1962 International Travelette Pickup

International Harvester began building trucks and farm equipment near the turn of the 20th century and, by the 1940s, the company was producing some of the hardest working pickup trucks in America. These trucks built a reputation for ruggedness and quality that made them highly desirable among farmers all over the world. IH engines were true truck engines and were built of massive heavy castings. Their increased weight meant lower gas mileage, but these vehicles were built to last. While car companies built automobiles first and then adapted them into pickups, International Harvester did it the other way around. The company first built pickups, subsequently adapting them into large station wagons. IH began offering larger passenger compartments on its pickups, too, like this six-passenger model, which was designed to accommodate a camper in the truck bed.

In 1962, International Harvester had calendar-year production of 147,285 vehicles, and their trucks made up 11.47% of the total truck market. This number was up 9.9% from 1960. To keep up with demand, the company hired 300 additional workers. This pickup has a 140-inch wheelbase with a six-foot bed. The overall weight is approximately 4,175 pounds and the original base price was $2,847.

This Travelette belonged to a gentleman who collected classic trucks. He passed away during the restoration of this vehicle, so his friends quickly finished the job and it was used as a hearse for his funeral. The vehicle was then sold to a resident of Grand Rapids, from whom Hagerty purchased it in 2009, shortly after the vehicle won “Best in Class” at the 40th annual Belle Tire AutoRama in January 2009. Prior to the purchase, this vehicle underwent a cosmetic restoration including custom glass replacement and interior restoration. Under the supervision of fleet specialist Randy Clouse, two Hagerty employees rebuilt the engine, and a new clutch was installed after purchase.

In June of 2012, this pickup was driven in the Great Race—a nine-day, 2,300-mile timed road rally—by Hagerty employees Tabetha Hammer and Kacy Smith. They finished 10th place out of 30 teams in the “Rookie” class.