International R series

Last updated
International R-series
International Harvester R-140.JPG
1954 International R-140 4x4 station wagon (1 of 3 made)
Overview
Manufacturer International Harvester
Also calledInternational 210/230 (1965-1972)
Production
  • 1953-1955 (light-medium trucks)
  • 1953-1972 (heavy trucks)
Assembly Fort Wayne, Indiana
Springfield, Ohio
Emeryville, California
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Chatham, Ontario, Canada
Body and chassis
Body style Pickup truck
Delivery van
Chassis cab
Conventional
Cabover (COE)
RelatedInternational S-series (1955)
International V-series
International M-series
Chronology
Predecessor International L series
Successor International S series (1955)
International A series (Light truck)
International Loadstar
International Fleetstar
International Paystar

The International R series is a model range of trucks that was manufactured by International Harvester. Introduced in 1953 as a further development of the International L series, the model line marked the introduction of the IH "tractor" grille emblem on International road vehicles. Sharing a cab with its predecessor, the R-series marked the introduction of four-wheel drive vehicles and the wider use of diesel engines.

Contents

Ranging from light-duty pickup trucks to tandem-axle semitractors, the series was produced across a wide variety of applications and design configurations.

During 1955, light and medium-duty versions of the model line were renamed the S-series. Heavy-duty vehicles remained in production into the 1960s (under multiple model designations), ultimately replaced in 1972 by the Paystar line. [1]

Model overview

1955 International R-130 pickup truck 1955 International R130 (131145761).jpg
1955 International R-130 pickup truck

Light duty

Including the R-110 through R-130 model lines, the light-duty trucks included pickup trucks, panel trucks, and chassis-cab vehicles (R-130). In the transition to the R-series, the grille design was simplified with a body-color grille receiving two large horizontal slots.

Produced in 115 and 127-inch wheelbases, International pickup trucks (R-110 through R-130 series [2] ) were powered by a Silver Diamond 220 inline-6 engine; mated to a 3-speed manual transmission, the engine produced 100 hp. For 1954, the R-100 was introduced. Priced $60 less than the R-110, the new model line received different brakes and suspension tuning; the SD-220 was retuned for 104 hp output. As an option, International introduced both an overdrive manual transmission and a 3-speed automatic transmission (a version of the GM Hydramatic); another option included power steering.

While sharing much of its body with its initial 1930s design, the Metro van followed the design of International light trucks, adopting the powertrain of the R-series pickups. Derived from the R-series panel truck, in 1953, International introduced the International Travellall truck-based station wagon (a forerunner of the full-size SUV).

Medium duty

International R-160 stake-bed truck International Harvester R-160 Stake Bed Truck (15044406879).jpg
International R-160 stake-bed truck

Including the R-140 through R-180 model lines, the medium-duty trucks were produced as chassis-cab conventional trucks. The medium-duty trucks also served as the basis for the "Schoolmaster" cowled bus chassis. [3] The Loadstar made its return, denoting high-capacity versions of each model family. For 1953, International introduced factory-produced four-wheel drive trucks for the first time (in the R-140 and R-160 series); previous 4x4 trucks were conversions (by either International or second-party manufacturers).

The medium-duty trucks were powered by multiple engines, dependent on model series. [2] The R-140 and R-150 shared the SD-220 with the light-duty trucks, while the R-160 was powered by a 108 hp SD-240 I6. The R-170 retained the Super Blue Diamond 269 from the L-series, producing 101 hp; a 130 hp Super Black Diamond 282 I6 (standard in the R-180) was offered as an option.

The medium-duty R-Series (R-160 through R-180, along with R-190 and R-200 heavy-duty) chassis served as the basis for the Fageol van, a bus-style delivery van assembled by Twin Coach. [2]

Heavy duty

1961 International R-200 fire truck 1961 IHC R-200 fire truck, Quiambaug CT.jpg
1961 International R-200 fire truck

The heavy-duty R-series range included multiple model families developed for multiple applications. Alongside the standard conventional (R-190, R-200, R-210, R-220), a "D" denoted models with diesel engines and an "F" denoted tandem rear axles; an "H" was used for heavy-duty models. Other R-series models were developed primarily for heavy-duty applications, including the R-306 (developed for fire trucks), and the long-nose RD-305/405 (to fit Cummins diesel engines). [2] An "RC/RDC/RDFC" model family was a COE, derived from conventional-cab trucks.

The R-series served as the basis for other model ranges, including the V-series; introduced in 1956, the V-series was developed to accommodate the introduction of V8 engines from International, receiving a slightly restyled hood and redesigned grille.

Following the introduction of the S-series, the heavy-duty R-series underwent several model revisions. After becoming part of the S-series, the R-series COE was replaced by the DCO-400 "Emeryville" tilt-cab COE in 1957. In 1960, International began to consolidate several heavy-duty models of the R-series and V-series, creating the construction-oriented F-series; the 1962 introduction of the Fleetstar short-hood conventional also was phased in as a replacement for multiple models of the R-series. In 1965, the construction trucks dropped a letter prefix, becoming the 210/230 series; the model line was produced through 1972, when it was replaced by the Paystar.

