Scout 800s were only made from 1965 to 1968, and most of those were not this unusual Sportop version, and not even all of those were the soft-top Sportop! So what we have here is an unusual early SUV, in fairly solid condition. It’s listed for sale here on craigslist with an asking price of $8,950. The Sportop is waiting for you in Scappoose, Oregon.
We’re told that the Scout was originally off-white but was repainted this shade of light yellow many years ago. It does run and drive according to the seller, but obviously is in need of some refurbishment. The seller notes in the ad that they also have the tail cap piece; I’m presuming that means the fiberglass hardtop that was included with some Sportop (note, it’s not “Sport Top”, I kept searching until I found a factory brochure online so I was sure) models but it would be best to clarify exactly what the seller means. I wasn’t able to find anyone reproducing the soft top for this model, but it looks like there is enough there to have a good upholstery shop make one for you.
The combination of the split rear bumper and the odd muffler/tailpipe combination make the rear of the Scout look a little odd to me. The seller describes the body as “solid” and while I agree based on the pictures, I’d really want to look a little closer.
The inside of the 800 appears to be very original and not half bad condition-wise. The big stick is connected to a four-speed manual transmission. I was curious as to the purposes of the other two controls and was able to find this reproduction decal that shows you need both shifters to cycle through the ranges of 2-wheel high, 4-wheel high, and 4-wheel low ranges of the Dana 20 Twin Stick transfer case. By the way, apparently, the rear seat option is very rare.
While there were larger engines available in the Scout 800 by 1967, this appears to be the original 152 cubic-inch inline-four which produced 93 horsepower. I’m not sure I wouldn’t prefer one of the other engines, which included a larger four-cylinder and, believe it or not, a turbo version of the 152. While that might add interest, I’m guessing the little 152 is enough for anything you’d try with this vintage Scout. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Matt H. for alerting us to this find!
Another not often seen in this condition – if it’s your cup of tea the price does seam good compared to some other makes……do I need to mention them ?
That does look like a good one, get it now before the price rockets up. I know it isn’t but the top looks like that it was lifted straight from a VW Thing.
Back seat looks comfy with everybody getting their own ashtray.
This 4×4 was featured last May:
https://barnfinds.com/sportop-1967-international-harvester-scout-800/
Good catch! And if it hasn’t sold by now, it’s definitely overpriced.
Yeah, same one already featured here. Shovels full of bondo in every panel still there. Was solid before it bounced off every tree and rock like a pinball.
I don’t know that I knew that Sportops were available with soft tops. We had a ’67 Sportop with a hardtop from 1978-1981. Worst vehicle we ever owned.
Jamie – the 152 was a gutless engine that couldn’t get out of its own way. We had to shift it into 2-Lo to climb our driveway and to get out onto the main road from our street in our mountain town of Prescott, AZ. When we went four wheeling and came to a steep hill, the family had to clamber out and pray beside the trail while Dad gunned it up the hill in hopes of making it to the top.
I remember the ugly rear bumperettes and spare tire too. I’m not sure if Dad built a rear bumper to replace them or not, but I remember them laying in a pile in the brush on the north side of the house. I think we uncovered them years later and I didn’t remember what they were from.
Dad wised up in ’81 and bought a ’69 Bronco that I still own and drive to this day.
Todd, thanks for the first hand insights!
I’ve never seen one of these, and after reading the comments I can see why.
Looks like IH’s response to the jeepster sports convertible.although the jeepster comes off looking much more attractive.
This turd was on BF a few weeks ago. Agreed with Todd and William above. Of course it’s a Bondo queen; these things rusted out even in dry climes. And that “1/2 of a V-8” engine was not only gutless, but had other issues. Only a few reasons one doesn’t see many of them and that they are not being built any longer. The ’69 Bronco was a much better choice!
U can make this into any other IH 80/800 U want.
I like the fast back’n even got ash trays in the back seat.
Faannnceee.
8^ 0
I had one back in the day, fiberglass hard top styled like the convertible. I think The filler panel they were talking about goes between the tailgate and the rear base of the top. About 6-8 inches x the width of the box. Took up space that normally would be covered by the full steel top.
Gutless is correct.
My girlfriend brought this 800 but a good amount less than the 8500. It has some bondo but not to bad both rear quarters need replace and driver floor pan and front fascia has bondo but have not dug that deep yet. It’s not beer as bad as many of the others we had looked at.