There aren’t many vehicle owners who can say that their truck has had bear damage. Maybe dog damage from locking fido inside and then chewing ensues. Most of us are afraid of rodent damage on our vehicles but this 1976 International Scout II has sustained some bear damage. This tough truck can be found here on eBay in Klamath River, California. There is an unmet opening bid of $1,700 and a buy it now price of $2,299.
I’m assuming that their dog isn’t named Bear – it looks so friendly – but that the soft top was partially eaten by an actual bear, a bear-bear. As in the animal that you dreaded every time you stayed in a tent as a kid. Replacements are available, of course, but who wouldn’t want to explain that every time you got gas? I would probably keep it, it’s a great story. I really like the option of putting that top down at will so I’d want a soft top for sure.
The interior is a little rugged, as is the entire vehicle. The seller isn’t hiding anything, they spell it out as having a cracked windshield and the seat isn’t original and it has some bondo in areas and some rust in the floorboards. This is most definitely a project Scout II, not a driver as is. The Scouts seemed to get better and better as they got newer all the way up until what many consider the best one of all, the 1980 model. So, buying a later model such as this, even though it needs work, probably wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
The engine is International’s 196 slant-four – half of a 392 V8 – which would have had 86 hp. The seller says that it runs but hasn’t been started in four years. It has a new clutch plate and good brakes but the rear seal leaks on the engine. Hagerty is at $7,500 for a #4 fair condition Scout II so there’s a lot of room to fix this one up, and at $16,000 for a #3 good condition example, even more room. There will be a lot of work to do on this Scout, is it doable or would it be unbearable? (cough)
Dang bear!
I always thought tin worm was the biggest threat to a Scout, bears never crossed my mind – would any insurance cover such an attack, or is it ‘natural disaster’?
Regardless, being a Cali vehicle has probably saved this. I think it could be a cool on/off road vehicle without doing too much cosmetically. Stick transmission is always a plus in a 4X4, but I would definately locate a better half for under-the-hood duties
I had a buddy whose grandparents owned one back in the day. Always garaged since new, never off roaded or abused and it rusted away nonetheless.
Duct tape and some thread, I would buy a new $1K soft top for this. And with half a V8 I wouldn’t go more than half the buy it now price.
Hey Boo Booo,go over to the IH Scout & grab that picnic basket !
While this one is a bit rough, it’s still better than ANYTHING up north. The guy I bought my motorcycle from in N.Wis. had 5 of these in his woods, and not one was roadworthy and none had doors. I guess the 4 banger would be ok for an old fart like me, but horribly underpowered for anything else. Believe it or not, this is a great price for a Scout, and if I had the place, it would work for me and with 0 bids, for this, tells me nobody wants to mess with it.
Not buying the bear story. Nice job on the picnic basket Tony!
I showed this to my wife, whose parents had a Scout they called the “Green Thing” back in the 80’s. She hated camping and fishing but, being a kid, was forced to go along. To this day, looking at a Scout gives her the willies.
It can’t give her the Willy’s, it has to give her the IHarvester’s.
Dad joke all the way.
For some reason I never realized these came with 4 cylinders. 196… that’s a lot of cubic inches for a 4-banger. Bindernet lists this one at 110hp/181lb. ft. @ 2000. Seems like with the right rear end ratio that would be plenty in a light 4×4 like this. But, I drive like a grandpa, so there’s that.
Battered but looks pretty solid for a Scout. If I had it I too would be looking for a larger motor and keep the manual tranny. Could be fun for the right person, esp. one that has an IH v8 or two lying about the yard.
Beer damage yes, bear damage no.
A fair price I think. About time. Ended: Apr 28, 2019 , 11:27AM
Winning bid:US $1,700.00
[ 1 bid ]
Thanks, Mike!
that motor wuz just in the 80, no? never made it into the 800 never mind the SII.