This beauty was taking up a lot space in Paul’s shop when I stopped by. With the seats down, the interior is huge. I really think you could put a queen-size mattress in this thing. I’m especially fond of the paint job.
“The International Harvester Travelall is a model line of vehicles that were manufactured by International Harvester; four generations were produced from 1953 to 1975. Derived from the International light truck line, the Travelall was a truck-based station wagon. One of the first competitors to the Chevrolet Suburban, the Travelall was a forerunner of modern people carriers and full-size sport utility vehicles. As International withdrew from light-truck sales, the Travelall and pickup truck lines were discontinued after the 1975 model year, followed by the Scout in 1980.” (Wikipedia)

Paul Bandelier’s latest project is a 1960 Continental Mark V. The Wikipedia entry confused me because it said the Mark V was made between 1977 and 1979. Car nerd that Paul is, he immediately provided the following explanation:

The 1956 Continental Mark II was it’s own unique car company that was supposed to capture the glamour of the 1940’s Continentals. The Mark II was the most expensive car in the world short of a certain Rolls Royce model.

After 1957 the Continental car company was liquidated and and for 1958 in an attempt to sell more cars the top of the line trim level was a Mark III. The same top tier trim level applied to the 1959 Mark IV and 1960 Mark V. This move may have sold a few more car but it also diluted the uniqueness of the 56/57 Mark II that was it’s own car company.

Fast forward to 1969. Lincoln says, we were just kidding about those big old 4 door boats being the exclusive Mark series. We’re going to start over and make the Mark series a unique 2 door personal luxury car again. Sooo in 69 we have the Mark III. That lasted until 71. In 72 there was a restyled Mark IV until the next body style change over and so on.

These photos don’t begin to capture the size of this monster. The seats are like large, living room sofas.

Paul shared another bit of trivia about these slanted rear windows but I can’t recall it.

I asked who might be a buyer for this baby when he gets it up to snuff and was surprised to learn the Scandinavian countries are the top market. For some reason, they love big old American cars.

Paul Bandelier introduces us to Legacy Classic Trucks in Driggs, Idaho.

Another beautiful discovery for Paul Bandelier.

An ex-Forest Service truck. The entire drivetrain is from a 1992 Dodge Cummins donor truck. Thus there was no need to fabricate and engineer every single piece. With some work, all of the ’92 parts fit in the ’72 body and frame. The pride and joy of Paul Bandelier.