History
In 1957 International Harvester introduced their new “A” (Anniversary) body design with the Golden Anniversary model finished in Gold & White to commemorate their 50th Anniversary in the truck-building business. The “A” Series body design was very popular and carried over into 1958 virtually unchanged. In 1959 the “B” Series was introduced with an updated front grille and headlight treatment. This International is an “A-110” series built in 1958, however, since International trucks were titled based on the year they were sold, not the year they were manufactured, this one was titled as a 1959 because it was sold new in 1959.
The story of this truck is quite unique as it was originally bought by the International dealer for his personal use. When new, the truck was ordered with the deluxe “Custom” trim which includes extra bright work and tow-tone paint scheme as you see here. It has the much desired, short 7-foot bed as well. It was sold by the dealer to its first registered owner in 1959 who lovingly maintained it until his death in 1982. It remained in his family for the next 53 years.
The truck was sold to a relative with the understanding it would remain in the family, however the family member sold it to a collector in Missouri in 2014 who had the truck meticulously repainted in the original color combination of turquoise and Whitecap white. There is no rust anywhere and no body filler or body repair. Upon turning 100,000 on the odometer, the original owner had all major mechanical components professionally rebuilt including the engine, transmission, clutch, rear end, brakes, and all front-end steering components. The actual mileage is 123,803, with only 23,803 on the entire rebuilt drivetrain. The exhaust system is new.
The factory Black Diamond 240 Cid inline-cylinder engine starts easily and runs and performs flawlessly. Original 3-speed column-shifted transmission transitions smoothly between gears and the clutch operates nicely. The brakes stop the truck with straight confidence. The truck was rust-free as the original owner would not drive it in the rain and kept it garaged since new. He would not put anything in the bed unless it was wrapped in blankets. It has been meticulously maintained from day one and even though it looks like a frame off restoration, it is not. It is as close to its original condition as you could hope for. The interior features a reupholstered original bench seat covered in factory-correct materials. A reproduction floor mat covers solid, and pad were installed about 10 years ago. The dash paint is the original factory application. The truck even sports the dealer-installed rear utility bumper manufactured by Barden Bumpers. Everything works correctly except for the radio which is the original accessory and could be restored to work. Driving this truck is a true nostalgia trip back in time as this truck performs and handles as it did back in 1959. Lots of thumbs up going down the road! Look at the pictures, as they tell the story. This vehicle is in number 2 condition.
