This 1980 International Scout II Traveler is a rare Midas edition equipped with the rare turbodiesel engine and a four-speed manual. In the world of Scouts, this is about as good as it gets for an equipment list. The truck also appears to be in largely sound cosmetic condition with some needs but it by and large looks like a straightforward restoration project. The Scout is listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $12,500 in Wisconsin.
I’m surprised to see the sense of urgency in the seller’s voice; he claims to just want it gone as it’s occupying a needed lift space and otherwise in his way. This seems like a fantastic opportunity to make some basic mechanical improvements and re-sell this truck for a tidy profit. Unless there are major issues I’m not seeing in the photos or description, I’d be all over this if I was a Scout enthusiast.
The Midas trim was limited to just under 300 models, from what I’ve found, and I’m guessing the bulk of them came with the 345 V8. I can’t believe the elusive combination of the Midas kit and the Nissan-sourced turbo diesel engine was a common combination. The plaid trim inside was the icing on the proverbial cake for these trucks, and the seller confirms he does have the matching front buckets to the rear bench seat. Hopefully, the front upholstery is in the same sort of condition.
The Nissan turbo diesel engine is ridiculously stout and has a reputation for being somewhat unkillable. Like most older diesels, it’s not particularly quick, but a Scout isn’t about driving fast. The seller included a video of the engine running and it sounds quite healthy; the listing says it needs a few small things, which is hopefully an accurate assessment of condition. Rust is said to be limited to the front cab mounts. If all described here is accurate, I don’t expect this rare Scout II to last long.
Was the sculptured carpet part of the package?
Indeed it was. I can testify that those seats are as itchy as they look, too.
I think it was! Family of a friend has a Scout II Travelall and it came with this style carpet. Looked like it belonged in a “Family Room” with fake wood paneling, a console TV, and an Atari 2600. Like the Byers’ house on Stranger Things.
FWIU the diesel was supplied by on 1980 Scouts unless the customer ordered one of the other engines, since IH had already decided to discontinue the Scout after the model year but already agreed to purchase a set number of engines from Nissan.
Free Midas mufflers for life? Back in the day when mufflers rotted out in 3 or 4 years.
Why did the Scout fail? Other cars and trucks get Gucci, Bill Blass, King Ranch special editions. Scout gets a replacement muffler special edition. It it suceeded I imagine Ziebart and Earl Sheib special editions wouldn;t be far behind. Maybe JC Whitney?
The Scout failed for a number of reasons, Kim. 1st, IH did offer some fancy editions in all their trucks. “Eagle” semis were high class, and Scout Terras and Travelers were cushy vehicles. 2nd, IH discontinued light truck operations because their HD truck segment was going great guns, until Volvo hit the scene, and last, IH never had a reputation for passenger vehicles, and I remember an ad where the son takes the mom for a ride in his new Scout. She exclaims how nice it is, but sonny, isn’t IH a truck? No mom, it’s a Scout!
Considering where SUVs went, it was a colossal blunder and the minds reels at what could have been for IH.
And another thing, the diesel was a half baked attempt to jump on the “diesel bandwagon”, and should be included in all the other failed diesel attempts of the time.
Cool Scout. Had a friend in college that had one of these with the diesel, but not a “Midas” edition. When the weather got really cold, I remember him leaving it running all night instead of struggling with trying to get it to start in the AM. It needed some work, apparently. I’d fix this up mechanically, put some old white wagon wheels and some 31” or so AT tires and just drive it. Maybe take out the carpet and replace it with rubber flooring, if they’re making it aftermarket.
Not surprisingly, it’s already gone – living-room carpeting and all.
Sure it’ll be back at triple the price, before long.
Junk I had a friend that owned one it would fall apart driving down the road.
Junk SD-33 Nissan Diesel engine, also used in Datsun forklifts The only thing these engines performed exceptionally well in was under water as a boat anchor.
Midas … the conversion van company. Not the muffler shop. Hence the thing that made these special was the interior, the skylights above the front seats, and the rotating captain’s chairs. They seem to have come in a variety of colors, and not all had the diesel engine. See https://www.hagerty.com/media/buying-and-selling/auctions/forget-tesla-go-plaid-with-this-midas-edition-79-scout-ii/ for more better pictures of one that isn’t missing quite as much as this one may be. Nevertheless, it’s gone. Scouts are cool.
I bought a 1979 Scout II Rallye in 1980.(Not the Traveler) and gas 345 from the International dealer in Dallas. It had the plaid seats and automatic. Loved it but it was in the shop often. Went all over the jeep trails in Colorado and never had a problem. Wish I could find it now and restore it. Lots of fond memories.
I owned this Scout for 20 years, if anyone want’s to ask me about it.