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The International half-ton R series began in 1953 and went until 1955. The 1953 and 1954 R series had a two-piece back window, smaller side windows, and the same cab as the L series, which ran from 1949 until 1952. The 1955 R series, which is the one that Ken Smithson restored, had a one-piece back window and the same cab as the following S series.Ken's 1955 R110 was originally an Eckville, Alberta truck, purchased new by Brian McMann. Ken bought it from Clarence Eklund in 1982 and restored it in 1985.
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The International 1955 R110 before restoration in 1985.1955
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
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1955 R110 after restoration.1955
Smithson International Truck Museum
Credits:Rimbey Historical Society
Photo by Michael's Studio, Wendy Huff
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2004 front view of International 1955 R.1955
Smithson International Truck Museum
Credits:Rimbey Historical Society
Photo by Verna Field
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The S series of International trucks ran from 1955 until 1957. The S and the previous R series had the same cab, as seen in the photograph that follows. Ken Smithson bought his 1956 S100, dubbed the "Painter's Truck", from James Pulsifer of James River Bridge, Alberta, southwest of Red Deer. Ken, who was working on road construction north of Sundre at the time and building a road right by Pulsifer's farm, spotted the 1956 International in Pulsifer's yard and bought it for $500. The old tube-style radio in the '56 still worked, but the cab had two serious dents, one in the front and an identical dent in the back. Ken asked how the dents came about. The previous owners, painters, had tried to drive the truck into their garage, but the garage was too low and they dented the cab. So they turned the truck around and tried backing it in instead.Ken bought this truck in 1981 and restored it in 1985. Rimbey Collision Repair did the bodywork.
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Two International half-tons, the 1956 S100 on the left and the 1955 R110 beside it.1956 and 1955
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
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International's A series began in 1957 and continued until 1959, with the 1958 as their Golden Jubilee model. Ken Smithson bought his 1958 A100 from Clarence Eklund in 1981 and restored it in 1984. Built from portions of two trucks, the truck dubbed "the Pink" supplied parts to restore "the Blue". Jim Merriman, who lived east of Eckville, Alberta, had owned the primary truck new. Ron Palm later acquired it but had continual trouble getting it to run. He had once rolled it when transporting a lawnmower in the cab. While trying to control the lawnmower, he lost control of the truck.When beginning work on the A series, Ken surveyed his collection of derelicts, among which were at least three different A series trucks. Originally he hauled in the Pink, by far in the best condition. But Ken loved the colour blue. He began to work on the Pink but he could not tolerate the colour. So he hauled it back out and brought in the Blue.
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International 1958 A100 after restoration in 1984.1958
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
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Following is a photo of the 1958 A100 as it appeared in the movie Isaac Littlefeathers, which was released in 1987. In the movie, this truck belonged to the owner of the store called Kapp's Quality Fruit, and was driven by actor Lou Jacobi. The 1948 KB-1 was also used in the same movie.10
International 1958 A as seen in the movie Isaac Littlefeathers.1958
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
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The B series from International ran from 1957 until 1959. This 1959 B100 was bought from Johnny Walters of Leedale, Alberta in 1985 and restored in 1987. Although this series marked the first year that International manufactured an optional V8 motor, the truck Ken restored still has a six-cylinder.12
International 1959 B100 before restoration was complete in 1987.1959
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
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Using the frame from Walter's truck, Ken installed a cab and fenders - in very good condition - off a one-ton belonging to Clarence Eklund. However, before work could begin, Ken stripped this truck right down. He first fixed the frame and built it up from the bottom. Many trucks contributed parts to complete the final product.14
1959 B100 before painting was completed.1959
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
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