International Harvester’s Metro Van debuted in 1938. That’s when the manufacturer asked Raymond Loewy, the famed industrial designer, to overhaul its product line. A new generation of outfitters is now discovering the beauty of Loewy’s design.
They are transforming his step vans to all kinds of new recreational uses. The 1955 IH R-120 Metro for sale on eBay is a gorgeous example.
Seating for up to eight guests around a finished wood table.
The seller, Classic Step Vans of Westminster, Calif., specializes in rebuilding pre-1973 “shorty” step vans. In this case, the cream and orange ’55 Metro step van was built by a third party before Classic Step Vans acquired it.
The seller says:
She fires right up on the first turn of the key every time. The only thing this van needs is a new home.
Also see: The Iconic International Harvester Metro Bread Truck
From Dining to Sleeping
This vintage van is adorable. The highlight of Loewy’s impeccable design is its elongated chrome kidney-shaped grilles with an oversized metallic “IH” badge. The flow of the top-to-bottom slanted fascia rises to a dramatic split windshield.
Sliding side doors up front provide access to seats for the driver and a single passenger. Additional guests use rear barn doors to slide into the wood bench seating.
The builders wisely left the exterior alone. They focused on modifying the interior into an expansive dining area. The space also converts to sleeping arrangements. The van features a propane-fed two-burner stove and a small sink with running water. Sorry, no fridge for now.
See: 6 Must-Have Items for a Camper Van Conversion
The interior walls features rustic wood paneling and deep shag carpet. There is an upholstered and padded passenger seat upfront with the same treatment on the center engine. With the engine cover removed, gearheads can access virtually everything from inside the cab.
Reliable and Flexible
International Harvester has a well-earned reputation for building sturdy trucks. Enthusiasts still value these step vans for their reliability.
This vehicle and its rebuilt factory six-cylinder engine have been road-tested on several 1,000-mile-plus road trips since the rebuild. The 131hp, 220ci engine is standard for all International Harvester three-quarter-ton trucks, including its step vans.
The driver and a single passenger get upfront seating with the engine cover ready to provide access to the drivetrain.
If something should go wrong, eBay off an ample supply of International Harvester spare parts—mechanical and cosmetic. This Metro recently received new tires, new glass, and a brake overhaul.
Shop now for International Harvester parts
Repurpose for Play or Business
Seating for up to eight guests around a finished wood table.
Classic step vans can be repurposed for recreational or commercial uses. Remove everything inside to convert this ’55 to a unique ice cream truck, food truck, or delivery van.
International Harvester built cars and trucks starting in 1911 when it developed a forerunner to the modern pickup truck. In the 1960s and 1970s, its popular International Scout and Travelall were precursors to today’s crossover SUVs. In addition, the company developed earth moving equipment, commercial trucks and engines, and motorhomes.
But we haven’t seen a Metro converted for dinner parties—just in time for the #VanLife movement. Your traveling companions can gather around the table for morning coffee, other refreshing beverages, and socializing. Even Raymond Loewy might not have imagined the creative social aspects of his versatile iconic design.
