The Scout had a rough start. I-H management was not excited about the styling group’s first flat-sided rendering; it simply wasn’t different enough from the Willys Jeep. The Scout project was nearly shelved. But Ted Ornas, chief designer, sketched a rounded body while doodling on a mat board one day, and minds began to change, further encouraged by a plan to form a partnership with GM to produce the new truck in plastic. But costs were running too high to attempt exotic manufacturing, so the new truck was revised for steel construction. The first Scouts began rolling off the line in 1960. After five years of production, the model needed a reboot. Not ready to bring out the Scout II, I-H instead launched the 800B and provided a special paint package for 1500 units called the Comanche to resurrect demand. Today’s Comanche is a tribute made from a ’69 800A, and it’s available here on craigslist for $19,999. The seller has a few other projects he wants to finish, so the cash will come in handy. This Scout is located in Dix Hills, New York. Thanks to Tony Primo for the great tip!
Buyers had a choice of several engines for the 800A. The base engine was a 152 cu. in. Comanche four-cylinder, but by 1969, a larger 196 cu. in. four was available along with an inline six and later, two V8s. In keeping with more horsepower, the transfer case and axles were upgraded from the 800’s lighter-duty kit. This transmission is a four-speed manual. The seller notes that he’s replaced the carburetor and kept up with servicing needs, making this truck a turn-key proposition. The real-deal Comanche package could be ordered with a six-cylinder or a 304 cu. in. V8, so one glance under the hood here exposes this Scout’s disguise.
The cabin is tidy enough, with the bucket seats and console from the Scout’s evolving option list; this example retains its rear seat. The fire extinguisher is a nice touch – let’s hope it works if it’s needed. While our tour of this Scout has been promising thus far, a look underneath gives us pause: Scouts are stout, but rust is nibbling away at this one.
The paint job is right out of the Comanche playbook, with its gold Traveltop, cream body, and rocker striping. This package also offered chrome wheels and – a nearly impossible item to replicate – General Tire Scramblers with lettering that matched the paint. But for the rust and the four-cylinder, this Scout is a decent prospect. I’d probably ask for a discount and aim for an engine swap; what do you think?
Leave A Comment