" >
1949 International KB-2
Engine: International Harvester 214-cu.in. L-head straight-six
Transmission: Three-speed manual
Exterior Color: Red
Interior: Tan vinyl
When it comes to American pickup trucks from the immediate postwar years, the products of International Harvester are far less common than most. International’s share of the market dropped to less than 10 percent in 1949. This International Harvester KB-2 pickup, whose model name indicates its three-quarter-ton load capacity, comes from the final year of KB production, 1949. It was restored sometime before the seller’s present five-year period of ownership and still presents strongly. It has since received more than $3,000 worth of documented mechanical work, including new brakes and replacement rear axles.
The cab and cargo bed were refinished in a deep red that remains eye catching and attractive, with the seller characterizing the paint’s current condition as “good.” A small area of cracked paint is visible near the base of the windshield. Two rows of wooden stakes have been added to the sides of the bed, which look to be in excellent condition, as do a new wooden bed floor and its stainless-steel retaining strips. The steel bed itself shows no scratches or dents from usage. Black steel disc wheels mount wide whitewall tires that show some yellowing. The red-trimmed International Harvester three-diamond wheel covers appear to be in very good condition. A key design element of these trucks was their delicate, elaborate grille, with its rows of horizontal bars and center divider. It is complete here and appears undamaged, with very good chrome. The lettering on the sides of the rear-hinged hood appears to be equally good. The seller says that only minor surface rust can be seen underneath the truck.
To see more trucks, click here, and to see what Hemmings is offering now for sale, find Hemmings in our directory.
