Daily drivers come in all shapes and sizes, and some classics are more obvious candidates for the role than others. This 1961 International Scout 80 is a perfect example. It is rough around the edges and would undoubtedly benefit from restoration. However, it is a structurally sound survivor that currently sees daily service. That means the new owner could enjoy it immediately and save a refresh for the colder months when opportunities for off-road adventures are less common. The seller has listed the Scout here on Facebook Marketplace in San Dimas, California. They set their price at $8,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this wonderful classic.

International Harvester introduced the Scout to the waiting world for the 1961 model year as a direct competitor to the Jeep CJ, with the original “80” remaining in production until 1965. Our feature vehicle emerged during the first year, and, let’s be honest, it doesn’t make a great first impression. It looks tired, with patchy paint and minor bumps and bruises. However, a close inspection reveals a heart of gold beats below the surface. The seller admits there is rust in the floors and rockers, and although the supplied images are limited, the problems don’t appear extensive. The pillars are clean, and the frame is rock-solid. One change made by the seller was to install new bed timber. This is in perfect condition, providing a stunning contrast to the weathered paint. Although the Scout sits on its original 16″ wheels, it rides higher, courtesy of a shackle lift kit. Vehicles of this type can never have too much ground clearance, and it would take a mighty obstacle to stump this classic.

The seller does not include engine photos in their listing, but there is plenty of good news for those seeking a turnkey classic. The engine bay houses a 152ci four, producing 92hp and 148 ft/lbs of torque. The rest of the drivetrain is standard Scout fare, including a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The specifications don’t promise mind-bending acceleration, but that wasn’t the aim of the exercise. The low-end delivery from that four allows the Scout to traverse some pretty rugged terrain, while sitting at 60mph on the open road is possible. The seller recently splashed plenty of cash on this classic, and the new owner will reap the benefit. The clutch received new master and slave cylinders, and the engine inhales deeply through a shiny new Weber 32/36 carburetor. Fuel finds its way from a new tank via a Holley pump and regulator, meaning almost every fuel system component is new. The same is true of the brakes, while the Scout rolls on new tires. That should leave the buyer with nothing to spend, and the vehicle’s excellent mechanical health is reflected by the fact it currently functions perfectly as a daily driver.

Describing a 1961 Scout interior as spartan is a fair call because you won’t accidentally think you’re in a Cadillac when you climb aboard this classic. Don’t go looking for a stereo or other creature comforts because you are sure to be disappointed. However, it is unerringly practical, meaning few items would suffer as the driver plows their way through mud and slush. The painted surfaces wear an emerging layer of corrosion, but there is no steel penetration. The seatcover hides below a blanket, suggesting it is probably ripped and torn. However, it is serviceable, and returning the interior to a factory-fresh state would be a straightforward and rewarding task.

I admit that when I approached the subject of classics as a daily driver, the 1961 International Scout 80 wasn’t the first vehicle that came to mind. However, I can see why the seller has chosen it. It will cope with anything commuter traffic can throw at it, and these vehicles return respectable fuel consumption figures. The biggest question will be what the new owner will do once it is in their garage. Is restoration or preservation the best path? What do you think?