Ready To Roll! 1949 International KB-2 Pickup
When we think of post-war pickups, the big names usually come to mind first. Ford, Chevy, Dodge…but International doesn’t usually roll off the tongue. This running, driving example is up for sale here on eBay out of Richmond, Minnesota. Let’s thank Ikey H. for the tip, and look closer at this interesting International!
While International (now Navistar) dates back to Cyrus McCormick’s grain-harvester days, they didn’t make passenger vehicles until about 1907, and trucks began rolling out two years later. Their trucks were some of the most durable, easy-to-fix, and affordable trucks on the market at the time. Specific to the example presented, the ’47 through ’49 models were the first post-war production, boldly hanging onto pre-war styling when their contemporaries were making more modern-looking units. 122,000 of the KB-1 1/2-ton and KB-2 3/4-ton units sold in those first two years, regardless of that dated appearance, powered by the “Green Diamond” six-cylinder, 214-cubic-inch, 82-horsepower engine.
We look now at the truck for sale, and we can see one that looks pretty decent for the age. The seller tells us that it’s only traveled 37,000 miles and that it runs and drives. Apparently, everything works, including the heater and lights, and it has a crank-open windshield, which sounds pretty cool. We see in the pictures that there appears to only be surface patina, but no real Tinworm effects. The interior looks great, as compared to some that we’ve seen in recent finds. We also notice the word “Leo’s” on the doors, with some previous signage underneath.
All together, it looks like a really neat truck! The patina, the good mechanical condition, the idea that there might be a story behind “Leo’s”…it all adds up to something rather interesting and unique – and I’m all about the interesting and unique of the Automotive world. That’s what I think, what do you think? Let us know in the comments!
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Comments
Nothing like a good ol’ Binder to get you going. You could take and park this truck at my place and I would do my best to give it a good home. There used to be a lot of these around when I was a kid. Just like so many others they got worn out and replaced with something newer. IH did a good job with the K-series. But then it did real well with the others too. I’m a little surprised to see a short box 3/4 ton; the only KB-2 trucks I ever saw were long wheelbase. A little slower than a lot of trucks of this vintage but, like I’ve said before, I’m in no big hurry, even if that long line of personal luxury cars and SUVs is…
I luv the grille art.
This needs a chrome front bumper to protect its beauty.
The truck pears to have had bumper fillers that have been removed. Notice brighter red paint at bottom of front end. Possibly bumper was in poor condition. Very nice K model for someone desiring a bone stock truck
In comparison to geomechs’ pic it looks lowered and the lines flow without that bumper to me. I’d happily drive slow in this all day long.
Aaah how can I say this. Man I love this truck…
I like it too. I had a friend with this exact truck many years ago, he had 2 actually, a red one and a green one for parts. As a self appointed mileage guru, this truck doesn’t have 37K. Whatever “Leo” did, he drove the heck out of this truck, whether the speedo worked or not. More often times, they did not. Doesn’t matter, it is what it is, and not out of line for this truck. Needs an update, the speedo numbers are in red over 50 for a reason. Nice find.
Pretty truck!!!!! Wish we had pictures of the instrument panel and gauges. Does any one know where this truck was manufactured?
What’s the asking price?% what’s the bidding up to?. Any reserve?.
Didnt see Any mention of in the article on this truck..when it’s generally a normal part of the 1st or 2nd paragraphs?. Nice truck,good shape ,And it Runs/Drives..bonus there,but $ amount will be high on this one I’m betting. Even w/ out its cost listed.bidding will make it jump.
Just click on the “e-bay” logo in the description & you’ll see that with 6 days left, it’s @ $8,200. with 33 bids… this truck will sell for premium $ and is well worth it, solid as it is. The 37k on the odo was questioned, but this rig is solid and largely complete with what looks like O.E.M. components… the millage is plausible!
What a honey!!!
I was 16. I was 10 days out of appendectomy and bored out of my mind. THat is when the surgeon made a rather deep and long cut through the abdominal muscle (I ws 16 I had muscle…now its just memory). My job was to sand the paint off the grille. BAck then, he could’ve got a sand blaster for less.
up to 9100. Do it up or leave it. This ol gal worked for a living. Good luck. Brings back riding in an old pickup on a hot summer day! happy 4th
Cheers
GPC
I’d rather have a Ford or Chevy but I’d put this rig one step above a Dodge.
God bless America
SOLD US $10,100.69
[ 43 bids ]