!
Love the glass door knob on the shift.
You know Scotty. Back when this beautiful International was new, if you said it was “loaded” that pretty much meant the bed was full of cargo!!! But seriously, wow!!! I’d honestly just leave it exactly as is and enjoy the living daylights out of it. Beautiful truck, and a great find T.J. too. And like Mark said above all your articles are terrific. Only thing is, am I missing something? Or is there no 4 door or drop top version of this???? Just kidding. Great article again!!!
A/C? P/S? (laughing hysterically) good heavens, not bloody likely. I read the S series did have a few options, like the P/B, as indicated by that awful hyrda-vac unit, a heater, clock, arm rests, sun visors, electric wipers, radio, locking glove box, and such, but power steering, pfft, wuss, and A/C was probably installed as an aftermarket item, but air conditioned pickups were years away. Oh, it looks so pretty, what’s the worst? I all but guarantee, most buyers won’t get it out the driveway, and if by some miracle they do, will come back pale and horrified, people must have been so backward then. No, it’s we didn’t have anything else to judge it by, this was the best there was, when you had no business going faster than 40 mph in this.
Wow! This truck looks familiar. I sold a whole lot of parts to a guy in the Pollok region. He sent me a bunch of pictures and I’m sure this is the same truck. This makes three trucks on BF that I supplied parts for. Small world.
Keeping them alive! Keep up the great work!
I have to agree with Driveinstyle!!!! A good coat of wax and drive it anywhere with anything you want in it ..As long as you are not in a hurry..
Asking a question here:
Electric wipers? I had a 1970 Scout, and it still had vacuum-powered wipers. They drove me nuts. The faster I went, the slower the wipers worked.
I believe Chrysler offered electric wipers in the 40s, but one of those things again, people were more used to vacuum wipers, and their quirks, and electric generally, cost between $20-$30 more. Since you only needed them when it rained, many put that money somewhere else, like sun visors.
Electric wipers were available for the Comfo-Vision cab from 1950 to 1979. I don’t know if it was available as an option in the lighter trucks but it was available in kit form. It was common in the HD R and V series so that could be the source of many changeovers. Interesting that the D and K models had electric wipers exclusively.
Scouts began with vacuum wipers that sourced off the fuel pump. Electric wipers became available by the mid-60s.
Air wipers are the worst and noisy 😑
wrkin ona same yr cheb very similar to this.
Most no NAPCO wuz 1st supplier of 4WD to merican market… GMC ’56, cheb ’57, in-factory or ‘coach built’. ’59 GM began it’s own, in-house.
Just put on PB, booster MC, re-welded upa pitman arm, canned ham to this ’57 cheb (bracktry no fun). Nxt? a built camaro motor (from current i6). Has divorced x-fer case. Guy wants to keep that. Will B researchin gear change (3.55?) for frnt and rear chunk as to modern hwy driving and current 4.57 gear. The cheb? almost everything ‘cross fits’ mid fifties – early 80s !
Now onto the listed Travelall, jeepster..
Fun, fun, fun…
Marmon Harrington was first 4×4 supplier, 1950ish
My wife would kill me.
Very cool truck.
Heck, mine is in September. It’s been a holiday since 2001.
This is one beautiful beast. I would love to drive this truck to work at least 2-3 times a week.
Here in Florida it would be a sight driving on the road…
Unique and cool.
I know of a local truck and its complete but very tired and needs a few parts. Finding replacement parts like a hood and front headlight assembly will be a challenge but doable. The truck has the front winch with I think is original as it looks like a factory job. Also needs a windshield as it has a few bullet holes in it.
As for highway driving at 70+ not on your life. These are powerline trucks not highway rides. I think the green truck that I see is either Army or passed on to the Forestry Service. Finding gear sets that would permit anything over 50mph downhill I would hope not be an option.
Putting this truck shown here to work would be a disservice to the old gal but fun to hit the hardware store in.
The seller has lowered the asking price to $27,000.