Introduced in 1934, the C-Series was a short-lived but versatile line of trucks produced by International, with numerous models available to suit the buyer’s needs. These were popular for industrial use and a favorite among farmers, but this 1936 International here on Craigslist has taken on a more fun role, having previously served as a popcorn wagon and soft drink dispenser. This is an unusual and interesting relic with several future possibilities, so whatever you’ve got in mind, this one is located in Snohomish, Washington, and we’d like to thank reader Tony Primo for finding it and sending in the tip! The owner is asking $20,000, but the best offer will likely get the seller’s attention.
This 1.5-ton truck is reported to have been stored for the past 30 years, but the seller believes it was once used as a mobile snack unit for patrons along the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Seattle’s Salmon Bay area. Also known as the Ballard Locks, this International must have been a popular sight back in the day, as this area is said to be the busiest lock in the U.S. for boat traffic. Hopefully, somebody will see fit to return it to active duty somewhere, convert it into something entirely different, or maybe just set this International on a museum floor as-is.
The frame and body are described as remaining in great shape, with the seller reporting that the sheet metal has little to no rust. A thorough cleaning might be all it takes to make the red paint shine again, and I’m a fan of all the wood here, both inside and out. Behind the front seat, the interior is all business, with a large popcorn popper in the back and a set of soft drink dispensing handles on the side. Depending on how long ago this truck was made into something so localized and niche, I’m also wondering if the odometer reading of 30,957 may be actual. What do you think?
It’s been more than three decades since the inline-6 engine last ran, and there’s no word on whether or not it was functioning when this truck went into storage. However, it appears mostly complete and in good order under the hood, so perhaps it won’t take an entire rebuild to get this one going again. I can certainly appreciate the fun factor here, and hopefully, this 1936 International will end up in the hands of someone with the vision to make something useful out of it. How do you see moving forward with this retired popcorn wagon?
Yes, you sure don’t see one of these around very often. I might add that you don’t often see the front end of one all that often.
I don’t know what I would do with this if it came my way. Personally, I’d want to restore it and totally repurpose it.
This truck has been through some major modifications. I see that someone has installed a 1-ton rear axle in there, or at least a 3/4 ton. Of course you would need it to support that massive body.
That’s a Green Diamond engine in that bay. The sharp corners on the cylinder head plus the cap screws for head bolts give it away. Nothing wrong with it; just run it like you would run any other vintage Binder.
When the C series first came out it ran mechanical brakes but it wasn’t long before hydraulic units superceded them.
Conversion to 12V is a common change to these old trucks. I choose neither to agree or disagree with that choice. I have encountered some very poorly done conversions that almost ended up with a sizeable Roman Candle so I caution those who do change it to do it right. I do have to say that I might have chosen a Delcotron instead of a Motorola. Much easier to get parts for and are easier to work on.
I wish the new owner good luck with his purchase. He’s going to have somewhat of a challenge finding some of the parts but he isn’t completely out of luck.
Yes super cool!! How much was a bag of popcorn back then? Did they even turn a profit?