Did you see in the news that Volkswagen is going to re-introduce the Scout in the US Market in 2026? It will be an all-electric SUV based on the design of the International Harvester Scout that ended production in 1980. Volkswagen ended up with the rights to the International Harvester Scout through its acquisition of Navistar. This 1968 International Harvester Scout 800 is located near Fort Collins, Colorado and was found by Gunter Kramer. It is listed for sale here on Craigslist for $7,500 for only 5 days.
This Scout 800 is a project that is said to run and drive but needs restoration. The passenger floorboard is rusted through and its is going to need the brakes and fuel system restored before it is save to drive very far. The first generation of the Scout was offered from 1961 to 1965 and was called the Scout 80. The second generation of Scout was called the Scout 800 which was produced in three sub-models (800, 800A, and 800B). From 1966 to 1967, International Harvester produced the Scout 800. Starting in 1968, the Scout 800A (this one) was produced from 1968 to 1970. The Scout 800B had a short production run of only a few months from August 1970 to March 1971. It was replaced by the Scout II. It had a 10 year production run from 1971 to 1980.
The first Scout 80s were equipped with a 152 cubic inch inline 4 cylinder engine that came from the factory with 93 horsepower. This Scout 800 has the 196 cubic inch inline 4 cylinder that was introduced in 1966. It was rated at 103 horsepower. Other optional engines over the years included a 232 cubic inch and 258 cubic inch inline 6-cylinder. Also, a 266 cubic inch, 304 cubic inch V8, and a 345 cubic inch V8 engine were equipped in later versions of the Scout.
While this Scout 800 needs work, it does have good bones and new tires. It was last registered in Colorado in 2000. The values of the old Scouts may go up when renewed interest is generated by the Volkswagen version that will come out in 2026.
This has been around Craigslist and EBay for a while now. Looks like it has better wheels and tires, and the headlight has been repaired, but it’s still sporting the VW Rabbit seats.
Owner’s just getting out ahead of the whole Volkswagen thing…
This is a good project but it’s needless to say that there is going to be a lot of work getting it back to new status. But at least it will still be powered by something I can actually relate to.
I saw the images (impressive) and read about the “NEW” Scout, powered by “Electrolux?” I have high hopes that the EV craze has slowed enough to allow cooler heads to prevail and offer something that some us FOR-REAL enthusiasts would appreciate. I might add that skuttlebutt says the insurance companies are taking a similar approach to EVs that they took toward propane power back in the late 70s. I guess we’ll see…
Obviously, the Scout has become the latest “casualty” in the flash-in-the-pan sector,, with folks that have one, clearly without regard to condition, are scrambling to drag these derelect examples out of the field, in an effort to hop on the band wagon before the world goes bust. We’re pretty much in the same gear about “juice” cars, I think in some applications, it can work, but, what so many don’t realize, or care, where that “juice” is coming from. We’re trading dis’ for dat’, and until we learn how to harness a lightning bolt, that “juice” isn’t free. The places a 4×4 goes, well, I’d carry a gas generator with you, it foolishness. No “plug-ins” on Marshall Pass,( elev. 10,842),,yet.
This “$1,000” vehicle TOPS,,is a good start, and it’s amazing, someone thinks this is worth what they’re asking. Pretty clear example how messed up this hobby is today.
“…Did you see in the news…”
Yes.
Thanks for the details of how they could get away w/use of the name. Wuz wondering. This model w/the 258 would be my choice altho I liked the 80 too. By the time they got to the II, no – no longer interested. Had the bronk by ’82 (a ’70) just because in ’81 they said ‘goin bankrupt’. I knew (@ the time) only hada make replacement prts 7 yrs after their crash. 40 yrs later still drivin mine after 38 yrs producing income from the woods.