The International Harvester Company arose from founder 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 with wide-ranging commercial and civilian applications. Most American roads were unpaved, roughly hewn paths during the Brass Era, and thus the Auto Wagon’s high-wheeled versatility made it a resounding success in both urban and rural locales.

IHC’s high-wheelers utilized two-cylinder, 20-horsepower, opposed-piston engines which drove the rear wheels via a dual chain-drive setup. Earlier models were air-cooled, though by 1912 they were also available in a water-cooled variant such as this example. The company ceased to build passenger vehicles after 1911 and thus concentrated on the commercial market. However, light commercial vehicles could still be converted for passenger use by adding seats on the cargo bed, as is the case with the 1912 Auto Wagon Model MW Delivery offered here.

Renowned for its versatility and adaptability to both commercial and passenger-carrying uses, the IHC Auto Wagons were marketed to the public as the “Farmer’s Favorite”—a slogan that rang true with IHC’s largely Midwestern clientele who championed its products.

This MW Delivery—which benefits from a well-kept older restoration of evident quality—is presented today from the esteemed collection of noted enthusiast Conrad Fletcher. It sports one of the rarest known Auto Wagon configurations, with a water-cooled engine and “four-plus-pickup” body. Attractively clad with a Fire Engine Red body upon a black chassis and Primrose Yellow detailing, which extends to the iconic set of refinished, 16-spoke artillery wheels shod in solid rubber tires, this MW Delivery Auto Wagon is truly a mechanical beauty to behold.

Desirable, period-correct features are found throughout, from the brass acetylene headlamps and solid wood-rimmed steering wheel to the kerosene cowl lights and taillights. Both benches are upholstered in tufted black leather, and the rear one can be easily removed or repositioned along the entire length of the body. The car has been notably improved with an updated Bosch magneto and other enhancements for greater reliability during touring use. Since entering Fletcher’s collection, this IHC has been regularly maintained and enjoyed.

A rare and unique example of IHC’s famous high-wheeler Auto Wagon, this fascinating Model MW Delivery is sure to excite all discerning connoisseurs of early American, Brass Era automobiles.