How a truck or any vehicle can be around for 68 years and be mostly original, other than regular wear items having been replaced, is mind-blowing to me. That’s a long time for any vehicle to even survive, let alone one that looks as nice as this 1957 International S-110 Pickup. The seller has this incredible truck posted here on craigslist in Littleton, Colorado, and they’re asking $14,000. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Mike F. for the tip!
International only made the S-Series of pickups for the 1956 and partial 1957 model years, so there aren’t many still around. I can’t imagine there are any others around in this condition. If this truck is truly mostly original, as in unpainted and unrestored, it’s a true miracle. In late 1955, the S-Line was introduced for the 1956 model year, and it was the first time pickup buyers could get factory two-tone paint schemes on I-H pickups, and there were 12 colors to choose from.
The paint appears almost perfect. Is this original paint from the factory? If so, that’s got to be rare. The two dents in the right rear corner of the cab are really the only flaws I see in the body, even the tailgate looks almost perfect and shiny with no wear. Inside the bed also looks great. This truck was on a Hagerty auction a couple of months ago and made it up to $8,250, and no sale.
The interior, as expected, looks like a brochure photo, other than the suicide knob on the steering wheel and the seatbelts. The underside appears to be solid with the usual surface rust and I don’t see anything of concern here at all, do you? The seller says this example was made in Canada, and some of the words in their description are spelled with the British English style, like “neighbourhood”, so I’m assuming they’re from Canada?
The clean engine is International’s B-240, a 240-cu.in. OHV inline-six with 140 horsepower and 223 lb-ft of torque. It spins through a three-speed column-shifted manual to the rear wheels, and the seller says it starts, runs, and drives well, and it sounds like you may want to add extra time for any errands as they usually get stopped for questions and photos. Any thoughts on this S-110 pickup?
If as advertised then a true “archeological” find.
This is one sweet old International pickup. It looks solid and I’m sure is a lot of fun to drive around in. They always say that you should find the best example of something if you’re in the market for an older vehicle…… Well….. Here ya go!!! If its original its in impressive condition. If its be restored its still in impressive condition.
Nice find Mike F, and a great write up Scotty!!! Thank you.
I’ve seen this truck at local car shows and it’s at least as nice in person as it is in the pictures…It’s about 2 .miles away from me and is usually parked out on the street (shudder). Didn’t know it was for sale.
I’m a little P/O’d. I wrote a comprehensive story on these trucks and when I tried to submit it, I was refused access–TWICE! That’s happened to me before and it really makes me mad. Since I find and sell parts for old International trucks, there’s a lot of information I know on these trucks, and especially between the American and Canadian versions. Oh, well.
Anyways, you can park this truck at my place. I know where I can get the parts…
Sorry about your frustration Geomechs If you do decide to try again I’d love to read it. I haven’t tried this yet, but I thought of writing a reply on a word processor copying and pasting it here. I have no idea if it would work. I just do this on my phone.
Welcome to the club.
tow-‘mater!
It’s a Canadian truck for sure. Front panel on box on CDN trucks has ‘International’ stamped on it. Overall, the American and Canadian trucks look the same. Although the wheels will interchange, they are different. American hubcap attaches to bumps in the inner circle of the wheel; CDN wheels use spring-steel tabs that are riveted to the inner circle. CDN hubcaps are an inch smaller in diameter than US ones. You can readily obtain repro US caps but not CDN.
Unless it’s running the HD (Warner) T-87 trans the CDN 3 spd can be challenging to find parts for. Bearings and seals are universal but you’ll have to rely on codes and/or measurements to find replacements. And you’ll have to make your own gaskets.
I see it’s running a Dana 44 rear axle, which means that it’s likely equipped with a Power-Lok differential. The std (IH) rear axle uses a removable carrier which was Binder’s mainstay from 1950 to the mid 60s. I might add that the R-100 used a Dana axle exclusively, whether it had Power-Lok or not.
