1918 International Harvester

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

In 1902, agricultural equipment manufacturing companies McCormick Harvesting Machine Co., the Deering Harvester Co., and other smaller brands merged and created the International Harvester Company. Their work, in part, created modern America earning International Harvesters a devoted following. By 1905, the company put its first engine in a tractor and the engine's near tirelessness meant a tractor could plough a field while teams of farmhands maintained a near-constant workflow. The International Harvester company branched off from supplying direct farm equipment in 1907 when they built their first light truck. Sometimes called the auto-buggy, the International Harvester trucks were manufactured in Chicago, then shortly after moved to a dedicated plant in Akron, Ohio, where International Harvester light trucks were manufactured there for the next 60 years. These simple vehicles used a horizontally opposed air-cooled twin, producing around 15 horsepower, a considerable increase in power from other early internal combustion engines. Other features that made these early light trucks collectible was their “scuttle bonnet,” a reference to its similarity to the traditional hats worn by settlers, and typically used to keep dust away from the engine. After devoting the three years to the war effort, by 1918 International Harvester Company welcomed the oncoming peace by resuming construction of their light trucks, renamed the Model H. The Model H boasted a cargo capacity of 5,000 pounds or about twice the weight of a Clydesdale horse. Additionally, the engine had been upgraded to four-cylinders and included water cooling with removable water jackets.

Finished in black paint with black leather seats, in an open canopy, this 1918 International Harvester Model H Truck is a rugged survivor. Many of these utilitarian workhorses were converted to fit a wide variety of needs from stagecoaches to firetrucks and ambulances, and as a result, locating an example in factory correct configuration is extremely rare. This particular Model H comes from long family ownership since 1964, and, after 105 years, is noted to be offered in running condition!

Highlights 

• This 1918 Model H truck is an automotive artifact, representing one of the earliest pickup trucks produced

• Powered by an inline four-cylinder engine coupled to a manual transmission

• Preserving its authenticity, this survivor is showcased in its original factory configuration, providing enthusiasts with an unaltered glimpse into the early standards of vehicle manufacturing

• Notable for its robust structure, the Model H features a pressed steel channel frame with six cross members and two rear braces

• Artillery-style 36inch wooden wheels on solid rubber tires

• With an impressive original cargo capacity of 5,000 pounds, the Model H underscores its utility as a substantial workhorse, meeting the demands of the early 20th-century workforce

• Characterized by twin 40-inch front springs and a single 53-inch rear leaf spring, the Model H's suspension system strikes a balance between load-carrying capacity and ride comfort, showcasing engineering choices reflective of the early automotive era

Features 

• Hand operated throttle

• Internally expanding early drum brakes 

• Spark advance and retard on wheel

• Centrifugal magneto-controlled ignition

• Hybrid splash and pressure-based lubrication system 

• Sliding gear two speed transmission 

• 17 Gallon fuel tank 

• Crank operated start

• Primer cups for cylinders 

• Auxiliary dual magneto setup 

• Radiator shutter 

• Hand operated horn 

• Oil lamps 

• Wooden steering wheel 

• Rear cargo tie downs

Known Imperfections

• Overall fair condition considering its age

• Rotted wooden truck bed

• Rock chips on scuttle bonnet

• Rust on hand crank

• Rust on fasteners

• Engine paint flaking

Included

• Two spare JNO W Brown MFC.co model 15 headlights

• Two unnamed smaller lamps

• Stewart horn

• Water pump

• Bosch magneto

Ownership History According to the current owner, this 1918 Model H truck was acquired by his grandfather in 1964 from Thompson Trucking, a local trucking company, and was later passed down through the family in 2008. During their ownership and for over 20 years, this vintage pickup was on placed on display in a museum. Today, this 1918 Model H remains in operational condition, carrying with it both a familial legacy and a connection to the local business landscape.