Along with both versions of the Jeep Cherokee, International covered the nascent SUV market pretty early on with the Scout (1961-1980) like this 1973 example. What caught my attention in this case, is this vehicle’s condition. Most Scouts that I encounter are half rust and half waiting to be rust, this is a nice looking, solid example! You’ll find this Scout II in Mansfield, Texas and it’s available, here on eBay for a current bid of $17,100, with eight bids tendered as of this writing.

The seller suggests, “The body is in above average condition in my opinion, original body panels, no rot or major damage found, a few dings/imperfections here and there, but not all banged up” I’d say that’s an accurate assessment. Apparently, this International has been off the road since the ’80s and has a mileage recording of 26K miles and the seller adds, “I believe it is quite possible to be original miles, seeing as how long it was parked, but I have no paperwork to confirm“. OK, so it hasn’t been his possession long term and the 26K mile recording seems doubtful. Some amount of outside time has necessitated floor patchwork and we are further advised that the cargo area is protected with a bed liner, hopefully over a sound floor. The body, all-in-all, looks pretty good with no sign of rot or crash damage – I dig that very strong “blue” hue.

Power comes about via a 137 net HP, 304 CI V8 engine, and that’s an International engine not an AMC motor of the same displacement. It is described by stating, “The engine has good power, and sounds great, starts right up, not too loud, new valve cover gaskets, head gaskets, intake manifold gaskets, water pump, plug wires, distributor, coil, and some hoses were just installed“. There is also a new carburetor and mufflers along with what sounds like an entire brake system.

Inside shows us recently reupholstered black vinyl seats, both front and back, replete with a very typical utilitarian off-road vibe – a rubber floor mat and steel door panels all the way. There are the usual signs of age-related wear like a split dash pad and a cracked steering wheel, but that’s to be expected. This is an A/C equipped Scout but there is no freon charge according to the seller – or has there been an attempt to correct it. The original radio is still in place but there is no speaker with which to test it, how odd. Note what looks like a dash-mounted tachometer.

I see good bones here, this is such a radical departure from anything made in this vehicle class today. But then again, ’73 was 48 years ago and a tremendous amount of “stuff” has happened in that time – seems like only yesterday…This International Scout is going to find a new home, and it should, but I have to admit a bit of surprise with the current bid. Even though it’s a fallen flag, do you think this International would be worth pursuing?