International Harvester launched the World Wide Series in 1970, but with just the 454 and 574 introduced at the outset, it would be several years before it could truly be classed as a complete range.
Models would come and go, and the numbering system wasn’t particularly logical. The Bradford-built 354, 374, and 444 were all of a similar power output, and the IH-powered 474 was replaced by the Perkins-powered 475, so there was occasional confusion from prospective buyers.
Luckily, rationalisation occurred with the introduction of the ‘Hi-Performers’ in 1977 – or at least with the 84 Series element of the group. The new range, launched to IH dealers at a special event in Tunisia, initially comprised six Britishbuilt models and three six-cylinder models built on the Continent – from 45-130hp. The largest Doncaster-built tractor in the range was the 884, but this was not launched until July 1979.
The little 384 was, perhaps, the odd one out in the range – and not just because it was the only Hi-Performer to be built in Bradford. Given that it had its roots in the B-250, the skid unit was such that there was no commonality of parts between it and the other models – particularly those built in Doncaster.
The cab was virtually the same as that used on the larger tractors, but even it had significant differences, due to the steering drag link passing through a rubber flap beneath the lower front window, and there being no ‘saddle’ fuel tank behind the driver’s seat.
Mechanically, there was very little to separate the 384 from its predecessors. It retained the slightly antiquated, but reliable, BD-154A four-cylinder engine – with indirect injection, a
