Production 1949–1952 | Layout FR layout | |
 | ||
Manufacturer International Harvester Engine 220 cu in (3.6 l) Silver Diamond I6
240 cu in (3.9 l) Silver Diamond I6
269 cu in (4.4 l) Super Blue Diamond I6 Transmission 3-speed manual
Model T9 4-speed HD manual (non-synchro)
4-speed Model T98 manual Wheelbase 115 in (2,921 mm) or 127 in (3,226 mm) (L-110/L1-111)
127 in (3,226 mm) (L-112)
134 in (3,404 mm) (L-130) | ||
The International Harvester L-Series was introduced by International Harvester in fall 1949 as the replacement for the KB-Series and were available as everything from light pickup trucks and delivery vehicles to full-size tractor-trailers. Electric wipers, a radio, and a clock were optional. International would continue to produce the line until 1952 when it was replaced by the R Series.
Contents
Development
Heavier versions such as the L-150 to L-185 models had taller bodywork to accommodate a bigger engine, beefier chassis, and larger wheels. To hide this in appearance, they receive an extra, full-width chrome grille bar underneath the other two and the headlights. The L-190-L210 models had a longer, narrower hood and taller grille than all the smaller models, surrounded by oversized fenders. These trucks were a different look although they have the same cab as the smaller trucks. Of the pickup-type bodies, these were available in 6 ft and 8 ft lengths. On L-130 models, a 9-1/2 ft long pickup bed of same design was available and accommodated dual rear wheels. Two different styles of IH factory flatbeds with removable sides were also available for sizes up to L-180. Other bodies were designed around the basic truck chassis of each series, such as the "Metro" LM120-122 and LM150-152, the "bread trucks" used by bakeries or laundries for example. They hardly resembled the L-Line. The LB-140 Milk Delivery truck was also an oddity with its looks and revolutionary semi-automatic clutch, however it had the L-line face. The LC160-162 and LC180-182 cab-over trucks, or cab-forwards" as they were then called, were another oddity of their own.
The L-series was also built in Australia, where it was called the AL-series.
The first of the marketing names
Mining, construction, & industrial
To further bolster its presence alongside IH's own massive line of heavy construction equipment and meet highway weight limits, the LF-170, LF-190, and LF-210 series was built. These were tandem-axle 6x4 drivetrain trucks for hauling heavier loads than their 4x2 counterparts. For example, the GVW of a L-194 is 25,500 vs the 38,000 of the LF-194.
Engines
The lighter duty versions were equipped with the all-new OHV "Silver Diamond" engines in two different sizes (220cid & 240cid), while the medium-duty versions retained the older 269 ci "Blue Diamond", also an OHV engine, although it was now called the "Super Blue Diamond" after some detail improvements. The BD-269 has the same peak power as the smallest, but offers more torque, at 222 lb·ft (301 N·m) versus 192 lb·ft (260 N·m) for the Silver Diamond 240.