The International R-Series replaced the L-Series in 1953 and provided a facelift for what has become a collectible series of pickup trucks. This black cherry custom International is reported as a multiple award winner that benefitted from a 4,600-hour build with modern power for ease of use with comfort.

This 1954 R100 was discovered by a barn on a Missouri farm in the 1990s. A “project of passion” ensued with the mounting of an impressive 28-month stretch in which 4,600-hours were devoted to the build of this International. The goal was to take the style and originality of the International design and change it to an easy to drive, dependable highway cruiser and show truck.

The restored body, in its original and stock appearance, was painted Black Cherry by Long Beach Auto Body in Branson, Missouri with Rags to Riches in Hollister, Missouri doing the tastefully customized interior. It was then dropped onto a 1980s Ford F-150 frame. The entire running gear and suspension is Ford F-150, including the 300-cid, 145-hp inline six-cylinder engine and four-speed manual transmission. Modern conveniences of power steering and brakes helps make it the easy-on-the-eyes cruiser that it was intended as.

Among the equipment are custom wheels, wood-trimmed running boards, finished natural wood bed extensions, dual rearview mirrors, chrome bumpers and tasteful pinstripes.

This International was completed in 1999 and immediately hit the show circuit, garnering a plethora of trophies including many first place awards. It was also featured in “This Old Truck” and “Classic Trucks” magazines.

Around 2009, it was acquired by the current owner who continues to show it and take it to cruise-ins.