George Kirkham Revives International Harvester Legacy in Lethbridge

George Kirkham, a dedicated enthusiast of International Harvester vehicles, has transformed his lifelong passion into a successful business in Lethbridge, Alberta. Following in the footsteps of his father, who served as the Southern Alberta zone manager for International Harvester for nearly four decades, Kirkham has not only sold these iconic trucks but has also committed himself to restoring and preserving their rich history.

Kirkham’s journey began early; he was immersed in the world of International trucks from a young age. “I was accused of trying to sell a Scout at age five,” he recalls with a laugh. His connection to the brand deepened as he grew, building model trucks and restoring vehicles throughout his teenage and college years. In 1978, he began his career selling International trucks for a local dealer.

However, a significant change occurred in early 1985 when the dealership was purchased by Case, leaving Kirkham temporarily unemployed. Anticipating the sale, he had already devised a plan. With a partner and an investment of $4,000 of his own money, he established Southland International Trucks in late February 1985. “We started from humble beginnings,” he reflects. “We worked 12 hours a day on Sundays and 18 hours a day most every other day.”

As Kirkham focused on building his business, his restoration projects took a backseat, with work on his personal collection ceasing entirely. Yet, as Southland International grew, he resumed restoring vintage trucks in 1989, rekindling his commitment to preserving the legacy of International Harvester.

Founded in 1902 through the merger of the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company and the Deering Harvester Company, International Harvester initially produced agricultural equipment. By 1907, they had ventured into vehicle manufacturing, introducing the Auto Buggy, a precursor to a line of rugged trucks and early sport utility vehicles like the Scout and Travelall. Production of passenger vehicles ceased in 1980, marking the end of an era for the brand.

As of now, Kirkham boasts a collection of over 60 restored International trucks, housed in a dedicated 22,500 square foot facility that has evolved from a modest garage built in 1998. “I call it a toy shop,” he says, while others refer to it as a museum, filled with vintage signs and photographs that celebrate the history of International Harvester.

Kirkham’s daughter, Shelby, has also joined the family business, serving as the assistant general manager of Southland International. In 2010, when she was just 15, Kirkham gifted her a 1960 B100 to restore, which she completed with a specific vision for its appearance. The project took nine-and-a-half months and involved over 1,100 hours of work, a testament to the family’s dedication to their craft.

Kirkham enjoys sharing his passion with the community. He opens the doors of his collection to civic groups, students, and enthusiasts, allowing them to explore the restored vehicles. “We’ve held three funerals in there, and as sad as the day may be, there are always a lot of smiles,” he says, highlighting the positive impact of his preservation efforts. He finds joy in collecting and restoring these vehicles, as well as in witnessing the excitement they bring to people of all ages.

His commitment to International Harvester goes beyond mere nostalgia; it reflects a deep-rooted connection to a family legacy and a celebration of a significant chapter in automotive history. Through Southland International, George Kirkham continues to keep the spirit of International Harvester alive, ensuring that these remarkable vehicles remain a vibrant part of the community’s heritage.