As one of the most interesting models of the Scout series, this Sportop example looks like a great project and the seller calls it an actual barn find. This is a 1966 International Scout 800 Sportop, they have it posted here on craigslist in Everett, Pennsylvania, and they’re asking $15,000. Here is the original listing and thanks to T.J. for sending in this tip!
The seller doesn’t mention it, but I’m assuming that it comes with the snowplow shown in the photos? I hope so, otherwise, that could be a little awkward when it shows up on a trailer in your driveway. International Harvester made the Scout from 1961 to 1980 and it was the last consumer truck that they offered. It’s a shame that they went away but they’re being revived, at least the spirit and the name is, by Volkswagon as an EV! Next slide…
The Scout 800 came out in 1965 as generally a 1966 model although there’s a bit of confusion as to exactly when they were offered – as in which model year. They replaced the Scout 80 and the 800 had several updates, including in early-1966, the Sportop model as seen here. They reportedly only made just over 2,500 Sportop models which came with a removable fiberglass top or sometimes with a convertible top. And no, you’re not going to take your 1966 I-H Sportop out on the town on Saturday night and have a valet parking lot attendant wrestle it into a spot. Ya gotta love vintage car ads.
The seller has gone outside the boundaries of craigslist etiquette and uploaded many good photos, who does that in 2022?! Well done, seller! This Scout appears to be in really nice condition, despite a few faded and/or not-perfect areas inside and out. It looks like a nice starting point for a restoration or just get everything working and drive it as it looks now, which is what I’d do. They only came with two doors if you don’t count the rear cargo door. There is some rust and heavy surface rust underneath to deal with.
The engine is, according to the seller, International’s 196 cubic-inch slant-four, basically half of a 392 V8, cool. Although, I can’t find any information as to that engine being used in this application in 1966. I come up with a 152 slant-four, half of a 304 V8, again cool. I don’t know for sure what’s in this thing, I’m just going by what the seller says in the listing. Apparently, it runs and drives and Hagerty is at $11,200 for a #4 fair condition Sportop. Are there any Scout fans out there? What are your thoughts on which engine is in this Sportop?
1966 was a mid-year transition for the 152 to the 196.
Looks like all the Sportop interior goodies are present which is a good thing.
But missing the Sportop only spare tire hubcap which are unobtanium.
We had a ’67 with the 152 in it. Gutless wonder.
Very cool Snow plowing with the top off
Talk about a parts orphan, though with the internet maybe that is not s much of an issue today. I miss hanging out at car shows to deep dig for old car parts. I know today is easier and more efficient, but I still miss the hunt. Kind of like music. I used to search, sometimes, for years for certain albums and songs. Today I can literally have anything in a few seconds, yet part of me misses the damp basement used record stores and garage sales. Maybe I just miss being and felling young.
Just saw one of these completely restored at a car show in Scottsdale over the Memorial Day weekend. Never knew there was such a creature. Take notice of the contoured rear bumper which allows the rear tailgate to fold down while spare is attached. No variance for oversize tires. lol How could such a rare vehicle be used as a snow plow, is beyond comprehension. Crazy
My dad took those bumper pieces off ours and they laid in the backyard for years. I don’t know whatever happened to them – probably went to the scrap yard.
Had one of these in about 1971-2. Probably had the smaller engine as it was good for only about 55. Had other 80 and 800, but only 1 sporttop. Wish I’d have kept it!!