International Harvester S-Series
Encyclopedia
The International Harvester S-Series was a medium-duty truck line manufactured by International Harvester
. The S-Series was first introduced in mid-1977 as a replacement for the International Harvester Fleetstar
. In 1979, other versions of the S-Series were introduced as the successor to the Loadstar
. 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 from International Harvester; it was produced in its original form until the end of the 1980s. Production of the second-generation S-Series ended in 2001.
. This S-Series was available primarily as light-duty (pickup) and medium-duty trucks. Production of the light duty S-Series ended in 1957, when it was replaced by the A-series
.
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.
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.
Trucks (Navistar International)
Buses
Diesel Engines
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...
. The S-Series was first introduced in mid-1977 as a replacement for the International Harvester Fleetstar
International Harvester Fleetstar
The International Harvester Fleetstar is a series of heavy-duty trucks produced between 1962 and 1977 by International Harvester. In 1977, they were replaced by the S-Series. The Fleetstar was produced in both conventional cab and cabover configurations. They were also used as straight trucks as...
. In 1979, other versions of the S-Series were introduced as the successor to the Loadstar
International Harvester Loadstar
Loadstar is a series of medium-duty trucks made by International Harvester from 1962 to 1979. It was primarily used for local delivery, including school buses and fire engines. It was also used extensively in the agricultural and construction industries....
. 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 from International Harvester; 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-SeriesInternational Harvester R-Series
The International R series replaced the L-Series in 1953. It was mostly a facelift of the light and medium models, but also a remarkable set of changes. The busy front style seen on L series was cleanly and easily redesigned to become the R line...
. This S-Series was available primarily as light-duty (pickup) and medium-duty trucks. Production of the light duty S-Series ended in 1957, when it was replaced by the A-series
International Harvester A-Series
The International A-Series replaced the S-Series for 1957. The name stood for "Anniversary", as 1957 marked the fiftieth anniversary of International Harvester's truck production. It was largely a rebodied version of the light and medium S-Series truck, incorporating a wide cab and more...
.
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.
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
Trucks (Navistar International)
- 4600
- 4700
- 4900
- 8100
- 8200
Buses
- 1853FC front-engine forward control
- S-Series "Schoolmaster"International Harvester S-Series (bus chassis)The International S-Series "Schoolmaster" was a Type C bus chassis manufactured by International Harvester, which became Navistar during its production run. It was introduced in 1979 as the replacement for the Loadstar bus chassis; it was used for both school bus and commercial bus applications...
conventional - 3400 cutaway cab
- 3600Thomas VistaThe Thomas Vista was a school bus built by Thomas Built Buses from 1989 until 1997, on GMC, Chevrolet, and Navistar International chassis. It was unique in that it combined aspects of both conventional and transit style school buses...
semi-forward control - 3700 conventional
- 3800International 3800The International 3800 is a Type C bus chassis that was manufactured by Navistar International for school bus and commercial bus applications. It was produced from 1989 until 2004. The replacement for the S-Series "Schoolmaster", the 3800 used powertrains and components from the 4700 and 4900...
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 IDIInternational Harvester IDIThe International Harvester IDI engine is a 4-stroke 8-cylinder Diesel engine used in International Harvester trucks and Ford F-Series pickups from 1982 to 1994...
engine)
-
- International Harvester
Diesel Engines
- V8
- International Harvester 551 cu in (9 l) V8 (1979-1987)
-
- D-150/170/190 (September 1978-December 1979)
- 9.0L (January 1980-1987)
- International Harvester IDIInternational Harvester IDIThe International Harvester IDI engine is a 4-stroke 8-cylinder Diesel engine used in International Harvester trucks and Ford F-Series pickups from 1982 to 1994...
420 cu in (6.9 l) (1983-1987) - International Harvester IDI 444 cu in (7.3 l) (1986-1989)
- Caterpillar 3208 636 cu in (10.4 l) (1979-1981)
- International Harvester IDI
- Inline-6
- International Harvester DT360Navistar DT engineThe Navistar DT engine family is a line of mid-range inline-6 diesel engines. Withhorsepower ratings ranging from to , the Navistar DT engines are used primarily in medium-duty truck and bus...
360 cu in (5.9 l) (1987-1989) - International Harvester DT466Navistar DT engineThe Navistar DT engine family is a line of mid-range inline-6 diesel engines. Withhorsepower ratings ranging from to , the Navistar DT engines are used primarily in medium-duty truck and bus...
466 cu in (7.6 l) (1979-1989) - Cummins M11
- International Harvester DT360
