I can see why the bids for this 1969 International Scout 800A are already at $12,600, it’s said to be original inside and out and has no rust. And by that, of course, the seller means no rust holes, almost everything has surface rust unless it’s in your living room and even then, it’s not a sure thing. They have it listed here on eBay in a perfect location given the opening photo: Rockwall, Texas, just northeast of Dallas.
First things first, this Scout is rear-wheel drive only; it doesn’t have four-wheel drive. We don’t see many two-wheel-drive Scouts here on Barn Finds or two-wheel-drive versions of vehicles that are normally shown as 4x4s, if that makes sense. I’m thinking of Blazers, Broncos, Suburbans, Ramchargers, etc. And that includes the I-H Scout. I’ve been in Dallas in the winter months and while there wasn’t any snow on the ground, it was slick in spots due to frost and black ice, not that a 4×4 would help that much in those situations.
I think most of us would want the option of having all four wheels providing power unless we live in a climate where it’s truly not needed at any point during the year, and it’s a vehicle that will never be taken off of paved roads. So, why are there AWD minivans in Florida and Tucson? (how’s that for a leading question?) The condition of this Scout is pretty amazing and the seller has provided fantastic photos, kudos to them for that! The underside has the aforementioned surface rust as expected, but it really does look rock solid. The seller says this one was special-ordered for a welding shop in Northcentral Texas.
The Scout 800A was made from late 1968 through late 1970 and it offered a bit more “luxury”, if you can call it that, than the previous versions. Not the kind of luxury we expect today but for 1969, it was a nice version of the Scout. The removable “Utility” driver’s compartment hard top is a fun feature and the interior looks great in this Scout. This one has no back seat, instead having a nice rear cargo area to haul a tiny motorcycle or two (not that I ever think of such things), and that also shows a lot of surface rust.
The engine is International’s 196-cu.in. slant-four with 111 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque when new. It sent that power through a Borg Warner T-18 four-speed manual to the rear wheels and the seller says, “Drive it home” so that’s a good sign. This looks like a great example and I hope it’s kept maintained and used as it was meant to be used.
This is probably the coolest thing I’ll see all day, Scotty. A rust-free Scout is going to be spendy!
Not exactly rust free, but rust is minimal, this would be an easy restoration if the price doesn’t get too out of hand. Would make a nice truck for hunting or fishing camp.
A “shorty” top, two-wheel drive and no rear seat? No, thank you.
I know Scout prices are going up, but the better part of $13K for one so minimally equipped doesn’t set my heart racing.
Also, I do not remember a four-speed transmission as an option on Scouts (at least as of 1966, when my father bought his). Perhaps someone better-versed can weigh in. There were plenty of times when I wished ours had better gear spacing….
https://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1969/1244690/international_scout_800a_4x2_traveltop_4-196_4-speed.html#gsc.tab=0
According to this, RayT, a four-speed manual was available.
I’ve set up rebuild kits for 4-speed transmissions in Scouts. They were essentially the same as was offered in the pickups. By the late 60s a lot of options became available on Scouts.
2wd is actually a rare form of Scout. Parts for the tube front axle can be a challenge…
When I was a kid my dad wheeled dealed bought sold traded etc. We had the identical scout for a while.
The only vehicle that looks cool but runs & drives like a hay wagon & you love it anyway
Much better than the new, fake, Scout EV’s. I’m looking at you, Volkswagen.
Yes to four speed. I have a stock 67 Scout 800, and it does have the four speed trans. Looking forward to pulling it in to my shop for some loving attention and driving soon.
Awesome! What a great toy as is. Living where you can use it year round helps.
My view on the necessity of 4 wheel drive and rust elimination is not like yours Scotty. Your articles are always enjoyed.
This style 2WD, Half Cab Scout was my first rig in 1974. It cost $250 off the used lot at the big Chevy dealership in Terre Haute where my brother worked. Once heard the handling accurately described as “agricultural”. Pull the top and doors, then let the windshield down, perfect for Indiana summers.
no scouts dropped the windshield, thats my bronk. But I’ll tell ya, this is why I bought it. So enamored by the scout 80/800 back then, but they went out of business (IH light truck) so bronco it was. Now my rig is worth more but I still like the scout/question my decision…
when i first moved to fort worth in ’98 2WD was the norm. a truck like this was very common across all brands. then about eight or ten years ago 4WD became stylish and you saw it more. you didn’t need it but you had to have it. had one myself. the seller says the truck was ordered for a welding shop. its safe to say that this truck never saw duty there. it would have gotten beaten up. so one wonders where this truck did come from. its in awful good shape to have seen much usage
These are a good truck to latch onto. Parts are mostly easy to find. The engine is a mix of good and difficult. Rod bearings are the worst because they are in a category all their own. Rings. mains, cam bearings, even pistons, are within reach but the rods, prepare to wait for them, or send them out to get relined.
Auction update: this one sold for a whopping $16,600!
Actually it didn’t sell. Never met the reserve
That’s weird, FIretang71, I don’t know if I’ve seen eBay list something with a black “SOLD” banner on the bottom-right corner of the photo, but it didn’t sell. I see now that it’s been relisted with a $19,900 buy-it-now price or you can make an offer, ouch.
Hank Kimball’s ride.