1952 International Harvester L110 Pickup 1/2 Ton vintage [completely restored original] for sale

International Harvester is one of the coolest names in trucks because it has an industrial toughness the rest of them can’t touch. So it’s truly a special treat to find an exceptionally restored 1952 International L110 Pickup 1/2 Ton that is true two-tone nostalgia on wheels.

Nothing else looks like a like an International Harvester. After all, these shared space at the dealership with industrial machines, not Detroit’s boulevard-king convertibles. So the IH trucks really had a ready-to-work attitude ingrained in the design. But don’t mistake modesty for lacking in style. Mint green and black is a timeless color combo. With the whole front end in green, and the fenders in black, it looks like one of the most intricate two-tones around. Of course, you’re also going to admire the paintwork because there was a big investment in restoring the truck. After all, it was built to be a workhorse, and so nearly 70 years later, you’d never expect it to be this straight and clean without plenty of time and money spent. That’s why the lumber in the bed is so glossy, the cab glass is so clear, the IH hood ornament shines so bright, and all the wheels have the correct two-piece International trim – including the full-size spare mounted to the bed side. There are even fun classic details, like the windshield visor, headlight visors, amber fog lights, and side window breezies. It’s all part of a detailed and period-correct look. The total result is the vehicle that was first built to hang out in the fields now also has the quality to take a prime spot on concourse lawns.

There was plenty more invested to make sure the old-school attitude continues inside. Metal door panels, vent windows, a rugged rubber floor mat, and the springy bench seat make this almost feel like a time machine instantly transporting you to when this was making its way from the IH dealer to the family farm. While the restoration erased any signs of wear, you can still feel the echoes of those dawn-to-dusk workmen who have come before you just by the textured grip in the large three-spoke steering wheel. The International logo is on everything, including next to the classic gauge pack, on the heater (display only), on the steering wheel center cap, and even the ash tray. It’s all a reminder that this truck is rarer and more interesting than your neighbor’s Ford or Chevy. That’s why this one was chosen for the January model for the Hemmings 2019 Vintage Trucks calendar.

The exceptionally honest and outstanding presentation continues in the engine bay. The tidy look of under the hood really lets that Silver Diamond motor take center stage. And the details on this are great everywhere from the oil bath air cleaner to the brass radiator. This 220 cubic-inch motor is part of a long tradition of inline sixes at International Harvester. It fires up with the kind of quality that feels like days one, and so it continues to provide robust industrial power. Plus, the four-speed manual transmission has a great old-school feel while also providing the best in control. And as you look at the undercarriage photos, you see such a clean presentation that reminds you no stone went unturned in the restoration.