International Harvester launched the Scout as a competitor to the Jeep CJ-5 in 1960. While the CJ-5 still outsold the Scout, IH’s new model carved its own niche, expanding the SUV market. IH design chief Ted Ornas famously sketched the uncomplicated, boxy Scout while in his kitchen – styling that endured throughout a production period stretching over two decades and two generations. This first-gen Scout is a bit down on its luck: rust has nibbled at its sheet metal in every corner, it doesn’t run, and the title is missing. On the other hand, it is a 4WD, and it’s only $1500. Find it here on craigslist, located in Hudson, New Hampshire. We have Zappenduster to thank for finding this derelict Binder.
The first Scouts received one of two Commanche four-cylinders, but as the Bronco and the Jeep upped the ante in the engine bay, so did IH, providing both sixes and a few V8s over time. This is one of the four-cylinder options, good for about 103 hp. Engine swaps are popular; a V8 would look great in here, and the way the market is today, you’ll be paid for that modification. The standard gearbox was a three-speed manual coupled with a twin-stick Dana transfer case, but a four-speed was also available. I believe the seller when he indicates his Scout is “all original” – other than the accordion hoses and new clamps, this engine bay looks untouched. Curiously, this Scout’s VIN decodes to a Traveltop, but it’s clearly a half-cab.
The cabin isn’t as awful as some I’ve seen; at least the floors aren’t rotted out. The transition from the 80 to the 800 afforded buyers a few extras – bucket seats, padded dash top, and a few more gauges. But the buyer still had to check a box in order to get a heater/defroster. The windshield was now fixed with the wipers mounted at its bottom, while the 80’s glass could fold flat and the wipers were mounted up top. Overall, if you’re after a vintage feel, either model will supply that in spades, but the 800’s jaunty bucket seats put it a notch above.
The availability of Scout sheet metal has improved over the last few years, thanks to vendors like Super Scout Specialists. Ten years ago, you’d scrounge for some time to find decent used panels – or simply resort to buying an extra Scout as a donor. Scouts remain less expensive than their rivals from Ford and Chevy, and this problematic example is particularly cheap, though for good reason. Despite its defects, I’m certain this Scout will find a new home, if even with a professional who will resto-mod it.
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