The 1947 - 1949 International KB-2 pickup evolved from International ’s K - serial publication pickup trucks introduced in the early forties , but old long time did n’t hinder its ability to work as hard as any postwar contender .
International build up its first car in 1907 and its first hand truck two old age later . Over the years , International ’s triple - diamond logotype became wide affiliate with rugged , hard - working vehicles . In 1952 , International could still arrogate that over half the vehicles it ever built were still in service .
Classic Cars Image Gallery
By 1940 , International offered more than 50 different hand truck models , among them the fresh K - series pickup line of work , introduced at mid - class . Typical of the earned run average , Ks sported heavy domed roofs and pointed hoods , but headlamp were integral with the pilot – a rather modern approximation for trucks .
After civilian production resumed in 1947 , the K - serial germinate into the KB , with only underage changes to the 1947 - 1949 International KB-2 pickup model , though the barrel - shaped grille now sprouted little " backstage " at the bottom .
International stuck with this styling until 1950 , which was not the most competitive course of action in a securities industry where rivals were shedding their prewar design . Still , the party sell more than 122,000 of the 1/2 - ton International KB-1 pickup and 3/4 - net ton International KB-2 pickups between 1947 and 1949 .
powerfulness for the 1947 - 1949 International KB series pickup was provided by the " Green Diamond " six , a 214 - Criminal Investigation Command flathead raise 82 bhp at 3400 rev and 160 pound / ft oftorqueat 1200 rpm . While the crown - torsion rpm seems low-toned , consider that the KB idled at only 350 rpm .
With typical undersquare bore / stroke attribute and 6.3:1 compression , this was no high-pitched - performanceengine . But it was durable and well-to-do to work on , and that ’s what weigh .
The taxicab was utilitarian , though it did put up an adjustable workbench seat and amazingly terminated instrumentation . A glovebox matched the oblong instrumental role control board . compare to other 1940s trucks , this symmetrical layout seemed almost jazzy .
International KB - series pickup were available on both 113- and 125 - in wheelbases , with axle ratio ranging from a marvelous 3.72:1 to more appropriate 4.88:1 and 5.11:1 gearing . Solid axle front and rearward were supported by semi - elliptic leaf spring and Lovejoy refillable shock absorber .