The S-series started using 12V electrics shortly after they began production. It was a running change early in ’56 so its a guessing game if you have an earlier unit.
CDN front brakes ran dual-piston cylinders while the American trucks ran singles. Brakes themselves are 1 3/4 X12 on either one and interchange. Drums and shoes are available in that size.
Two-tone paint jobs actually came out with the latest R-series, about when the R’s adopted the new cab with the single rear window, the 16 inch side windows and the push-button door handles. There were about 5 – 10 special edition R-models with the dual rear windows released before that for some company executives.
There, I’ve taken enough time to outline the pros and cons of this model of Binder. Being a border brat I was exposed to both sides for my entire life. It was interesting, especially after I got into the repair business, how many differences there were between the two country’s vehicles.
Don’t even try to get me started with GMC or Pontiac.
Overall, this would be a good unit to get. You could put it to work and it will go for a long time. I sure wouldn’t kick it off my driveway.
I’d have to say Geomechs. Thats a lot of information. I would’ve thought that International would have kept things simpler. Even with something as simple as hubcaps!! Thank you for rewriting that.
Hi Geo, most of us here experience your frustration with the comments. Lord knows, they’ve heard my share. Since nothing appears to be done, I suggest limiting your long posts in case it doesn’t take. The information you provide equals or exceeds most writers. It’s the “hands on” experience that many lack that is the key. It will just have to be our loss, I guess.
I always thought of the ’57 IH as the A series, and the S series was merely a carryover into ’57, but more like a one year ’56. I’d say, this here truck is probably the last of the “old” style “Comfo-Vision” cabs, even though they were used well into the 70s for other applications, and a wonderful find.
Hang in there, pal, if this one doesn’t take, I’ll scream,,,
The MYSTERIES of the post! I have a new desk top computer that a young(er) man assembled for me. It doesn’t freeze or act very slowly like the old one he made 10 years ago. But STILL there is inconsistent posting here. Sometimes if the post doesn’t take, I “back space” the window, and it allows me to try again. Then, it may work fine OR I may see TWO posts, and I delete the last one. First, give the initial try a minute or so. Does this make sense? It’s a mystery.
Yes, ’56 and ’57 were a real mixed bag. Conversion to 12V, along with the release of the “Tilt Valve” head. Then the release of the A-line and moreso the A-100 Golden Jubilee. A lot of changes for Binders that year.
The Comfo-Vision cab was used until ’79 in several applications. Back in the ’50s Fageol used the panel bodies, from just below the belt line to the roof, including the windshield. They wanted a super short door-to-door delivery van, and they ended up with something that would almost turn on itself.
I really appreciate you taking the time to rewrite this, and for your obviously deep expertise on these trucks. It takes people with specialized dedication like your that keeps great vehicles like these on the road. I absolutely love this truck and moreso the originality. If the next owner ends up doing an LS swap, I pray I never hear about it.
Geo, that’s an amazing piece of life experience there. Thanks for adding all of that great information!
Copy and paste your comment and save it somewhere (microsoft word?). Then if it doesn’t post you could paste it and try submitting again.
What a great truck for the money. If this were a Chevy or a Ford people would be gushing about it. IH’s are my preference for solid trucks starting from ’37 through this period.
Just Chevy. The Fords have as much appeal as this International.
Sounds like fightin words to me.
Right! Nobody wants a ‘56 Ford F100 with a wraparound rear window! 😖
I bought one of these in the mid ‘80s. Grampa truck. Grandson changed the oil, but neglected to replace the drain plug. Ingot City. $100 bought it. I found a replacement engine for $35. Cooper Coat sufficed for a new head gasket. Beautiful aqua color. Ran great. Would take you wherever you wanted to go- as long as you had plenty of time to get there.
45 mph was comfortable. 60 would be unadvisable, if possible. Couldn’t sell that thing to save my life. Nice to see Binders getting some respect.