Today’s vehicle is a 1937 International D-2 1/2 ton pickup truck originally owned by Dante Dusi. It is still in the family on displayed at J Dusi Winery where I photographed this non-operational truck located in Paso Robles, CA. It is finished in heavy patina with a well weathered interior! It would have been powered by a 80 hp, 213 cu in, L head Inline 6 cylinder, mated to a 3-speed manual transmission with a 4.18:1 rear axle ratio. Slowing this pickup down would have been hydraulic brakes all 4 corners. The front suspension drop center I beam axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs. The rear suspension is semi-floating axle with longitudinal semi-elliptical leaf springs.
International trucks have been built and sold by the International Harvester Company from 1909 until the present, it was renamed Navistar International in 1986. The Model D series were produced between 1932 – 1940. There were 88,867 1/2 ton trucks produced in 1937. The MSRP was $440.00., The published top speed of 60 to 65.
I like seeing old vehicles at wineries and think that having grandpa’s truck as winery art is the best. You won’t see this truck at car shows or Cars and Coffee events, but it is perfectly at home at the greeting guests into winery. Thank you for riding along. Frank
