PROJECT CAR: 1952 International L-Series Truck
Many may know of the reputation International Harvester has for building farm and construction equipment but for a number of years, the Illinois-based company built numerous light-duty pickup trucks. One such model line was the L-series, which included trucks with a cargo capacity ranging from 1,600 lbs. to 4700 lbs.
We recently came across this rough-and-ready 1952 example, wearing a patina of heavily worn white paint. Other than a couple of dings in the rear fenders, the body appeared straight with minimal signs of rust. We didn’t care for the junkyard or swap meet sourced wheels and tires but appropriate age on the rolling stock gives the classic work truck an overall look that works.
A few dings are evident in the rear fender but otherwise the body is straight.
Our guess is the factory Silver Diamond 220ci inline six-cylinder engine is underhood. A quick peek inside the cabin revealed a well-used interior compartment that appeared factory correct. A cover and closed tailgate prevented any looks in the bed but we’d imagine the condition would be as solid as the rest of the decades old vehicle.
A quick walk-around revealed that the truck was largely complete and could serve as a regular daily driver or local cruise night hauler. Classic pickups, especially orphaned ones like this L-series, are becoming quite desirable amongst those in the collector car market and we’d love to get our hands on one such as this.
There wasn’t a ‘For Sale’ sign in sight but if it were up to you, how would you take on an overhaul? Leave it as is or go with numbers-matching originality? Let us know in the comments below.