1961 International Harvester C-Series Travelette: In 1961, the C-series appeared as well as the 4-door (crew-cab) Travelette. At first this would have seem to have been another facelift, featuring a modernized front end, but it also meant a whole new chassis with all new independent front torsion bar suspension. The new chassis and suspension allowed for the cab to be mounted four inches lower, meaning an even bigger transmission tunnel hump but also a more car-like ride. The standard pickup bed was joined by a straight-sided "Bonus-Load" bed. There was also a utility "workshop" version. The most obvious visual differences were that the twin headlights were now mounted side-by-side, and a new grille of a concave egg-crate design. This front end was produced from 1961 to 1962 before going to one headlight on each side of a re-designed grill starting in 1963. The wheelbase was longer, as the front wheels were mounted further forward. This increased the front clearance angle in spite of the lower body. The range was C-100 to C-130, the heavier duty versions were not replaced as the C-Series' Gross Vehicle Weight rating now only went from 4,200 to 8,800 lb (1,900 to 4,000 kg). The 1961 International Harvester C-Series Travelette was the first American-made 4-door, 4-wheel-drive production pickup truck.
