Buyers of today’s small SUVs probably have no idea that they’re missing out on one important detail: decal packages. OK, you can still get a “Free Wheeling” package on a new Bronco, but they’re not too common, which is too bad. That’s one of the main reasons why this original-paint 1974 International Scout II is so special; it has option code 10842, which includes factory-installed white (or woodgrain) vinyl on the side of its Ceylon Green flanks. It was a $90 option on 1974 Scout IIs, and it was worth every penny; it will, however, cost a little more to get into this ’74 Scout II that’s listed on eBay in Sparta, Michigan. With six days remaining on the auction, brisk bidding has taken it to $17,000, and that’s likely just the beginning.
In addition to being a largely original Scout, it’s also a highly optioned Scout. It has the biggest engine in the lineup in 1974, the 345-cubic-inch International V8, which produced 157 horsepower and 287 lb.-ft. of torque with dual exhaust (which this Scout appears to have). It also has an automatic transmission, which was surprisingly popular in 1974 (58.2 percent of Scouts had it); it was a Chrysler Torqueflite in all but name (International called it the T-407). Standard gear ratios were 3.73:1 front and rear, and the seller confirms that this truck has them.
The engine has been tuned up and runs well, and all fluids have been changed front-to-back. It has power steering, power front disc brakes, and even factory air conditioning (although the compressor has been removed, it will come with the sale). Everything in the four-wheel-drive system works as it should.
Even though the Scout was plusher in 1974 than it was upon its introduction as a 1961 model, it’s still spartan by today’s standards, but what’s there is in good condition; the front seat has recently been reupholstered and the rear seat is original. The windshield and its gasket have been recently replaced for leak-free visibility. You should probably leave the parts store steering-wheel cover for a true 1970s experience.
The most important reason to buy this Scout II is the undercarriage; it’s perhaps the most solid original Scout on the market today. Being from the Pacific Northwest originally, the sheetmetal has not been ravaged by salt or baked by the sun, and it’s as International made it. The front cab mounts and body wedges have been replaced, but there’s 51 years of history under here otherwise.
Yes, if you like Scouts, and they are inherently likeable, this is one to have, because there’s no emulating an original truck that’s shows its 51 years in a good way. If you didn’t already know, the top comes off (though it’s apparently not an easy process). It’s certain that you’ll have to open the wallet wide if you want to take this one home, but it’s certainly a more direct route to decal enjoyment than restoring a rusty one.
1974 was a banner year for IH, blissfully unaware of the future of their light truck line. Apparently, the 392, already in short supply, ( they substituted AMC 401s for the 392 in ’74) was not offered in the Scout, but should be noted, the AMC 258/6 was. While the Scout and CJ seemed to run parallel for many years, the Scout here pulled away from the CJ, and had a viable shot at cashing in on the SUV craze, but never happened. I happen to like the Scout MORE than then Jeep :0,,,that’s right, you heard me, a kindred relationship to IH, as I’d say over half the HD trucks I drove were Cornbinders( the rest were Fords) CJs had plenty of issues, but the Scout was from good stock, I felt, and a darn shame to see them go. A fantastic find, as most of the Scouts I’m familiar with, were rusty, fenderless, doorless hulks sitting in the woods, but I bet were driven there.
This one’s definitely in the running alongside my friend’s ’73 model for condition. The Scout, the light truck line for that matter, definitely got short-sheeted; just as it was really taking off a corporate decision sent it into the “Remember When” file. And I’ve been through that a couple of times on this page.
Sheet metal components are starting to come out although major panels are still on the “future” lists.
This truck could come to my place and I would restore the A-C and keep it going.
I’m sure that everyone knows about the “new” Scout. The guys from Scout Motors are out in full battle regalia trying to kindle interest in those Electroloux-powered marvels. Since I’m attached to an International dealer, Scout Motors has been making rounds, although I understand that ALL new vehicle purchasing is done online. But they’re getting tired of hearing from me. I told them, Cummins V6 diesel; ZF or Dana, or equivilant MECHANICAL driveline and I could be bought. I told them that I already have a DeWalt drill and an Electrolux vacuum; I don’t need another one. I don’t think they like me anymore…
The marketing department won’t listen because you are not repeating the narrative they want to hear and their sales failure will be attributed to something else. Build what the people want.
Had the same discussion with New Holland about tractors, the hardest thing about getting sensible change is making corporate think it’s their idea.
Great comments lads 👍
I was going to say thanks Stan…. But then realized I hadn’t left a comment.
😲😄👍
These were tough vehicles, I worked for the railroad and they had a few of these for the communication guys. They took them all over from remote microwave sites to repairs on the pole line. Yeah we still had a working pole line for a few years and I hired on in 76. Our access roads were barely roads, you had to drive smart.
It’s remarkable to see a Scout II with faded, original graphics. Usually, the steel rusted away from behind the graphics before they had a chance to fade.
Ain’t it the wurst? And once you took the top off it never sealed again; that happened with my ’77 Terra. IH also made a 304 V8 which should have been more than enough for a Scout but they always came with a 345, which appeared in school buses, of all things.
This Scout is in really good shape and I like the all the pictures showing it! It’s a v8 with A/C and is one of a few in good shape that I have seen for a while. This one won’t last long and hope it finds a good home!
Nice looking Scout. Twenty year old me added that same steering wheel to my Scout II. Fifty-something me says find the big original one. What’s up with the Ford shifter. Looks like that’d be more awkward to use than the original one where you just palmed it and pulled the lock out ring up with your middle and index finger.
SOLD for $22,327.
Then, relisted.
Then: “This listing was ended by the seller on Wed, Sep 3 at 12:48 PM because the item is no longer available.”