289-Powered 1939 International D-15 Pickup

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The International D-Series trucks, introduced for 1937, were a significant step forward for International Harvester's light-duty commercial lineup. The D-15 three-quarter to one-ton configuration sat in the middle of the range, built for work duty with a ladder frame, hydraulic brakes — a first for the D-Series — and Art Deco-influenced styling that gave it a more modern appearance than the utilitarian trucks it replaced.

Few D-Series Internationals survive in any form today, as the vast majority were worked until no longer serviceable. This 1939 example, acquired by the current seller in 2011, has been reimagined as a resto-mod with V8 power and updated wiring while retaining a classic look.

Under the seller's ownership, the truck was finished in tan over black fenders with a stained 2x6 wood flatbed with stake sides. The interior features a brown bench seat over a rubber floor mat and painted dashboard, and the seller notes that glass and rubber seals have been replaced.

Power comes from an overhauled Ford 289ci V8 fitted with a mild RV-spec cam, Pertronix ignition, headers, and a Holley 2-barrel carburetor with manual choke, backed by a Borg Warner T-10 4-speed manual transmission and a stock 4.89-ratio rear axle. A 12-volt electrical system was installed using a Highway 15 wiring harness, and the gauge cluster was refurbished and converted to 12-volt by CGR Resto in South Carolina.

This 1939 International D-15 Pickup is offered at no reserve with service records and a clean California title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• 1939 International D-15, first D-Series with hydraulic brakes

• Refurbished under current ownership, fewer than 200 miles reported

• Overhauled 289ci V8 with Pertronix ignition and Holley 2-barrel

• Borg Warner T-10 4-speed manual transmission

• 12-volt electrical system with Highway 15 wiring harness

• Gauge cluster converted to 12-volt by CGR Resto

• Factory Budd 6-lug military-style wheels

• Finished in tan with black fenders

Factory Equipment

• International D-15 ladder frame

• 4.89-ratio rear axle

• Budd 6-lug military-style wheels

• Crank-out windshield

• Painted steel dashboard

• Torpedo-style headlight assemblies

• Hydraulic four-wheel drum brakes

• Bench seat

Modifications

Engine & Drivetrain:

• Overhauled Ford 289ci V8 with mild RV-spec camshaft

• Pertronix electronic ignition

• Holley 2-barrel carburetor with manual choke

• Exhaust headers

• Griffin aluminum radiator with dual electric cooling fans

• Borg Warner T-10 4-speed manual transmission

• Aftermarket fuel tank with flush-mounted filler cap at rear of bed

Electrical:

• Highway 15 12-volt wiring harness

• Gauge cluster rebuilt and converted to 12-volt by CGR Resto, South Carolina

• Modern headlights installed in original torpedo-style housings

• Battery disconnect switch, concealed toggle under dash

• Hot and switched electrical leads to under-seat storage area

Exterior & Chassis:

• Steel flatbed frame with stained 2x6 wood floor, four coats of clear

• Stake sides, reported as unfinished

• Mickey Thompson 16" truck tires

• Replacement glass throughout

• Replacement rubber seals throughout

• Single-stage enamel paint

Interior:

• Stock-style Glide Engineering bench seat with under-seat storage

• Seatbelts installed

• Vintage Air heater and defroster

• Electric windshield wiper

• Dynamat sound deadener and thermal barrier at firewall and floorboard

Servicing & Documentation

• Refurbished under current ownership

• Disassembly and refurbishment photos are available in the gallery

• Refurbishment records accompany the sale

Known Imperfections

• Images detailing the vehicle’s condition are available in the gallery

• Transmission and rear end leak

• Emergency brake inoperative

• Temperature gauge reads approximately 40 degrees high at operating temperature

• The seller state that the interior is not fully finished

• Glove box removed

• Steering wheel cap not installed

• Horizontal stainless hood and grille trim not included

Ownership History

The current seller acquired this D-15 in 2011 with the homemade steel flatbed already installed and subsequently refurbished the vehicle. The seller reports fewer than 200 miles driven since the work was completed.

Included Items

• Service records

• Refurbished steering wheel cap