While the market can ebb and flow on pricey sports cars and luxury vehicles, old-school 4x4s seem to be reliable as the rain in terms of steady values. This 1980 International Scout Harvester II is one of the less-often-seen later production models, immediately recognizable with its updated grill and square headlights. Though this one has some rust and isn’t equipped with the desirable Nissan turbodiesel, the seller claims it has good bones for a project. Find it here on eBay with bids to $8,500 and no reserve.
I dig the colors, which appears to be a dark forest green with a yellow decal strip. The dark brown interior pairs nicely with that exterior paintjob, and while the photos may be a little dark for a comprehensive examination, there’s no hiding the fact that the floor has some holes in it. But I doubt it’s too hard to find replacement floor pans for a truck like this, and the good news is the interior is otherwise complete with a decent dash, gauge cluster, and door panels.
The paint is most likely not original, as inward glances like these show what looks like a fairly rudimentary application process and plenty of older paint visible underneath. The seller indicates there may be other rust spots to address beyond the floors, and the removable hard top is described as repairable or replaceable, so there’s likely some corrosion to address there as well. Still, this Scout seems like a prime candidate for a rolling restoration.
The 348 V8 is said to start up and run without issue, but the description notes that it should get a new radiator before too long and that it will also need brake lines. The seller mentions the typical LS swap idea, but I wouldn’t do that; the smart money on a Scout is either keeping it as original as possible or going full-scale restomod, so I’d recommend not ending up somewhere in between. The Scout is a classic no matter the era; would you build it back to stock or give it some modern flare?
Final-year IH Scout, the Pete Best of SUVs.
Way too much money for a project with so many unknown issues.
The Fred Flinstone mobile of SUV’s.
What is with these lousy pictures? 1980 Scouts came with better rust prevention and an upgraded transfer case along with the square headlights, but this one has been sitting in the salt air way too long. I’d want to see the tops of the bed rails before handing any cash over. The rear quarter is toast, although new steel is available. I’d also want to see every inch of steel under the carpets-that’s where the true horror lies.
Nice looking IH Scout. The final year has always been my favourite year. Given its condition, I’d pay around the asking price. You’d still have enough money on hand to pay for inspection, insurance, upgrades, etc.
Wasn’t the mid size IH V8 a 343?
I had a number of Scouts back in the 70’s and 80’s, and the 345 ci was the biggest engine you could get at the time.
That’s a good size for the Scout. Any larger than that and you’re looking at Travelall territory.
No it was a 345
345.
seen real nice ones go for 35k, so this is reasonable.
I wouldn’t say the Nissan diesel is exactly “desirable”, except to a small segment of Scout diesel fans. Even with the turbo, they only make 100 hp and are painfully slow. V8 will always be more desirable.
That said, pretty much all the “facts” in this article are inaccurate/erroneous, so what’s one more.
I’d prefer a Toyota Diesel or a Baby Duramax 2.8 turbo diesel engine.
You all are right, it was a 345, not a 343. I was thinking AMC.