Meet this one-of-a-kind 1947 International Harvester KBS-5 — a vintage farm truck with zero rust, a whole lot of attitude, and a clear mission: to become an all-electric, wheelie-pulling drag-strip showstopper.

Currently located in Garden City, Idaho, this old workhorse is running its original 220 ci inline-6 (1953 Black Diamond) with a 4-speed manual transmission, drum brakes, no power steering, and no AC. But none of that matters — because it's ready for a new life as a short-range EV, built for torque, fun, and burnouts.

This truck was rescued in 2007 from a field near Huston, ID, where it sat as a rusty, stuck-engine roller with six flat tires. After years of effort, DIY rewiring, and a few lessons learned about ethanol, the current owner got it running again — and even made it to Boise’s Father’s Day Show in 2024.

Now, with a custom flatbed, dual rear tires, and a homegrown character, the truck is begging for an electric heart.

The goal is simple but bold: turn this classic into a drag-ready EV capable of pulling a wheelie at the track. The owner is aiming for a top speed of around 60 mph and a range of 10 to 30 miles — enough for local fun runs and short events, with overnight home charging as the plan.

He’s looking to replace the 4-speed manual transmission with a direct-drive or transaxle motor setup to maximize performance and simplicity. This is a full DIY build, and the owner is experienced with wiring and automotive work, so he’s looking for a kit along with remote technical support.

The truck still features its original splitter-equipped rear axle, which makes it extremely low-geared — currently, it can spin the duals on pavement in first gear. While the power take-off (PTO) system for the dump bed could be kept or removed, the minimalist dash, stripped-down interior, and utility-focused flatbed give this vehicle a raw, race-ready personality.

With an estimated curb weight of around 3,500 pounds, the truck is rust-free and has already been fully rewired. It runs — slowly. The drivetrain, while currently geared for torque, offers a solid base for an electric conversion designed around fun, showmanship, and short bursts of performance.

This isn't just another classic truck — it's a conversation starter, a passion project, and soon, an electrified sleeper with a twist. Built for show, fun, and a little bit of drag strip glory, this '47 KBS-5 is a dream build for anyone who shares a love for torque, custom work, and vintage metal with a future-forward mindset.