This 1974 International Harvester Scout II is shiny. The seller states that the SUV still wears its original paint and is powered by an inline 6 cylinder engine. The Scout II is listed for sale here on eBay and the auction has 4 days remaining. Currently, bidding is strong with 27 bids up to $19,260 at present. The Scout II is located in Caldwell, Idaho and the selling dealer is willing to help arrange shipping. The odometer claims to be 31k original miles. The ad on eBay shows dozens of pictures of the vehicle along with all of its scrapes and bumps over the past 50 years.
While there are numerous pictures of the interior, they are all close up but none show anything disturbing. The factory bench seats looks original as does the rear seat. The first Scouts were sold by International Harvester in 1960 and called a Scout 80. In 1966, the second generation of Scout was introduced and called the Scout 800. It was produced in three sub-models (800, 800A, and 800B). In 1971, the third generation model was introduced and produced until 1980. It was called the Scout II (like this model).
The first Scouts were all powered by inline 4 cylinder engines. They were factory rated at 93 horsepower. By 1974, a number of engines were available including a 304 cubic inch V8 engine and later a 345 cubic inch V8 engine (1971). In 1976, a 198 cubic inch diesel inline 6 (1976-1979) could be optioned. This Scout II has a 258 cubic inch inline 6 cylinder engine. It was rated at 98 net horsepower and 190 lb ft of torque. This example has power disc brakes and power steering along with a bikini top.
The seller states that the truck is solid with good metal and very little rust. The aftermarket tires are mounted on chrome 15×7 wheels. The Scout II is shifted via a 4 speed manual transmission. Even the wood applique is original. There is no mention on how the vehicle runs or the engagement of the 4WD system but the seller offers videos upon request. So how did the current owner get this original paint to be so shiny?
AMC supplied 258? Brother of a Jeep?
The body panels on International trucks of this era must’ve been made of something only slightly thicker than standard household aluminum foil, because it’s rare to see one without a few areas of crumpled metal.
Well stated, Jason. There is a reason that this company went through a sort-of “bankruptcy” in 1981, I believe, and now again, being acquired by VW for who knows what reason. They actually believe that there will be enough buyers to justify an electric “Scout.” Again, what are they thinking? Obviously they are not paying attention to current market conditions.
You’re not far off from the truth. International changed its metal gauge around ‘73 after the fuel crisis.
I had a ‘73 in the 80’s when I was 16. I got into an accident with a Subaru wagon that winter. The Subaru didn’t have a chance. It was a total loss. Meanwhile, I only had a dent the size of my hand on the top corner of my front fender!! I literally felt indestructible after that.
Good looking truck. I’m not fussy about the 258 engine but I know that it was lighter than the 264 and that the emission control nazis pretty much killed the IH-built six. And the 258 was a good enough engine.
I have to disagree with those talking down the sheet metal components. IH built to the standards of the day. I have to say that I saw a lot of GM ranch trucks with worse dents in the front than this one. Knock the dents out and move on.
Being involved with a Navistar dealership I hear the skuttlebutt concerning what’s coming. Scout Motors is going to be a separate entity from Navistar International. I understand that Navistar dealers will be able to apply for Scout franchises. There is a lot of speculation over the new Scout being entirely EV. From what I’ve heard, the hardline of “Electric; Take it or Leave it!” is softening up. A lot of people have commented on the possibility of Scout being powered by the 3.3 Cummins V-6 and either being a Hybrid or having a ZF transmission/transfer case. Skuttlebutt says that interest in EV is almost non-existent, with hybrid not scoring much higher. Since there’s probably another year to go before they hit the streets, the powers-that-be are taking an even more cautious approach. Some say it’s going to have a lot to do with the happenings this November…