As mentioned in previous posts, there’s something really appealing about the simplicity and singularity of purpose of a classic American pickup. Before they were trying to be a luxury car, family sedan, commuter vehicle, off-roader and stuff hauler all in one, they were a vehicle with a job to do. Around the time our two feature trucks were built is when perceptions about their purpose started to change, so let’s take a look (and you can probably guess the manufacturer’s philosophy based on which one survived!). Check out this 1968 International 1200 Deluxe for sale for $2600 in Lewis County, WA.
Just sitting in this thing will make you grow more hair on your chest (not necessarily a desirable attribute if you’re a woman). Mothers will grab their children’s hands, fathers will send their daughters home, and you can forget about weight lifting and eating more steak because this truck will make it redundant. Just check out those split rims with black steelies, burly 4wd hubs, and angular cab. Who cares about a few scrapes, and the comparably short front and rear overhangs make it look ready to dominate a trail. But maybe you don’t need that much hair on your chest, and you want something a little more modern – then check out this 1969 Ford F250 Camper Special for sale for $2500 in Portland, OR.
It’s completely random chance, but this is pretty close in spec and color to the International, making for easy comparison. This Ford is fairly unadorned compared to some of its siblings, and has a granny first gear and heavy duty rear axle, along with dual gas tanks. It’s clear Ford had more resources to keep up with prevailing styling trends, having unveiled this model in 1967, making Dodge and International look antiquated, though to be fair, International had a replacement planned for the following year.
Some rust in the corner of the bed, but nothing that takes away from the appeal of the truck – though you’ll want to look underneath to be sure everything’s solid. The truck is said to be fully functional – all electrics, the 4wd, and the 345 V8 running through a 4-speed. Peak horsepower won’t be too high, and you can’t expect speed out of this truck, but you wouldn’t want it either – this truck will be best suited to be an around-town runabout and hauler.
The Ford is in similar condition, and that rear bumper says “don’t park too close to me”. The blue and yellow Oregon plates speak to its West Coast origins – it was built in San Jose, delivered in Seattle, and lived in the Portland area. The 5-digit odometer reads 64K, and the truck’s condition makes it seem believable. The seller has rebuilt the carburetor, replaced the fuel pump and filter, and rebuilt the rear brakes, bearings, seals, and wheel cylinders. The gearing and 360 V8 make first gear largely unnecessary.
The interior on the International speaks to its mileage of 84,000. It also shows its age, clearly looking like something styled in the late 1950s. It also makes it look like the original exterior color might have been beige instead of white. Note the CB radio at the far end of the dash, and don’t miss the 3rd pedal. Is it even possible to buy a new full size pickup with one of those?
Here’s the Ford’s interior – similarly well-preserved. Both these trucks share several qualities – poor fuel mileage, torquey V8s, rough rides, and nicely aged exteriors. But the negatives won’t matter if you use either one as an around-town runabout, and with their heavy-duty parts they should last forever. Which would you pick?
Tags: 1200, american, f250, Feature, ford, international, truck
Rusty But Trusty 
May 27, 2015 at 1:21 pm |
I’d name that IH Bruiser if it were mine.
May 28, 2015 at 8:12 am |
International Harvester! It’s obscure enough that you can educate the masses on it, but common enough that parts shouldn’t be impossible to find.