Over the past several years automakers have been bringing back classic brands like the Challenger, Charger, Bronco, and Blazer. When these brands re-surface as new vehicles, the classic versions tend to skyrocket in popularity. Not to be left behind, Volkswagen recently announced they will be bringing back the Scout in 2026. According to Car and Driver, “…VW is aiming to ultimately end up selling 250,000 Scout-branded vehicles per year in America. Volkswagen came by the Scout moniker when its Traton truck division took control of Navistar International, the descendant of International Harvester, in 2020.” If you want to get ahead of the crowd and pick up a classic Scout, this one might be for you. Found here on Craigslist with an asking price of $1,800, this 1966 Scout 800 is located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. For less than two grand, you could have a new project with classic styling and a removable top. Check out more of this ride and thanks to Russ G. for the tip on this project.
There isn’t a ton of information in the ad regarding the condition of this Scout. The seller says it was one of four that they purchased. There are no photos of the engine compartment, however, the ad says it runs and drives. There are the typical rust issues that plague most 55-year-old vehicles. The main issue with tackling a Scout project versus a Bronco or Jeep is the availability of aftermarket parts.
The cargo area is cluttered, so it is a little hard to tell the condition of the floor pan. The tailgate has been damaged and has a pretty big dent in the top. The seller says all of the seats are present. Other than the rust issues, this doesn’t seem like a bad project.
I think there is every color of the rainbow present in the patina of this one. One of the cool things about these Scouts is the fully-removable hardtop. Unlike a Bronco though, the doors have a great angle, so taking off the doors doesn’t look odd. Overall, this is a pretty inexpensive project. Hopefully, it will find a new home and continue to appreciate in value as the new Scouts hit the market. What do you think of “Classic” brands coming back as new vehicles? Do you like the new Bronco and Blazer? Let us know.
The new Blazer, Meh. The new Bronco, nice, capable, pretty. I know a guy that’s easily put $60K in upgrades in a Jeep. Like most of the Jeeps, Bronco’s and such it never leaves the pavement. Status symbols. And no, I’m not envious I just like non pristine without $500+ monthly payments vehicles I can use. I worked with a guy that said he bought a trailer to haul mulch. He had a new GMC pickup, I asked why he needed the trailer, he said “I’m not putting mulch in my truck” I am pissed that after driving pickups for over 40yrs I’m now basically priced out of buying one. And no, I’m not paying $39,900 for a 2018 F150 with 56K miles on it. The last truck I looked at before giving up.
The supposed new Scout will be another high priced ‘lectric vehicle that they’re trying peddle. The trendy types might by it. Real off roaders, won’t. As far as the Blazer goes? It’s badge engineering. The new (big) Bronco looks capable, but, again, is waaayyy overpriced.
I notice a common thread from many car enthusiasts that new and late model used vehicles are stupid expensive. I was reading one of the car magazines and a new Ford F-150 a step up from the basic work truck has a $60K MSRP. NO WAY will I fork over this kind of coin for a truck. No wonder they don’t want to put mulch in it. What a joke. As long as people are willing to pay $800 a month for six years I guess the car manufacturers will be happy to oblige. Makes my 99 Dodge looks better all the time. And BTW, it has hauled, towed and moved a huge bunch over the years and has the battle scars to prove it.
Parts for these are getting easier to find as popularity increases. Sadly there are some that are still very difficult to locate but you can rest easier because there are a lot of enthusiast groups that are more than willing to help you out. Sure, it’s going to take a lot of work to bring one of these back from the brink but why should this be any different than a Jeep or a Bronco?