International Harvester Company arose from Cyrus McCormick’s work on advanced reapers in the Midwest. IHC began building tractors in 1906 and by 1909 had entered the automobile business with the Auto Wagon, a high-wheeled vehicle of many uses.

International Harvester ceased building passenger vehicles after 1911, concentrating on the commercial market. Light commercial vehicles, however, could be converted for passenger use by adding seats on the cargo bed, as on this machine. With two extra bench seats riding atop the rails of the bed, it becomes a nine-passenger open bus.

International’s high-wheelers used two-cylinder, 20 hp opposed engines. Both air-cooled and water-cooled versions were available. They had solid-tired wood carriage wheels; in some models, front and rear wheels were different sizes. Equipment was quite basic. The sole electrical component was a magneto. Acetylene headlamps and kerosene side and taillamps aided in night driving. The seats are upholstered in buttoned black leather. The wood body is medium blue, harmonizing with gloss black steel fenders and contrasting with yellow springs.

The Merrick Auto Museum purchased this IHC Motor Wagon in 2007. Previous owners include Jim Foglio in the 1990s and Jack Hostik of Dexter, Oregon, in the ’70s. Reportedly, it spent its working life delivering mail.