International Harvester Metro Van
Encyclopedia
The International Harvester
Metro Van was a Step van
, also known as walk-in
or multi-stop
delivery trucks. These vehicles were usually forward-control trucks once commonly used as milk and bakery delivery trucks. Typically 1/2-ton or 1-ton panel trucks that allow the driver to stand or sit while driving the vehicle.
Metro Van was produced from 1938 until 1975. It was originally based on the 1937-40 D-Series trucks. The Body was built by the Metropolitan Body Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut, a company which International Harvester would later purchase. One of the first models built was sold to the Czechoslovakian Army and destroyed by the Nazis during World War II
. The original design was by Raymond Loewy
, of Studebaker
and Coke bottle fame. It was redesigned in 1964 by the in house design team in the Chicago metro plant, to keep up with Boyertown and Hackney vans. The corners were squared and an opening hood was added for easier access to coolant and oil dipstick. An eight cylinder engine was also made available. In the 1950s, they began producing variations such as the "Metro-Lite," and "Metro-Multi-Stop" vans. In 1959, The "Metro mite" was introduced. It was based on the Scout
drive train. In 1960 the "Bookmobile" was built by the Metropolitan Body Company on an IHC chassis. By 1972, all IHC Metro Vans were stripped-chassis that other manufacturers could build on. After 1975 they were discontinued along with all other light-duty trucks except for the Scout, which was last made in 1980. The Metro Van was re-issued by Navistar
in 2000, as a medium sized delivery truck.
International Harvester
International Harvester Company was a United States agricultural machinery, construction equipment, vehicle, commercial truck, and household and commercial products manufacturer. In 1902, J.P...
Metro Van was a Step van
Multi-Stop truck
Multi-stop trucks are a type of light-duty and medium-duty truck created for local deliveries to residences and businesses. They are almost always forward-control vehicles, designed to be driven either sitting down or standing up, and often provide easy access between the driver and goods, hence...
, also known as walk-in
Multi-Stop truck
Multi-stop trucks are a type of light-duty and medium-duty truck created for local deliveries to residences and businesses. They are almost always forward-control vehicles, designed to be driven either sitting down or standing up, and often provide easy access between the driver and goods, hence...
or multi-stop
Multi-Stop truck
Multi-stop trucks are a type of light-duty and medium-duty truck created for local deliveries to residences and businesses. They are almost always forward-control vehicles, designed to be driven either sitting down or standing up, and often provide easy access between the driver and goods, hence...
delivery trucks. These vehicles were usually forward-control trucks once commonly used as milk and bakery delivery trucks. Typically 1/2-ton or 1-ton panel trucks that allow the driver to stand or sit while driving the vehicle.
History
The International HarvesterInternational Harvester
International Harvester Company was a United States agricultural machinery, construction equipment, vehicle, commercial truck, and household and commercial products manufacturer. In 1902, J.P...
Metro Van was produced from 1938 until 1975. It was originally based on the 1937-40 D-Series trucks. The Body was built by the Metropolitan Body Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut, a company which International Harvester would later purchase. One of the first models built was sold to the Czechoslovakian Army and destroyed by the Nazis during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. The original design was by Raymond Loewy
Raymond Loewy
Raymond Loewy was an industrial designer, and the first to be featured on the cover of Time Magazine, on October 31, 1949. Born in France, he spent most of his professional career in the United States...
, of Studebaker
Studebaker
Studebaker Corporation was a United States wagon and automobile manufacturer based in South Bend, Indiana. Founded in 1852 and incorporated in 1868 under the name of the Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing Company, the company was originally a producer of wagons for farmers, miners, and the...
and Coke bottle fame. It was redesigned in 1964 by the in house design team in the Chicago metro plant, to keep up with Boyertown and Hackney vans. The corners were squared and an opening hood was added for easier access to coolant and oil dipstick. An eight cylinder engine was also made available. In the 1950s, they began producing variations such as the "Metro-Lite," and "Metro-Multi-Stop" vans. In 1959, The "Metro mite" was introduced. It was based on the Scout
International Harvester Scout
Scout 80s were built between 1960 and 1965. These models were identifiable by removable sliding side windows in 1960–1961 and even some very early 1962 models, a fold-down windshield, vacuum windshield wipers mounted to the top of the windshield and an IH logo in the center of the grille...
drive train. In 1960 the "Bookmobile" was built by the Metropolitan Body Company on an IHC chassis. By 1972, all IHC Metro Vans were stripped-chassis that other manufacturers could build on. After 1975 they were discontinued along with all other light-duty trucks except for the Scout, which was last made in 1980. The Metro Van was re-issued by Navistar
Navistar International
Navistar International Corporation is a United States-based holding company that owns the manufacturer of International brand commercial trucks, MaxxForce brand diesel engines, IC Bus school and commercial buses, Workhorse brand chassis for motor homes and step vans, and is a private label...
in 2000, as a medium sized delivery truck.
See also
- International HarvesterInternational HarvesterInternational Harvester Company was a United States agricultural machinery, construction equipment, vehicle, commercial truck, and household and commercial products manufacturer. In 1902, J.P...
- Multi-stop truckMulti-Stop truckMulti-stop trucks are a type of light-duty and medium-duty truck created for local deliveries to residences and businesses. They are almost always forward-control vehicles, designed to be driven either sitting down or standing up, and often provide easy access between the driver and goods, hence...
- List of International Harvester vehicles