Curbside Capsule: 1974 International Travelall – Tougher Than The Rest

1974 International Travelall left rear

In a small Midwestern town, this Travelall stood out as visitor from a faraway land: Montana license plate, big-rig mudflaps and a rifle rack in the rear window suggest a life a bit more rugged than what typical modern SUVs experience.  In many ways, this truck reminds me of one of the first Internationals I remember seeing.  When I was a kid, my father had a new coworker join his office – this man moved to Philadelphia from Colorado, and brought his International Scout, replete with “Colorado” big rig mudflaps.  To young me, no vehicle better symbolized the rugged, tough West.  And after admiring this Travelall, I still consider that to be true.

1973 and 1974 International Travelall ads

Ironically, International Harvester conveyed a different message in Travelall marketing materials.  These vehicles are more often shown on vacation or in the suburbs than off-roading or working on a ranch.  This held true for Chevy Suburbans and Jeep Wagoneers as well, though from my perspective International had more of a husky reputation than Chevy or Jeep, which makes the dichotomy more dramatic.

1974 International Travelall left front

This particular Travelall is from the model’s penultimate year of 1974, and is a “100” (½-ton) series.  While it may look like the Grenoble Green is accented by white in a two-tone paint scheme, the white is actually a vinyl applique.  International’s “Custom Exterior Trim” package offered buyers a choice of woodgrain or white vinyl on the side panels – and that accounts for cracking visible in the photo.

1974 International Travelall brochure cover

It’s hard to look at a Travelall and not marvel at how contemporary the overall concept appears.  Fifty years ago, who would have guessed that large, versatile vehicles straddling the car/truck boundary would become a dominant market force?

1974 International Travelall left rear

This vehicle must have led an interesting life.  And judging by its intact condition, plus the fact that it’s parked next to an International pickup, it has likely found a good home.  Happy trails to this tough Travelall!

 

Photographed in Lansing, Iowa in June 2023.