S-series (1955-1957)

1956 International S-110 1956 International Pick-Up (35519680336).jpg
1956 International S-110

For 1955, International replaced the R-series light and medium-duty trucks with the S-series, ranging from the S-110 to the S-184 truck. The model line also included the Schoolmaster bus chassis, Travelall wagon, and Metro delivery van. Distinguished by a redesign to the front fascia, the S-series marked the introduction of four-wheel drive to light-duty vehicles.

During 1957, the S-series was replaced by the completely new A-series, forming the basis for International light trucks through 1968. The front sheetmetal of the S-series was adopted by the International Metro (used by its hooded Metroette variant) through 1962. The S-184 continued production in Brazil until 1966 (when Chrysler purchased the Brazilian subsidiary of International Harvester).

For 1978 production, International revived the S-series name, using it on the medium-duty replacement for both the Loadstar and Fleetstar; the final model line designed by International Harvester, the S-series would be produced in various forms into the 21st century.

Production output

Production figures for 1953 were 123,026 (77,817 trucks built at Springfield, 38,613 at Fort Wayne, 626 at Emeryville and 5,970 at Bridgeport), plus another 13,912 trucks built at Chatham, Canada, for a grand total of 136,938.

In 1954, the production totalled 105,463 units (Fort Wayne built 33,637, Emeryville handled 680, Bridgeport produced 7,041, while Canadian Chatham plant churned out 7,073 units).

The biggest seller during the 1954-55 period was the R-110 model, with 72,659 built.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Harvester</span> American manufacturing company

The International Harvester Company was an American manufacturer of agricultural and construction equipment, automobiles, commercial trucks, lawn and garden products, household equipment, and more. It was formed from the 1902 merger of McCormick Harvesting Machine Company and Deering Harvester Company and three smaller manufacturers: Milwaukee; Plano; and Warder, Bushnell, and Glessner. Its brands included McCormick, Deering, and later McCormick-Deering, as well as International. Along with the Farmall and Cub Cadet tractors, International was also known for the Scout and Travelall vehicle nameplates. In the 1980s all divisions were sold off except for International Trucks, which changed its parent company name to Navistar International.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet Kodiak</span> Series of medium-duty trucks by General Motors

The Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick are a range of medium-duty trucks that were produced by the Chevrolet and GMC divisions of General Motors from 1980 to 2009. Introduced as a variant of the medium-duty C/K truck line, three generations were produced. Slotted between the C/K trucks and the GMC Brigadier Class 8 conventional, the Kodiak/TopKick were developed as a basis for vocationally oriented trucks, including cargo haulers, dump trucks, and similar vehicles; on later generations, both cutaway and cowled-chassis variants were produced for bus use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Travelall</span> Motor vehicle

The International Travelall is a model line of vehicles that were manufactured by International Harvester from 1953 to 1975. One of the first competitors of the Chevrolet Suburban, the Travelall was a truck-based station wagon, serving as a forerunner of modern people carriers and full-size sport utility vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford F-Series (medium-duty truck)</span> Medium-duty line of trucks manufactured by Ford

The medium-duty version of the Ford F-Series is a range of commercial trucks manufactured by Ford Motor Company since 1948. Derived from the smaller F-Series pickup trucks, the medium-duty range is currently in its eighth generation. Initially slotted between the F-Series pickup trucks and the "Big Job" conventionals, later generations were slotted below the L-Series "Louisville" trucks; the last two generations are the largest vehicles produced by Ford since its exit from the heavy-truck segment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International L series</span> Type of truck

The International L series was introduced by International Harvester in fall 1949 as the replacement for the KB series and were available as everything from light pickup trucks and delivery vehicles to full-size tractor-trailers. Electric wipers, a radio, and a clock were optional. International would continue to produce the line until 1953 when it was facelifted and renamed as the R series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Transtar</span> Truck range

The International TranStar, is a range of Class 8 trucks produced by Navistar International for North America. Produced nearly exclusively as a semitractor, the product range is focused towards local delivery and regional shipping.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford L series</span> Motor vehicle

The Ford L-series is a range of commercial trucks that were assembled and marketed by Ford between 1970 and 1998. They are also known as Ford Louisville or, for the 1990s aerodynamic models, Ford Aeromax. The first dedicated Class 8 truck produced by the company, although Ford had been producing "Heavy Duty" trucks since 1948 and their "Super Duty" lineup since 1958. The L-Series was the successor of the F-900/F-1000 Super Duty and the Ford N-Series. The line encompassed a wide range of models in GVWR Classes 6 through 8, as either straight trucks or as semi-tractors, with vehicles developed for medium-duty, on-highway, severe-service, and vocational applications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Loadstar</span> Motor vehicle

