1954 International Harvester R140 Woody Wagon
Five specialized station wagons left International Harvester’s factory in 1954 under military contract, destined for remote missile sites across the Northern Plains.
The Army Corps of Engineers commissioned these bus-style wooden wagons for transporting engineering personnel and equipment to isolated Cold War-era construction and infrastructure sites in South Dakota and surrounding states.
Built in extremely limited numbers, only three examples are believed to survive today.
The massive R-140 rode on a 130-inch wheelbase and stood well over seven feet tall, with extensive wood construction lending it the appearance of a vintage watercraft. Bench seating accommodated six occupants, while a large rear cargo area carried surveying gear and technical equipment.
Black-painted steel formed the front clip and underlying structure, with varnished wood panels covering the body sides and rear quarters.
International’s factory four-wheel-drive system, introduced in 1953, featured a two-speed transfer case providing low-range capability for difficult terrain. Power came from a 240 CI “Silver Diamond” overhead-valve inline-six producing approximately 107 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transmission.
Solid axles front and rear with leaf springs, raised ride height, and available front-mounted winches allowed the R-140 to operate far from paved roads. Curb weight approached 8,500 pounds, underscoring the truck-based construction beneath the wagon body.
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