1949 International Harvester KB-3 for Sale

This KB-3 is still powered by what is believed to be its original engine, dubbed the Green Diamond after the trio of diamonds that served as International Harvester’s corporate logo in 1949.

The straight-six engine displaces 214-cubic inches, is fed by a downdraft Carter carburetor, and had a factory-rated output of 82.9 horsepower. the engine

has received a full rebuild, and with an eye toward authenticity, retains its original six-volt positive ground electricals, although the distributor has been modified with an electronic module and a new wiring harness from Narragansett Reproductions of Rhode Island.

A new, heavy-duty radiator fabricated from stainless steel has been fitted, but the original factory radiator is included with the sale. The engine is reported to start well with a brief use of the manual choke with no smoke reported at startup or when running. Some oil is said to weep from the engine, which is finished in the appropriate shade of green. The engine bay presents as correctly stock and very clean. The restoration

of this KB-3 was capped by a full repaint in correct International Harvester number 50 red that was completed in 2016. The PPG basecoat/clearcoat finish was color-sanded and buffed, and is said to still be in excellent condition, with what are described as being only very minor blemishes.

Thanks to its long tenure with the fire company, which practiced frequent upkeep, the KB-3 only had minimal rust before it was restored. Corroded areas of the fenders and cargo bed crossmembers were cut out and replaced with new steel during the restoration. All of the truck’s chrome and stainless-steel trim was refinished and polished, and still presents very strongly. All the glass in the cab is new. The cargo bed appears to be pristine, and has a new black cherry hardwood floor with stainless steel retaining strips.

Used 1949 485 miles Red