The International Harvester Travelall was produced from 1953 to 1975 in several different variations and two different generations. Other than the Chevy Suburban, it was one of the first vehicles that we would now consider to be an SUV. This 1974 model is in fantastic shape and shows the most refined version of the truck. Powered by the biggest cubic inch gas engine Internationals Harvester offered, a 392ci mill, it should move down the road pretty well, although it certainly is not a tire blazing hot rod. Interestingly in 1974, you are almost more likely to see one of these Travelalls powered by a 401ci AMC engine as there was a shortage of IH 392s that year.
These trucks could be had as four wheels drives or two wheel drives and this one happens to be a 2WD example. Basically, it is a big station wagon, much like the big SUVs of today. We dig the hell out of the odd shade of green and the simulated wood grain paneling running from front to back down the big slab sides of the beast. The interior is brown (which seems to be the same shade as the majority of 1970s factory interiors) and appears to be in fantastic condition. With only 52,000 miles on the odometer, that makes sense. There wasn’t much available in the way of luxury items in the Travelall line, but this one has a fairly advanced option for the day, a power rear window. The passengers have to provide their own power for the side windows, though.
In 1973 and 1974 Travelalls were offered with a neat trim level called the, “Wagon Master”. Trucks with this package had the roof lopped off right after the rear seats and what would normally be the cargo area became a small bed. The intention was for the bed to be used to mount the ball for a fifth wheel trailer. This would have been a great vehicle for families that did a lot of camping or for people who had a really zooty trailer back in the day. Not many were sold, and we’ve never actually seen one in public.
We want this thing bad! Yes, the 392 is not all that powerful and has a near epic thirst for fuel, but who the hell really cares! These aren’t the grand daddy of today’s SUV, but they are a cool uncle. Oh, and with a curb weight of just over 4200lbs it weighs slightly LESS than a new Challenger!
eBay Link: 1974 International Harvester Travelall
Oh the Wagonmaster. I have seen one that was restored and know where one is still in use on a farm. I want it to be my next victom.