1949 International Harvester KB2 Pick-Up (LHD Import)
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
- Beautifully restored in 2016
- No expense spared
- All parts sourced from the US
The Appeal
Here is a very rare sight indeed, an International KB2 Pick-up. International Harvester was renowned in America for manufacturing farm machinery and the decision to make a truck was a natural progression. 42 models were available in over 100 wheelbase and load ratings and were a firm favourite due to their toughness and simple pre-war design.
This KB2 model with a 3500 cc straight six engine came to the UK in 2001 and was home restored in 2001 until the current owner bought it and restored it fully in 2016. ‘Big Red’ as it has always been known, is such a rare restored example of US Pick-up prowess
This KB2 model with a 3500 cc straight six engine came to the UK in 2001 and was home restored in 2001 until the current owner bought it and restored it fully in 2016. ‘Big Red’ as it has always been known, is such a rare restored example of US Pick-up prowess
The History and Paperwork
- Imported by the Chairman of the Pre-50s American Car Club in 2001
- Restored at home in 2001
- Fully restored in 2016
- Lots of invoices
- Genuine original workshop manual
- Genuine period parts catalogues
Once the Chairman of the Pre-50s American Car Club had brought the truck over in 2001, who incidentally had bought it from his Uncle who’d owned it for 20 years himself, it was renovated in his home garage and was completed. By 2012 the current owner purchased it and used it for house moves, trips to the tip and so on until he decided to give it a full restoration in 2016.
This project would mean the removal of all panels and be built back from the freshly blasted chassis upwards. There’s quite a bit of proof of the sums paid for parts and labour through the invoices and all components needed were derived from America culminating in what can only be described as a stunning example.
This project would mean the removal of all panels and be built back from the freshly blasted chassis upwards. There’s quite a bit of proof of the sums paid for parts and labour through the invoices and all components needed were derived from America culminating in what can only be described as a stunning example.
The Interior
- New headlining
- Original fittings and instruments
- Retrimmed seats
- Factory-fitted switch gear
Big Red is a utility vehicle and therefore you can’t expect much in the way of luxury in the cabin. However, it is remarkably spacious compared with any UK offerings of the time. All the switches and controls have been retained as has the mantle clock-style instrument cluster. It may be a little sparse but at least you have a handy gun rack just behind your head.
Luckily that remains unused. The load area has also received a full make-over which has been fully re-decked in timber and a nice wooden side frame finishes a very authentic look.
Luckily that remains unused. The load area has also received a full make-over which has been fully re-decked in timber and a nice wooden side frame finishes a very authentic look.
The Exterior
- Multi-layered coachwork
- Refurbished original steel wheels
- Imported white-walled tyres
- Factory roof spot lamp
- Lots of original chrome
- All original panels
On the outside the truck is simply big and bold, hence the long-standing nickname ‘Big Red’. Typical large arches cover the freshly tyred steel wheels and the quality of the paintwork appears exceptional. Mind you, it should do as each panel was removed, reworked and finished in 6 layers of bright red paint.
The fit and finish look fabulous and an attention to detail has ensured that the truck retains its full originality by keeping all the bright chrome that is indicative of American design. At the same time, the vehicle has not lost any of its purposeful character and could dutifully fulfil its purpose today as much as it did in 1949
The fit and finish look fabulous and an attention to detail has ensured that the truck retains its full originality by keeping all the bright chrome that is indicative of American design. At the same time, the vehicle has not lost any of its purposeful character and could dutifully fulfil its purpose today as much as it did in 1949
The Mechanics
- Original 6-cylinder engine
- Manual column change transmission
- Overhauled braking system
- Floor starter
The engine and gearbox remain standard but the owner has had everything checked and fully serviced. The engine bay has been left original and is tidy and of course, still bears the factory ID plate quoting an expected power output of 73 horsepower. The brakes have been fully overhauled and inspire reasonable confidence.
Starting is an interesting process as there is not only a choke but an idle control too. These are used in combination with the floor-mounted starter so not only will a new owner have to deal with column change, but an unusual starting procedure. The current owner has promised to provide a lesson.
Starting is an interesting process as there is not only a choke but an idle control too. These are used in combination with the floor-mounted starter so not only will a new owner have to deal with column change, but an unusual starting procedure. The current owner has promised to provide a lesson.
Summary
This is the point in the proceedings where things would get wrapped up and important things would be pointed out as to why this particular machine is worthy of consideration.
Yes, it is lovingly restored, it has had lots of time and money spent on it and of course, it is rare, but come on, just look at it, it is a wonderful thing to look at and has already been a show winner. Surely this truck is a thing of beauty to all that gaze upon it. Or is it just me?
Yes, it is lovingly restored, it has had lots of time and money spent on it and of course, it is rare, but come on, just look at it, it is a wonderful thing to look at and has already been a show winner. Surely this truck is a thing of beauty to all that gaze upon it. Or is it just me?
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1949
- Make International Harvester
- Model KB2 Pickup Truck
- Colour Red
- Odometer 79,351 Miles
- Engine size 3500
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Tarporley
- Location Cheshire
- Country United Kingdom
20
bids
- Ri•••• £15,000 19/06/23
- gr•••• £14,500 19/06/23
- Ri•••• £13,501 19/06/23
- gr•••• £12,500 19/06/23
- Ri•••• £12,001 19/06/23
- tr•••• £11,750 19/06/23
- Ri•••• £11,250 19/06/23
- tr•••• £10,750 18/06/23
- Ri•••• £10,250 18/06/23
- gr•••• £9,900 18/06/23
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.