RootsRunDeep
IH Metro Van
1950's...For sale along I-25 south of Buffalo, WY.
The International Harvester Metro Van was a step van, aka wall-in or multi-stop delivery truck. These vans were commonly used as milk or bakery delivery trucks. Some other uses were as ambulances, mobile offices, and radio transmitter vans. The driver could stand or sit while driving the ½, ¾, or 1-ton panel truck. The chassis cab variation could be configured with a separate box or container for cargo transport or left open to be fitted with other equipment.
The Metro Van was produced in the US from 1938-1975 and sold internationally. One of the first models built was sold to the Czechoslovakian Army and destroyed by the German Army during WWII. The Metro bodies were built by the Metropolitan Body Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In 1948 International Harvester purchased this company in 1948. The original design was by Raymond Loewy of Studebaker and Coke bottle frame. Loewy was involved with several designs during his association with International Harvester.
The overall design was somewhat unchanged from 1938-1964. In order to be competitive with the Boyertown and Hackney vans, the in house team in the Chicago Metro plant redesigned it. Some of the changes were squared corners, opening hood, and an eight-cylinder engine.
IH Metro Van
1950's...For sale along I-25 south of Buffalo, WY.
The International Harvester Metro Van was a step van, aka wall-in or multi-stop delivery truck. These vans were commonly used as milk or bakery delivery trucks. Some other uses were as ambulances, mobile offices, and radio transmitter vans. The driver could stand or sit while driving the ½, ¾, or 1-ton panel truck. The chassis cab variation could be configured with a separate box or container for cargo transport or left open to be fitted with other equipment.
The Metro Van was produced in the US from 1938-1975 and sold internationally. One of the first models built was sold to the Czechoslovakian Army and destroyed by the German Army during WWII. The Metro bodies were built by the Metropolitan Body Company in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In 1948 International Harvester purchased this company in 1948. The original design was by Raymond Loewy of Studebaker and Coke bottle frame. Loewy was involved with several designs during his association with International Harvester.
The overall design was somewhat unchanged from 1938-1964. In order to be competitive with the Boyertown and Hackney vans, the in house team in the Chicago Metro plant redesigned it. Some of the changes were squared corners, opening hood, and an eight-cylinder engine.