Paint, wheels, and tires mark the only obvious deviations from original on this neat old Scout. The 1964 International Harvester Scout 80 in Topeka, Kansas goes to the highest bidder in a No Reserve auction here on eBay. With a new battery and “wiring complete,” according to the seller, the Scout reportedly “runs great,” with at least nine bidders scouting out room in their garage for the brown and white 4×4. With a high bid over $6000, you can bet higher numbers are coming as the auction heads into its final days.
Simple instrumentation keeps drivers apprised of vital telemetry. My 2007 BMW has no coolant gauge unless you activate a “secret menu,” so this ’64 Scout dashboard tops 21st century technology in at least one regard.
The 152 cid (2.5L) inline four-cylinder engine makes 93 HP in stock form, according to hiconsumption. A three-speed manual transmission spins a Dana 18 transfer case. From there power goes rearward and (when engaged) forward via driveshafts to Dana 27 differentials that offset the power to all four wheels. Fit some period-correct deep-lugged tires and your hunting party stands a good chance of returning home with minimal drama, at least the vehicle-related sort. Not all modern features earn disdain; before the late ’60s, these non-collapsible steering columns speared into your chest during heavy front impacts. Yikes!
Originally designed “to replace the horse,” the Scout 80 aimed one notch higher on the comfort and convenience scale than the military-style vehicles, offering sliding side windows, vacuum wipers, and other niceties beyond what you might expect from a company with “Harvester” in its name. Though the little 80 might seem like a farm implement today, it could drive four people across the nation on pavement, gravel, or using no roads whatsoever, surviving punishment that few modern SUVs could endure. Though not as hot in the market as the first-generation Ford Bronco, early Scouts have seen high-dollar makeovers in recent years. Would you take this little Scout over an early Bronco?
1st Edition Broncos never appealed to me like a Scout did. Maybe it was because you saw them everywhere while a Scout was a little bit less detectable. I would like to have one, providing I could afford another vehicle. This looks like a good candidate for a fun project…
Interested
I had an early 62, with the sliding side windows, tough as nails, go anywhere you wanna go off the pavement, not particularly pleasant on the highway, heat was minimal, freeze your tail off in the winter, but a good vehicle for what it was meant for. The original Bronco was much more civilized, equally as useful off-road, and with a V8, nicer on the highway. But the Scout improved through the years, I also had a 75 Scout II, totally different animal
I like it. But that “ non – collapsing “ steering column is scary, sort of. You could fix this problem by cutting the column into 3 sections and putting in 2 U – joints. Then you would have a modern “ collapsing steering “ column, problem solved. I would have to drive this International to get a good feel for the 4 – cylinder engine and its performance. Most likely I would leave it original. This is a really cool International Scout, especially a 2 – door. I hope that the new owner enjoys it and doesn’t ruin it. Good luck and a great article!
Non collapsing steering column is scary? Maybe best you stay away from classic vehicles, no such feature back then, even seat belts were seldom seen. Or used
I would like to own 1 and am glad to see IH get more respect, but as a fun summer vehicle they have become to expensive for this old blister.
My Dad had the same scout when I was a baby. Mom and dad both told me that when I was fussy just a short ride in the scout put me right to sleep. My dad is 86 years old today and he just talked about that not long ago. I never owned a scout but I sure would love to have one
My Brother had a Scout just like this one with a V8 in it , rough riding and lacking heat , but one tough vehicle go almost any where !