As Hagerty’s most valuable ’66 Scout model, this Sportop appears to have been used as a plow truck. The seller says they’ve owned it 26, which I’m assuming means 26 years, and they aren’t using it anymore. This 1966 International Scout 800 Sportop is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Arlington, South Dakota and the seller is asking $5,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to NW Iowa Kevin for the tip!
I’m just assuming it was used as a plow truck because of the plow on the front… We don’t know for sure, the seller’s description is pretty short but they do say “attached plow”, and yeah, that’s enough about the plow! I’d take that off within the first day of owning this future restored jewel, but that’s just me. You can see the quarter panels appear to have some bodywork or something going on there, but anything is fixable. Hagerty is at $11,900 for a #4 fair-condition example so this could be a bargain.
International made the Scout 800 from 1965 through 1968 and the Sportop was available starting in early 1966. We’ve seen a few examples over the years here at Barn Finds and they’re unique with the rear Continental kit spare tire configuration and the removable fiberglass top (or soft top) with slanted rear portion. The seller doesn’t mention the body or frame condition but, in general, I think vehicles from South Dakota tend to rust less than vehicles from Minnesota or Wisconsin, so there’s hope that this one would be a straightforward restoration.
The photos devolve into verticals for some odd reason but you can see that the interior also needs work. We don’t see too much of it, sadly, but if the floors are solid, it’s fairly easy to add some type of rubber or carpet on the floor and redo the seats in this dark red color, or whatever you want. Of course, those aren’t the original seats in front, I’m guessing they would have been black as shown on the back seat. A black I-H Scout would seem to be pretty rare, I don’t know if I’ve seen one before. Could this be the original color?
The engine is probably a 152-cu.in. inline-four, basically half of a 304 V8. It would have had 93 horsepower and the seller says it “runs good.” It sends power through a three-speed manual to all four wheels as needed and this would be a nice one to restore. Would any of you restore this one back to bone-stock original as I would?
Is that a twin-stick transfer case in there?
Yes, they had twin sticks and the Dana 18 transfer case like the contemporary Jeeps did.
👍 Todd
Seems like a decent project for the money, however, one year on the market says otherwise. It would have sold long ago if anyone saw the value in it.
Steve R
That plow would come in handy during rush hour
We had a ’67 for 3 years as a second family vehicle/4×4 recreational vehicle from 78-81.
I think this is a really good deal! Looks very stock. I think way out in North Dakota these are more common and not very exciting, so maybe that is part of why its been listed for so long. However, the pics show pretty well. And the Sport Top is a real plus, too.
CAUTION!! Having lived in snow country for plus 70 years and seen and driven many snow plow trucks, the drive trains always take a beating. Usually every part of the drivetrain gets demolished from the abuse they take. Get it fully inspected so you know what you are getting into.. a complete rebuild may leave you under water, but with something unique. In my opinion. Be careful
I know I’ll get grief for this but I’d take everything out from under this, the front diff and suspension, engine, transmission, and make it into a unique street machine. I’d find an International V8, auto trans, install a Mustang II front suspension. That “Continental kit” would go too. Don’t worry, I know an International guy who’d love all of the stuff that I’d take off. It would make a different and good looking hot rod.