Wake up! You were dreaming. The seller is listing this 1967 International Scout 800 Sportop for $16,000 or best offer, that doesn’t include any other vehicles shown here. As nice as that would be, I would take this I-H Scout over the Camaro every single time, but I know I’m in the vast minority there. They have this RWD Scout posted here on craigslist in Gilroy, California. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Tony P. for the Sportop tip!
I don’t know how I haven’t been to Gilroy, California before/yet. The famous garlic capital of the U.S. has to be worth a visit. If I had an extra $16,000, I’d visit to buy this Scout and drive it home on two-lane roads. I would never drive a vehicle this nice on salty roads in the winter, so the fact that it isn’t a 4×4 doesn’t even enter into the equation for me.
International made the Scout 800 from 1965 through 1968, and the Sportop is a nice model. The removable fiberglass top is unique, and the split rear bumper with the spare tire mounted on the tailgate makes this model even more unique. The Sportop model was first available in late 1965 for the 1966 model year, and the seller says this one has new paint, but some of the panels appear a shade different from adjacent panels. Maybe it’s a trick of light and/or shadow?
The interior is obviously new, or not factory original. I’d want some sound-deadening material on the floor, and I’d even kick it up a notch with some nice light carpet in this Sportop. The seats look like new because they are. I wish they had gone with a bit less of an eye-popping combo than black and white, but they must like that combination, and with vehicle ownership, that’s all that matters. Our individual opinions are worth exactly zero to anyone but ourselves. We don’t get to see the rear cargo area, but here’s a shot of the back seat through the window.
The engine is a 4-cylinder, which is all we’re given, and it could be a 152 or 196 four. I’m assuming it’s the 152-cu.in. version with 92 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque, but I’m not sure. One of you International experts will know by looking at it. It’s backed by a BorgWarner T-90C three-speed manual with a floor shift, and power is sent to the rear wheels only on this Scout. They say it runs like a champ, and has new “paint, brakes, ebrake, seats, tires and mechanically very, very sound. Speedo and gauges are not yet working.” Hagerty is at $23,300 for a #3 good-condition example, so prices are really ramping up for early Scouts. How much would you pay for this Scout Sportop?
WOW!! Very nice IH!! Wouldn’t want to drive it much because of IGNORANT drivers.
Here’s a rare one, I read only about 3547 “Sportops” were made, and only about 2579 actually had the top. They originally came with a folding soft top. This was a classic “swing and a miss”, misinterpreting what the public actually wanted. With over half a million Scouts sold, this wasn’t it. The basic Scout cost about $2128 new, a Sportop was almost $2600, PLUS the hardtop was extra,( $200?) so it wasn’t a big seller. Some sites say an original could go as high as $50 grand,,,okay,,,the gauges aren’t original, so some tinkering there, and one was featured here a while back, in much worse shape, I don’t think was sold, but not much other info, so it’s a rare one.
Wow!! This is certainly a nice one. I’m not sure either what’s going on with that slight color variation going on, but I wouldn’t mess with it if the paints solid. I actually like the two tone interior. The only thing besides flooring is a missing gas pedal. I’d try to source one of those. The original 4 cylinder and 3 speed is just fine for 2 lane back roads. It looks great. I’m wondering since it’s in California if its been there its whole life, and if so if that sheetmetal is all original? If it is, thats impressive.
Um, I’ll take the Camaro…
A friend had one of these Scouts with the Sportop, but his was 4 wheel drive. He only paid 200 bucks for it in the late 70’s. It was a bit rusty but made a good plow vehicle. He lent to me a couple of times when I was without a car. I can’t imagine why anybody would buy a new 2WD Scout. They were slow and kind of unrefined, but purpose being you could put it in 4WD when the going got tough. I did see a Jeep Cherokee equipped like this once 2WD,4cyl, and a 5speed. It originally belonged to the Jeep dealer and they used it for a shop vehicle. I think if I was looking for basic transportation back in ’67, I think I would have bought a Rambler American or a Dodge Dart.
Hideous looking.
When I think of Scout, I think 4×4, so I have some difficulty thinking that there could possibly by a 2WD. However, over the years I’ve seen a few 800s and Scout IIs so-equipped, or not equipped.
It’s whatever floats your boat. If you don’t think you need a 4×4 then don’t bother with one. I saw a cartoon in an Off-Road magazine once. It showed a custom 4×4 with roll bars, off-road lights, huge tires and wheels, and the owner saying: “Take my Custom 4×4 in the mud? Are you crazy?”
I’ve had a lot of 4x4s in my time, and maybe 90% of the time I didn’t need that extra powered axle, but that 10% was sometimes a serious matter, and I’m glad I ticked the appropriate box. I once told a guy that I will go out of my way to avoid a bog hole or a snow bank but I like to have 4×4 just in case I haven’t got a choice. The guy figured I was nuts, and he was probably right.
For this truck, I’m sure it’s running the 152. Good engine but that’s also been discussed a lot on BF. No real shortage of power here.
I can’t say that I’m all over that sport top. Truth be known, I’ll take the regular SUV top and leave it at that. It’s like the first attempt at a Scout Traveler; I was never a big fan of it. For me, keep them square…
And therein lies the rub here, this truck kind of falls in the middle. Most that would want a Scout, would want it for it’s 4 wheel drive, and the folks that want this just as a kooky “Sunday go to meetin” car, won’t want a stick. I too don’t understand the logic of a 2 wheel drive Scout, there are so many better 2 wheel drive vehicles, and the low sales pretty much bolsters that fact. Heck, be cheaper to cut the top off a DJ.
What you described, “glad you had that front drive axle”, is the premise of 4 wheel drive sales today. Most 4 wheel drive vehicles probably still have the burrs on the front ring gear, as it was never used. But, boy howdy, if you need it,,,gotcha’!
Scotty, THANKS!!!! I have never heard of, or seen, this option in either drive style. I can see why it was a poor seller. Although I would take it, just for its uniqueness. According to your Hagerty pricing this is a good entry vehicle to the hobby.
Looks like a vehicle that can’t make up it’s mind as to what purpose
it will serve…
With the lower stance, small tires and that “different” hard top. It just looks wrong. Which is why I kind of like it!
Does it smell like garlic?(lol)
Until a few years ago, the garlic seedlings were started here in my valley in Nevada. (Although our area is know for onions) Then transplanted in Gilroy. (Evidently they now have greenhouses in Gilroy to start growing from seeds.) Our garlic crops here are almost full grown already.
That’s some expensive cute.
Looking at the firewall and engine compartment makes me think this one started out life pink outside. A white top and black/white interior would have definitely given more pizazz than the current beige white (yawn) combo.
Looks great including the interior. Lack of 4wd? Would anyone put a 60 year old in this condition into a situation that required 4wd? Didn’t think so. Wrong coast and wrong country otherwise I’d be looking very hard at this. You’ll be the only one at cars and coffee and is a solid basis for any recommended or otherwise mods. Considering the Jeepster community is bigly strong (mostly thanks to Shriners) this is a good contender as an alternative at a very good price (if it actually is as presented).
You are right!!! I did not make the Jeepster connection. Definitely a rare vehicle to cruise around in and attend shows, Cruise In’s, and Cars & Coffee.
The Scout anyday – a Camaro? – no way
California 4×4. All show. No go. Cute in a homely sort of way.
Our family had a ’67 Sportop 4×4 from 1978-1981 with the 152. It was unusual and rare, and that’s about all the good I can say about it. Dad thankfully traded it in on the ’69 Bronco I still drive today and none of us ever looked back!