The Scout 80 arrived in 1961 with a workhorse engine and bare-bones amenities, as a competitor to the Jeep. Its elementary approach to the market did not restrain sales, as IH rapidly doubled and tripled its production estimates to meet demand. Dealers – the primary point of market input back in the day – were flooded with orders for the 4WD Travel Top configuration, so though the first Scout was a 2WD pickup, the company ramped up its 4WD output in particular. While it was changing production, IH turned its attention to comfort, offering the Red Carpet and Champagne series. Today’s Scout is a Champagne version, featuring bucket seats, chrome switch knobs, fancy dash paint matching the light beige interior, carpeting, and a headliner – just about all of which will need replacing on this project truck. The engine bay also holds a surprise – a 351 cu. in. Windsor V8, a big upgrade from the original 152 cu. in. in-line four. Matt H. found this upscale Scout for us – thanks, Matt!

This Scout was acquired from an estate, so little history is available. We’re told the engine swap was “done right” and that everything else is original. The engine will turn over on the key and oil pressure is said to be good. I’m no expert but I’d want to know that the axles match that big increase in horsepower; other swaps I’ve seen use Toyota axles. No word on the remaining 4WD components. The brakes “work” but that’s another place where matching the motor to the rest of the components is particularly important. Which brings up another point: output varied dramatically depending on which 351W was utilized, and even more so if the motor was built. A personal inspection is probably a must.

The remnants of the Champagne series “luxury appointments” are still visible – note the beige paint wearing off the steering wheel, and the chrome knobs. Auxiliary gauges handle the stats on that 351. The pressed-paper headliner and the carpet are long gone, but the rear jump seat is still in place. The glass is said to be good and the windows roll up and down. Numerous photos attempt to show the underside but don’t quite deliver – the seller didn’t raise the vehicle off the ground. We are told the Scout is “very rust free” but I’m seeing at least a lot of surface rust.

I love early Scouts, with the primitive tailgate hooks, the round tail lights, wipers mounted from the roof. This one, for sale here on craigslist, has plenty of needs – from its body and paint to mechanicals and interior – but the price sits at $6400, a far cry from the tens of thousands that these early Scouts can command. If you are looking for a cheap way into a Scout, take a trailer to Tualatin, Oregon to retrieve her.