1930 International 3800

1930 International 6 Speed Special 1 Ton Truck The first International engine driven farm tractor was manufactured in 1906, and the first engine driven truck was introduced the next year. The author of International Trucks, Frederick W. Crismon, said, The first motor truck was known as the Auto Buggy, the newcomer was adaptable as either a passenger vehicle or, when the back seat was removed, as a light truck. It found quick acceptance among farmers. Motorcities.org For consignment, a 1930 International 6 Speed Special 1 ton truck showing 25,769 miles, but the true miles are unknown. Family owned since 1967, this veteran of parades has been kept original and was housed at the family's International truck dealership until 2021 at which time it was stored at a home. Exterior This rare find presents nicely with black paint covering everything from the grille to the cowl and including the fenders and running board. From there, green takes over and covers the cab and enclosed bed. The frame and wheels are painted red, as they were from the factory, which creates a wonderful contrast that immediately catches the eye. International's early enamel emblem is on the grille surround, a triple diamond the company included with the phrase, This emblem identifies great trucks in early print ads. The high walled bed is made of substantial wood planks bound with robust hardware, showing appropriate age under the green paint, while the planks on the floor of the bed are smooth. Back in front, the boxy cab has a vertical two part windshield with a visor, single wiper, and single side mirror. 20-inch cast spoke wheels carry 6.00-20 tires and other than some patina, the exterior of the truck is in fantastic condition. Interior Black painted inner doors lead a black vinyl split bench, simply constructed and emblematic of early work trucks. A wood rimmed four spoke steering wheel presents to the driver and shares the column with the spark and throttle levers while the choke is on the dash along with the speedometer, ammeter, oil pressure gauge, temp gauge, and ignition. A toggle switch has been added to send power to the coil as the ignition switch recently failed. The beautifully aged wood floor is home to the shifter and emergency brake lever. Wood laths dress the ceiling providing both structure and vintage esthetics. Drivetrain The very original 173ci Waukesha L-head 4 cylinder is behind the engine covers, rated at 30 horsepower and fueled by a 1-barrel carburetor. It is tied to a 3-speed manual transmission sending power to the 2 speed Eaton rear with 6.33 gears. Mechanical drum brakes are utilized on front and rear wheels. The truck remains in its 6 volt configuration. Undercarriage Pressed steel channel type is used on the meaty frames, painted red and clean underneath. In fact, all major components are red underneath including the massive rear axle, giant U-bolts, and leaf springs. We note some oil around the transmission and some dampness on the rear differential, but the truck is 95 years old, so none of it comes as a surprise on this otherwise clean underside. A single exhaust flows to a stock style muffler before terminating under the truck and beefy leaf springs are used front and rear for suspension. Drive-Ability This vintage rig made its way around the test loop like a champ, the L-head's 30 horses propelling the truck with smooth, functional power. Visibility from on high is good as long as your mind your blind spots, the rear window providing a view of the back and bed. We note the headlights and trip odometer are not working, but all other functions on board do. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase. This one ton is the baby of the International family of 1930 with models that range all the way up to five tons and all would be painted in a similar confi