The Travelall was International Harvester’s family work truck, equivalent to the GMC Suburban of the same era. Robust, solidly constructed, and able to roll over just about anything Nature could put into its path, it was meant to be driven into the ground over a period of decades—and, indeed, many were. Thus, these once-ubiquitous haulers are now extremely scarce, and certainly none have survived the years as well as the 35,500-mile original example offered here.

Albert Tapp of Bremerton, Washington, bought the Travelall new from the Snoqualmie Valley Garage on 25 August 1953, with plans to use it for hunting and family camping trips to Yosemite and Yellowstone. Unfortunately, not long after the acquisition, Mr. Tapp was afflicted with Parkinson’s disease and was soon unable to drive the truck. He nonetheless placed the International that he dubbed “Old Faithful” into dry storage, and there it remained until well after his passing, receiving regular detailing courtesy of the sentimental Tapp family.

On 6 January 1978, Mr. Tapp’s nephew, Loren M. Holms, finally sold the Travelall to its second owner, Reed Doph, a researcher for Harrah’s Automobile Collection in Reno, Nevada. In conversation with Mr. Mohrschladt, only the truck’s third owner, Mr. Doph recounted flying to Seattle from Reno armed with nothing but a toothbrush and a briefcase filled with cash. He drove his acquisition, then with 31,000 miles, home to Nevada in a 800-mile journey, and retained ownership of it until selling it to Mr. Mohrschladt in 2000.

The Travelall has been properly maintained thereafter and still runs and “goes” strongly, now with 35,500 miles accrued since new. According to Mr. Mohrschladt, whose fondness for the International is immense, it remains totally original aside from the usual expendable items, such as the tires, belts, hoses, and batteries, as well as new paint on the wheels. Its degree of preservation is obvious upon closer inspection. Further, the Travelall is accompanied by a fascinating and comprehensive history file, which includes documentation back to the original purchase in 1953 and “glove box treasures”—a map of Olympic National Park, and two of Mr. Tapp’s driver’s licenses . . . from 1925 and 1926. Oil change and service stickers from Bremerton garages are still inside the doors.

A beautifully preserved workaday machine, this International is among the most interesting trucks to have been offered in recent years and certainly the only one of its kind to remain so well-preserved. For the dedicated IHC collector, or for the enthusiast looking for a way to Yosemite, it will prove impossible to beat.