 International 1941 K-1 pickup at American Truck Historical Society show, Reno, Nevada, 2001 | |
| Manufacturer | International Harvester Co. |
|---|---|
| Introduced date | 1941 |
| Discontinued date | 1947 |
| Preceding model | D-2 |
| Superseded by | KB-1 |
| Production locations | Springfield, Ohio |
| No built | 48229 |
| Capacity tons/GVW/GCW | ½-ton, 4400 lb GVW |
| Engine | |
| Make | International |
| Model | Green Diamond GRD-214 |
| Fuel | gasoline |
| Cooling | water |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement ci / L | 213 ci |
| Power HP @ rpm | 82 @ 3400 |
| Transmission | |
| Gearbox make (model) | International HDS |
| Gearbox type | syncromesh |
| Gears (forward speeds) | 3 (4 optional) |
| Axles & drive | |
| Wheels/drive | 4x2 |
| Rear Axle Make (Model) | International R-1050 spiral-bevel |
| Tires standard/optional | 6.00-16 4-ply / 7.00-15 (late-model low-profile in photo) |
| Other | |
| Shipping weight | 2908 lb |
| List price | $710 (1940) |
The ½-ton K-1 replaced the International D-2 Truck for 1941. The chassis of the K-1 was similar to that of the D-2 and the cab was also about the same as before. However, the front-end sheetmetal was completely restyled to reflect the automobile styling of the day. The K-1 got a V-shaped hood and a tall, narrow grille. Headlights were integrated into the fenders. The last D-2s had been available only with the 113" wheelbase, but the K-1 came in both short- and long-wheelbase versions. The basic rating of the K-1 was ½-ton but, for ideal conditions, it was available as the K-1H with a ¾-ton rating. The GVW rating of the K-1 was 4,400 lb, the same as for the D-2. The HD-213 engine of the D2 was redesigned, with new heads, manifolds, and other changes, to become the Green Diamond GRD-214. Displacement remained at 213 ci, but horsepower was up from 78 to 82. The economy special HD-174 became the GRD-175, with horsepower up to 64.
The K-1 had a reputation as a very rugged and long-lasting, but stodgy, pickup that was slightly underpowered and overpriced compared with its competition. Serial numbers given by the National Automobile Dealers Association (N.A.D.A.) suggest that 25,990 K1s were built for 1941, including 4,967 in late 1940. Production figures listed by Crismon (1995) are slightly different, showing 21,823 made in the U.S. and 1,352 in Canada in 1941 and 1,513 in the U.S. in late 1940 for a total of 24,688. The K-1 was the 4th best-selling ½-ton in 1941, behind Chevrolet and Ford, almost equal to 3rd place Dodge, and well ahead of GMC. International was the most expensive ½-ton, with a basic chassis price of $550. The main competiton ranged from $478 (Chevrolet) to $516 (Studebaker). The K1’s 82 hp put it equal with Dodge and slightly ahead of Studebaker (80 hp) but behind Ford (85 hp), GMC (88 hp), and Chevrolet (90 hp).
See also[]
- International D-2 Truck
- International KB-1 Truck
- International Trucks
- International Harvester
- Navistar International
References / sources[]
- Crismon, Frederick W. (1995). International Trucks. Motorbooks International, Osceola, Wisconsin.
- Mroz, Albert (1996). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of American Trucks and Commercial Vehicles. Krause Publications, Iola, Wisconsin.
- Rice, Gini. Relics of the Road #3: Impressive International Trucks 1907-1947. Truck Tracks, Inc., Lake Oswego, Oregon.
External links[]
- Hays Antique Truck Museum
- Heidrick Ag History Center
- American Truck Historical Society
- International Trucks
- Navistar
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