1912 International Harvester - $84,900 - Orange Village, OH - This 1912 International Harvester is a remarkable 100-year-old survivor in almost entirely original condition. It offers the water-cooled version of the 196.5 cubic inch horizontally-opposed 2-cylinder engine, and remains in fully functional condition. While we don’t know a lot of its history, it was obviously and intentionally dressed up with period accessories and other paraphernalia to give it a rustic, down-on-the-farm look. Nevertheless, it also sports original finishes, upholstery, and even the 100-year-old canvas top. A great majority of the body is wood, with steel fenders over the tall, thin wooden wheels. It comes by its patina honestly, although there are a few touches here and there which appear to be intentional, such as dollops of caulk on some surfaces, perhaps intended to simulate paint (or other) droppings. It still carries its original acetylene headlights, kerosene-fired cowl lamps and a pair of kerosene lanterns out back, as well as its original radiator, which remains in good condition with no leaks. There’s brass under the patina, but quite honestly, it looks just right the way it is.
The seat is original black leather, and given its age, it’s remarkably well preserved. And again, like the rest of this little wagon, it’s absolutely ideal given the overall condition. A wooden firewall/dashboard separates the passengers from the underhood area, which is really only for show, as the engine is located under the seat. The original wooden steering wheel is in outstanding condition, and you’ll find that this International offers not only a commanding driving position, but also light steering and unbeatable sightlines over the stubby hood. The bed is also all-original, and is now filled with interesting pieces of bric-a-brac that either adds appeal or looks like garage sale fodder, and we’ll leave it to the new owner to decide how it should be displayed. We will note, however, that no other vehicle in our showroom attracts as much attention as this little truck, and visitors often spend more time examining the many artifacts out back as they do the features of any other car we have in stock. Its appeal is undeniable and universal.
Fitted with a modern 12-volt starter that has been expertly grafted onto the original flywheel, the IH is easy to start and drives, well, like a horse-drawn wagon without the horse. As I mentioned, steering is light, and with a top speed of about 25 MPH, it generates a lot of attention in parades, which is really its ideal activity. It rattles and clanks along with a cheerful exhaust note that’s surprisingly robust for a two-cylinder engine, kind of like a low-compression Harley-Davidson. Controls are simple and easy to master, and the overall impression is that commercial vehicles 100 years ago were a lot of fun to drive. Even the wood spoke wheels and solid rubber tires are in remarkably good condition, showing no delamination or chunking that would warrant replacement.
Quite honestly, if you’re looking at this International Harvester, you know what a remarkable find it is. Finding another like this is quite unlikely, and its remarkable combination of originality and fun décor makes it a wonderful centerpiece of any collection.
For more photos and information, please visit www.VintageMotorCarsUSA.com.