We all may be a little worn out by the word “patina,” but if you’re hanging out here at Barn Finds, you probably aren’t tired of seeing cars and trucks that have been, shall we say, visited by Father Time. Such is the case with this almost unbelievably solid 1972 International Scout II, which you can find on eBay in Auburn, California. Given the rising popularity of small SUVs of the 1960s and 1970s and their effervescent qualities, this may be a good one if you live on our beautiful west coast. It’s being sold with a clean California title “on non-op status,” and the current high bid is $5,100 (but the reserve has not yet been met).
Many of you know that International sometimes bought engines from AMC, including this 258-cubic-inch six, which, according to my International Scout Encyclopedia, produced 140 gross horsepower (the sales brochure says 150) and 113 net horsepower in 1972, in addition to 235 gross and 191 net lb.-ft. of torque. This is a good thing, because the 258 has a strong collector following due to its popularity in Jeeps, so finding mechanical parts shouldn’t be a challenge. These weren’t sports cars, but the International Scout Encyclopedia says that a 258 Scout with a four-speed and 3.73:1 gears could accelerate from zero-to-60 in 18.4 seconds. This Scout has a manual, but the seller doesn’t mention whether it’s a three-speed (Warner T-13) or a four-speed (Warner T-45); they do say that the Scout “shifts and drives smooth.”
One thing that most Scouts have is rust, and plenty of it. On the other hand, this one is almost shockingly solid underneath; while it has been spritzed with some chassis black, it’s clear that you’ll save tons of money on rust repair by buying this one.
Blue was one of four interior colors a Scout buyer could choose from for 1972, and this interior looks worn but usable. The upholstery appears to be new but doesn’t seem to match any factory patterns I can find online. That’s no big deal; it looks like something that would be offered in the ’70s and it’s in good shape.
The only blue available on Scouts in 1972 was “Cosmic Blue,” and while not very much of that attractive paint is still sticking to this Scout, and what is left is being polished by the rain, you’re not buying this truck for the paint job. This is the kind of Scout that you’ll clearcoat to save the—ugh—patina, or you’ll give it a whole new coat of paint. The seller says that Scouts are “hard to find in this condition,” and they’re right, so if you want to get in on the small SUV bandwagon, this looks like a fun example.
“Cosmic Blue”,,,Faaaaar out, man. An AMC motor in an IH Scout, boy, there’s the blind leading the blind for ya’. There was a good reason for this, however, aside from the GM V6, IH did not have an OHV in line 6 since the old “Diamond” series. I believe. The AMC 6 was a good choice, but more accurately, gotten on the cheap, as there were no shortage of them. In fact, it was the last thing made in Kenosha. I hauled some of the last US made 6 cylinders, going overseas, and there was a warehouse full.. The Scout was a great truck, maybe better than my “Wrongler”,( did I say that?) and I’d love to have one, ESPECIALLY with the AMC motor!
By the 70s the BD series of Binder engines got sacked by federal emissions regs (1956 technology). It was also heavier than would’ve been liked. AMC had a massive inventory of engines that were light, emissions-capable and adaptable so IH had no trouble landing a deal in that category. I might add that around then you also started seeing AMC engines in IH farm equipment such as swathers.
I wouldn’t kick a Scout with an AMC engine off my driveway. In the repair business I worked on a few similar to this one. No problem at all. I preferred a Nissan SD33 diesel and would love to own a Scout so-powered. I worked on lots of them and aside from being tempramental, cantankerous and unpredictable, they were hard to break. Just the same that unmistable clatter from a diesel with precups is an annoying but somehow, relaxing sound…
Better grab them while you can. With Bronco’s overpriced, it’s only a matter of time before Scouts get overpriced.
Unfortunately on bring a trailer they already are
This looks like a Scout with a future. Ok, it’s is non operational status could be solved rather easily, hopefully. They are a rather basic vehicle. This could be a good choice if you want the Scout experience.
That is a cream puff. If you can find one this clean, grab it. They rusted in place here in the northeast. The 258 is a good engine. You just have to stay on top of cooling issues ) we had AMC’s growing up). The stick makes it perfect.
For a Scout,this is in excellent condition! If I didn’t have my FJ40 I would be all over this. PLUS! It’s only a couple of hours away.
Good luck to the buyer and seller.
Several years ago (8?) I was on a trip across the southwest and was in southwestern Texas at a,camp ground and a Scout with half cab and obvious non-stock engine pulled into the campground pulling a 5th wheel larger than mine. (30′) He dropped the trailer and left. I wanted to talk to him. But he was gone before I had a chance to. That set-up had to be a handful. It appeared to have the suspension and tires to handle the load. But I kept thinking that in a high crosswind and not a lot of wheel base to help fight it. That it could “be fun”
lots of fresh paint here
Scouts are good vehicles but insanely overpriced in today’s market. Currently 2 days to go on this auction and it’s at 12K, reserve not met.
Co-worker had a diesel IH truck in the yard. Recently, i observed a diesel Scout for sale at about $45K.