Real estate prices (at least out here on the West Coast) are going through the roof, so there’s always folks looking for creative solutions. Here’s a nice little split-level shingled bungalow, with a very handsome front porch; perfect for that starter home. Just don’t stay in any one location too long, unless someone has invited you to do so.
I’ve always found these Internationals to be one of the most handsome trucks of the era. robadr shot it, and guesses it’s a 1949 model. There’s no good way to tell, as IH just built their trucks by series, which spanned several years. The KB was built from 1947-1949.
The KB was the successor to the K (1941-1946), which in turn was the successor to the D Series (1937-1940), which is when these newly designed trucks first appeared. Ken Kesey’s famous converted school bus, Further (or Furthur) is the same type.
The KB was available in a huge range, from a pickup to some of the largest heavy duty trucks then available. International’s various six cylinder inline gasoline engine powered the overwhelming majority.
A handsome logo too. This was truly the golden age of International.
The back of the house is a bit plain.
Unlike the front. Well, it’s a bit of a muddle in terms of architectural purity. But I’d love to have that for my front porch.
They say location is everything in real estate. This is the perfect solution; if you don’t like your location, just drive it away!
My dad had an international that was older I think, but looked a lot like this. It had a grain bed of course.
Tiny house movement goes International.
So then, architecturally, this would be International Style.
Perfect retirement home park it anywhere the scenery and weather is good.
A neighbor had his own retired fire truck built on one of these chassis’. I will never forget the very distinctive roar that that straight six created. For those who think all sixes sound like Ford’s little Falcon six, think again. Those big Binder Sixes sounded menacing. Almost as attention-getting as an old Hall-Scott.
Somebody have a audio/video clip of these?
No but I had a AL110 many years ago with a near straight thru exhaust italways sounded like it meant business a bit like a series C Austin six, real six cylinder engines.
I heard a 1935 Mack roar its way into a show once. Quite a sound (and sight).
This thing must travel a fair but, but I see Saskatchewan plates, and in Saskatchewan, everywhere is far away. The huge fuel tank is a give-away.
Wow! I saw that very truck driving down East Broadway in the opposite direction in Vancouver about two weeks ago. I’ve been thinking about it off and on since then. A kind of reverse-CC effect?
Paul–I’ve been waiting to read about/see pictures of your new rental house you’ve been building. How’s it coming? 😀
I have a feeling it sits on a newer chassis. Travelling all the way from Canada with the original 90 hp and archaic suspension / brakes would get old real quick.
I agree. You would definitely want some brake and suspension upgrades, and a little more power to keep up with modern traffic. Still, there would be nothing like a classic truck with a house on the back to explore the back roads.
The axles definitely are not original. IH didn’t use the 8 lug wheel pattern on those trucks. The front and rear axles do not appear to be from the same donor since they front wheels are the type used with single rear wheels, and they still seem to be sitting a bit deep in the wheel well. So yeah it at least has newer brakes.
Ha ha, that’s awesome! Although one would think that a motorhome would be more practical in every sense, with a bathroom and the ease of transitioning from the front to drive it, to just walking through to the back.
Looks like it would be fun to replace the fridge or the bed mattress through the front cab. Surprised it doesn’t have a deck off the back. Then again it does sport Saskatchewan plates 😉
Simply beautiful .
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I have seen many similar rigs over the years and I always wonder how practical they are ~ does the house need a steel frame or metal angle braces throughout to withstand the road vibrations ? .
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-Nate