For 22 years and across four automotive generations, the Travelall was International Harvester's own land yacht. Last generation models, like this example from Survivor Classic Car Services in Palmetto, Florida, sport a massive 119 in. wheelbase - in league with other classic full-sized SUVs like the Chevy Suburban of the same year (129.5 in.).
But, as glorious as these tankers were (and are), their size was their downfall and, by the mid-70s, they became expendable by way of the 1973 oil crisis and an unfortunate casualty of a larger corporate migration from consumer automotive back to industrial / agricultural equipment.
The Model.
First offered for the first time for 1953 model year, the International Harvester Travelall was a wagon variation of their venerable light truck line with the explicit purpose of moving a whole clan across a multitude of terrains.
Although its primary competitor was the Suburban, the Travelall was an innovator, offering new access doors several years before the GM counterparts.
The Fourth - and unfortunately, the last - Generation of International Harvester Travelalls were offered in three variations: 1000, 1100, and 1200 payload. This nomenclature was revised for the 1974 model year to the 100, 150, and 200 Series. It could be purchased in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, the latter available only on the 1100 and 1200.
This is a 1100-series two-wheel drive Travelall, and it is one glorious monster. It was assembled in the Springfield, OH facility and features that super-cool woodgrain exterior paneling with Sunburst Yellow metal.
The Specs.
Powering this particular Travelall is an International Harvester 345 ci. V8, one of five motors available for the Fourth Generation Travelall - four V8s and one I6. The Travelall offered but one trim level but tons of customization options, and this one appears to be a well-appointed example.
Interestingly, it appears that this example was offered on Bring a Trailer in November 2021, but failed to meet reserve and was bid only to $15,000 by the time the auction expired.
By no way is this a reflection on the new offered price, but it does seem that, with limited comps available, that the Travelall is one of many wonderful classics where deriving a value can be a tricky proposition. And, we should note, several improvements appear to have been completed between the time of that auction and how we see this Travelall presented today.
Check out the features and specifications for this 1974 International Harvester 100 Series.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- International Harvester 345 ci. V8 engine
- Three-speed automatic transmission
- Approximately 15,512 miles shown (TMU)
- Sunburst Yellow exterior with wood paneling
- Sage upholstry
- High-back bucket seats
- Third-row bench