I wish there could be a modern truck like this 1979 International Terra diesel. It’s the perfect size for me, or at least the perfect bed length. I like the idea of a small diesel engine much more than the battery-powered new “Scout” that’s being made. There must not be enough profit in small non-four-door pickups anymore. This project is posted here on craigslist in beautiful Santa Maria, California, and they’re asking $7,000. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Tony P. for the Terra tip!
I’m usually yammering on and on about not liking oversized wheels, but in this case, it’s the exact opposite. Just make mine regular ol’ factory-size wheels, please. Sorry, it’s not about me. The seller likes these wheels, and that’s all that matters. They were going to do an old-school mini-truck version, so that’s why the wheels are on there. It’s an easy change for the next owner if they want to change them. The Terra was Scout’s official “pickup” version, with a fixed bulkhead, even though the company offered pickup-like versions in past generations of the Scout.
This example looks pretty solid and straight overall, but you can see that this Mint Green (?) Scout will need a lot of work before you can call it done. I believe the top should be white, along with the wide white stripes along the side. This would be a great-looking Scout in restored condition. International made the Scout II beginning in early 1971, and it would be the last version of the Scout before they went away after 1980. Sad. The Terra came along in 1976, and it had an 18-inch longer wheelbase, the same as the Traveler. Hagerty is at $8,600 for a #4 fair-condition example, so the seller’s asking price may be a bit (lot?) on the high side.
Showing some rough edges inside as well, this won’t be a quick restoration project, but it’s doable by almost anyone who lives in a decent climate, unless they have garage space to work on it inside. The floor-shifted automatic transmission was available, of course, as it’s sitting right there, but most spec sheets list the manual transmission. Here’s what the bed looks like, by the way.
Weird plug wires! Just kidding, this is Nissan’s SD33, a 3.2-liter OHV inline-six non-turbo diesel, which had around 80 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque when new. This one is sent through the automatic to the rear wheels only, and the seller says, actually they don’t say whether it runs or not, and I’m guessing it doesn’t run at the moment. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more interesting “pickup” for car shows and general driving duties than this diesel Scout model. How would you bring this one back to life?
I have to admit. I’ve never seen a Diesel Scout with an automatic.. Especially a non turbo one too. Only with a manual transmission. I got a chance to drive a turbo diesel stickshift ’80 Scout Terra years ago and wished it were mine. Rust sadly is an issue with many but this one doesn’t look too bad. I am a stock rims guy, and would go that route here for sure. This would look great restored. Nice one Scotty, you have great taste in trucks!!!
If you need too be at work at 8am tomorrow you better leave now!
Definitely, with that automatic, when you press the accelerator you’ll have time to tap your feet and twiddle your thumbs by the time it reaches 40 mph.
That truck is “solid” all right, rather like a solid block of Swiss cheese and has as many holes. That rig has leprosy all through it. Between the body, interior and probably non-functioning mechanicals, this truck would make a good parts mule and that’s about it.
No frame or underside photos – red flag….
Not necessarily. Frame rust isn’t generally an issue since there isn’t snow in most of the state, where it does snow they don’t use salt. Someone that is a native Californian likely wouldn’t think to include those pictures, especially if they are selling into the local market. This car is located near the coast, the rust visible in the ad suggests it’s been subjected to coastal fog, which means it’s rusting from the top down.
No matter it seems overpriced for its condition.
Steve R
Free admission to every third car who’s drivers side window is a hefty bag.
another Freiberger ride
Sweet looking International truck. Depending on the condition, I could drive it as it is. I consider it damned unforgivable that diesel wasn’t a common option for such vehicles.
77-79 Scouts with the no-turbo Nissan forklift diesels were woefully underpowered. Can’t imagine it with an automatic to boot! I had an ’80 with the turbo diesel 4-speed that ran well, and I should have never sold it!
Lots of bad choices here:
2 WD
No turbo
Automatic
I’d sell it too.
Did I see in the original ad that this has a removable top? Interesting. I also really don’t like the wheels, but, at my age the sluggish diesel is less important than reliability, maybe for weekend hauling. That bed looks spacious but that may be result of the type of camera lens. No battery in the box and no clue to how it runs. Lots of room to negotiate down for someone near there maybe. Put a blanket on the seat, replace the window, wheels and tires, check brakes and drive as is?
I forgot to mention, what was the convertible truck that Chief Brody drove in Jaws?