International Harvester S-Series
| International Harvester S-Series | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |
International Harvester (1978-1986) Navistar International (1986-2001) |
| Also called |
Navistar International 4000-Series Navistar International 8000-Series |
| Production | 1977-2001 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Class 6-7 medium-duty truck |
| Body style |
|
| Layout |
4x2 6x4 |
| Related |
International S-Series "Schoolmaster" International 3800 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
Gasoline Diesel |
| Transmission |
Manual Automatic |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor |
International Harvester Fleetstar (to 1978) International Harvester Loadstar (1962-1979) |
| Successor | International 4000-Series/DuraStar |
The International Harvester S-Series was a medium and heavy-duty truck line manufactured by International Harvester. "S-Series" was first used as a label for the 1956 and 1957 Light Line trucks, until replaced by the A-series for 1958. The S-series label was reintroduced in mid-1977 as a replacement for the International Harvester Fleetstar. In 1979, other versions of the S-Series were introduced to succeed the Loadstar-series. Like the Loadstar, the S-Series were straight trucks commonly used for local delivery; the versions replacing the Fleetstar were semi-tractors or severe-service straight trucks. Additionally, the S-Series (and its replacement, the 3800) proved popular in the school bus industry. The S-Series was the last product line designed from the ground up by International Harvester themselves; it was produced in its original form until the end of the 1980s. Production of the second-generation S-Series ended in 2001.
Design History
The origins of the S-Series nameplate date to 1955, when International Harvester introduced a successor to the R-Series for the 1956 model year. This S-Series was available primarily as light-duty (pickup) and medium-duty trucks, as the R-series of heavier trucks continued largely unchanged. Nonetheless, the heaviest versions (like the S-1840) had gross vehicle weights of 24,000 lb (10,890 kg) and 308 ci "Black Diamond" engines.[1] Production of the light duty S-Series ended in 1957, when it was replaced by the A-series.[2] As with its predecessor the R-series, the "S" also formed the basis of a full-size station wagon called the Travelall.
The S-184 heavy version was produced in Brazil by International's Brazilian subsidiary, until Chrysler bought it in 1966.[3]
Reintroduction
In April 1977, at the New Orleans Superdome, the all-new S-series medium-duty trucks were introduced.[4] They would eventually replace the Loadstar and Fleetstar trucks, and had originally been intended to be marketed as the "Tristars" The heavier 2200, 2500, and 2600 models (28,000-45,000 lb GVW) were the first to hit the market, although lighter models (down to the 1600 series) followed in the summer of 1978.[5] The six-wheeled versions of the "S" were called F-series.[6]
In 1987, to reflect the corporate change from International Harvester to Navistar International, the S-Series received new badging. The IHC logo seen on the steering wheel was replaced by the Navistar diamond logo. On the outside, the International name was moved from the top to the bottom of the grille. Instead of matching the grille color, all S-Series trucks wore a red International badge.
1989 Facelift
Most of the components were carried over into an updated line of medium duty trucks (the straight trucks were re-branded International 4000 Series, while the tractors became the International 8000 Series) with a redesigned hood and interior in 1989. These products underwent interior updates in 1992 and 1995, remaining in production until the end of the 2001 model year.
Models
- Trucks (International Harvester)
- S-1600
- S-1700
- S-1800
- S-1900
- S-2000
- S-2200 (short hood, wide cab)
- S-2500 (long hood)
- S-2600 (long hood, set back front axle)
- Trucks (Navistar International)
- 4600
- 4700
- 4900
- 8100
- 8200
- Buses
- 1853FC front-engine forward control
- S-Series "Schoolmaster" conventional
- 3400 cutaway cab
- 3600 semi-forward control
- 3700 conventional
- 3800 conventional (replaced "Schoolmaster" with 3700)
Powertrain
- Gasoline Engines
- International Harvester
- 345 cubic-inch V8 (1979–1986)
- 392 cubic-inch V8 (1979–1986)
- MV-404 6.6 liter V8 (1979–1981)
- MV-446 7.3 liter V8 (1979–1981) (gasoline ancestor of the International Harvester IDI engine)
- Diesel Engines
- V8
- International Harvester DV550 9.0 L (551 cu in) V8 (1979-1987)
- D-150/170/190 (September 1978-December 1979)
- 9.0L (January 1980-1987)
- International Harvester IDI 6.9 L (420 cu in) (1983-1987)
- International Harvester IDI 7.3 L (444 cu in) (1986-1989)
- Caterpillar 3208 10.4 L (636 cu in) (1979-1981)
- Inline-6
See also
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to International Harvester S-Series. |
References
- ↑ Crismon, Frederick W. (2002), International Trucks (2 ed.), Minneapolis, MN: Victory WW2 Publishing, p. 272, ISBN 0-9700567-2-9
- ↑ "International Harvester History: Trucks". International Harvester. 1961.
- ↑ Shapiro, Helen (Winter 1991). "Determinants of Firm Entry into the Brazilian Automobile Manufacturing Industry, 1956-1968". The Business History Review 65 (4, The Automobile Industry): 879.
- ↑ Crismon, p. 485
- ↑ Crismon, p. 492
- ↑ Crismon, p. 495
- American Truck & Bus Spotter's Guide: 1920-1985, by Tad Burness.
- International Trucks, by Frederick W. Crismon
External links
- International Harvester S-Series (Internet Movie Cars Database)
- Russell MacNeil photo, July 6, 2005 (Hank's Truck Pictures)
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