The International Loadstar is a series of trucks that were produced by International Harvester from 1962 to 1978. The first product line of the company developed specifically as a medium-duty truck, the Loadstar was slotted between C-Line pickup trucks and the heavy-duty R-series. Following the discontinuation of the R-series, the Loadstar was slotted below the Fleetstar and Transtar conventionals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International S series</span> Motor vehicle

The International S series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by International Harvester from 1977 to 2001. Introduced to consolidate the medium-duty IHC Loadstar and heavy-duty IHC Fleetstar into a single product range, the S series was slotted below the Transtar and Paystar Class 8 conventionals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International S series (bus chassis)</span> Motor vehicle platform

The bus chassis variant of the International S series is a cowled bus chassis that was produced by International Harvester from 1979 to 2004. Produced primarily for school bus applications, the chassis was also produced for other applications, including commercial-use buses and cutaway-cab buses. In addition, the cowled chassis formed the basis for front-engine and rear-engine stripped chassis produced for bus applications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford B series</span> Motor vehicle platform

The Ford B series is a bus chassis that was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company. Produced across six generations from 1948 to 1998, the B series was a variant of the medium-duty Ford F series. As a cowled-chassis design, the B series was a bare chassis aft of the firewall, intended for bodywork from a second-stage manufacturer. While primarily used for school bus applications in the United States and Canada, the chassis was exported worldwide to manufacturers to construct bus bodies for various uses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International 9000</span> Motor vehicle

The International 9000 Series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by Navistar International from 1971 to 2017. A conventional-cab truck, the model range was configured primarily for highway applications. In terms of size, the model range was slotted between the medium-duty Loadstar and severe-service Paystar series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Fleetstar</span> Motor vehicle

The International Fleetstar is a series of heavy-duty trucks that was produced between 1962 and 1977 by International Harvester. Slotted above the Loadstar and below the Paystar and Transtar conventionals introduced after it, the Fleetstar was the first truck line that International designed specifically for vocational use.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford F-Series (second generation)</span> Second generation of the Ford F-Series pickup trucks

The second generation of the Ford F-Series is a series of trucks that was produced by Ford from the 1953 to 1956 model years. Marketed as the "Triple Economy" series, the second-generation F-Series again encompassed a comprehensive range of vehicles, ranging from light-duty pickup trucks to heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford F-Series (seventh generation)</span> Motor vehicle

The seventh generation of the Ford F-Series is a range of trucks that was produced by Ford from the 1980 to 1986 model years. The first complete redesign of the F-Series since the 1965 model year, the seventh generation received a completely new chassis and body, distinguished by flatter body panels and a squarer grille, earning the nickname "bullnose" from enthusiasts. This generation marked several firsts for the model line, including the introduction of the Ford Blue Oval grille emblem, the introduction of a diesel engine to the model line, and a dashboard with a full set of instruments (optional). Conversely, this generation marked the end of the long-running F-100, the Ranger trim, and sealed-beam headlamps.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford F-Series (ninth generation)</span> Ninth generation of the Ford F-Series trucks

The ninth generation of the Ford F-Series is a lineup of trucks that were produced by Ford from the 1992 to 1998 model years. The final generation of the F-Series to include a complete range of trucks from a half-ton F-150 pickup truck to a medium-duty F-800 commercial truck, this is the third generation of the F-Series body and chassis introduced for 1980.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Light Line pickup</span> Motor vehicle

The International Light Line pickups replaced the C series as International's Light Line range of pickup trucks in early 1969, for a shortened model year. The name started out as a simple continuation of the previous A-, B-, and C-series trucks. It was largely a rebodied version of its predecessors, with a square-rigged look very similar to the period Scout utility vehicle. The Travelall underwent parallel changes to the Light Line trucks. The light line of trucks was marked by a larger range of transmission and wheelbase options than any of its competitors, and in general the lineup aimed to maximize adaptability. The Light Line was also available as a bare chassis, for special purpose applications. Production ended in late April 1975, as a hard-pressed International chose to focus on the Scout and on heavier machinery.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International C series</span> Motor vehicle

The International C series and its succeeding models is a series of pickup trucks that were built by International Harvester from 1961 to 1968. They succeeded the earlier B-series range.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chevrolet C/K (fourth generation)</span> American truck series

The fourth generation of the C/K series is a range of trucks that was manufactured by General Motors. Marketed by the Chevrolet and GMC brands from the 1988 to the 2002 model years, this is the final generation of the C/K model line. In a branding change, GMC adopted the GMC Sierra nameplate for all its full-size pickup trucks, leaving the C/K nomenclature exclusive to Chevrolet.

References

  1. Charles Anderson says (2019-06-21). "Flashback Friday: profiling International Harvester's rich history in trucks". FreightWaves. Retrieved 2020-07-06.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "International Truck Specifications -- R Line -- 1952-1965 :: McCormick - International Harvester Collection". content.wisconsinhistory.org. Retrieved 2020-07-06.
  3. "International Truck Specifications -- Schoolmaster -- 1950-1978 :: McCormick - International Harvester Collection". content.wisconsinhistory.org. Retrieved 2020-07-07.

Further reading