Long-wheelbase and short-wheelbase have very profound meanings when it comes to collector vehicles. It really doesn’t matter which one you prefer; rather, it can affect the value of a vehicle depending on which length was harder to find. This impeccable 1977 International Harvester Scout Traveler with the Rallye package is a rare long-wheelbase model, with 118 inches of truck to fit in your driveway. We don’t see these “stretched” Scouts all that often, and this one looks awesome in its factory color of Omaha Orange. This Scout is going up for auction in a few weeks and can be viewed here on the Mecum Auctions website.
It looks like a normal Scout from every other angle, but when you view it from the side, it’s readily apparent that the wheelbase is longer that the standard model. I actually own a truck that is one of just 800 made in short-wheelbase form, as it’s an Isuzu Trooper RS which had 14 inches cut out of the middle. It’s fascinating how the length can change the potential market in terms of who might buy it. Take the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited LJ, for example: that’s a Wrangler model that added 15 inches to its wheelbase and has become a bit of a cult classic. The same can be said for this Scout, which we hardly ever see with the additional interior storage capacity afforded by its longer proportions. One thing’s for sure: regardless of which wheelbase is your favorite, this Scout is in outstanding condition.
The bodywork appears to be excellent and the same goes for the interior. The bench seat isn’t exactly sexy but it’s also in good shape and will be easy to repair if a dog or a kid puts a hole in it. The dashboard and all instruments and switchgear appear to be in great shape, along with the factory steering wheel. The listing reports it comes with factory air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, and a factory roll bar. The transmission is a three-speed automatic and it’s paired to the venerable 345 CI V8 engine. The dash also looks to be crack-free in this photo, and the door panels are in excellent condition. The listing reports the Scout also came with the towing package and side-view mirrors, rounding out what is a very well-equipped truck.
The detailing on this truck is just excellent. No matter where you look, it’s clear the presentation alone gets top marks. The Rallye stickers are also seemingly well done, but given I can’t inspect the decal placement in person, I have to assume the pictures don’t lie. The Scout is equipped with Dana 44 axles front and rear, and comes with a Dana 20 dual-range transfer case. Despite being an antique, it’s clear the Scout still has the chops necessary for hitting the trail, and with the longer wheelbase, now you can bring more of your friends along for the ride. When’s the last time you saw a long wheelbase Traveler?
Nice Scout. My neighbor had a diesel version, hell of a truck.
A/this traveler is not a scout, eh?
OK, nissian SD 32 (diesel) only came in the scout, yes?
The last yr for scout hada SD33 which was a turbo diesel, no?
(no more sentences, I have no more ‘tentative endings” for them)