When International Harvester introduced the original Scout 80 in late 1960 for the 1961 model year, the company aimed to build a rugged commercial utility machine to replace horses and light tractors on American farms. Few auto executives anticipated that this utilitarian vehicle built in Fort Wayne, Indiana would lay the blueprint for the modern sport utility vehicle. This exceptional example shows just 23,859 actual miles and was originally configured as a dedicated service vehicle when new and has remained in that original workhorse specification ever since. This Scout is listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $28,000 and is located in Appleton, Wisconsin. We appreciate Lothar for sending us this unique vehicle listing.
Under the hood, International Harvester implemented an ingenious engineering solution for the first-generation Scout 80. To avoid the massive expense of tooling a brand-new powerplant, engineers effectively halved their existing heavy-duty 304-cubic-inch V8 engine by removing the left cylinder bank. The resulting 152-cubic-inch Comanche inline slant-four engine served as the sole engine choice for the 1961 model year. Generating a respectable 93 horsepower at 4,400 RPM, this slant-four engine was mated to a robust three-speed manual transmission and dual-range transfer case, providing exceptional low-end torque for plowing, towing, and commercial utility work.
Visually, the 1961 Scout featured a clean, minimal design characterized by sliding glass side windows and a fold-down windshield. Factory paint colors were drawn directly from International’s light truck catalog, offering shades such as Firestone Red, Birch Gray, Apache Yellow, White, Charcoal, and Blue. For collectors evaluating early utility vehicles, this 23,859-mile survivor represents an exceptionally honest machine. By preserving its original service vehicle configuration while maintaining working plow functionality, this 1961 Scout 80 stands as a genuine artifact from the dawn of the American SUV movement.
International Harvester initially planned modest production, but overwhelming demand forced the factory to double assembly line capacity within months. Total production for the 1961 model year reached approximately 28,000 to 35,000 units, making early first-year survivors increasingly difficult to locate in original condition. The vast majority of early buyers selected the optional four-wheel-drive system and removable top configurations. This Scout is said to run, drive and plow snow. What do you think of this stunning example?
I like this one. Even the amber strobe light looks period correct. This is way too nice to plow snow with anymore. It would really stand out at a Cars and Coffee. It’s surprising that its lasted all these years and look this good.
What a great no frills vehicle this was.
I like this Scout. Simple and clean.
Here’s a curiosity question: is this the same no-nonsense, cool four-spoke steering wheel IH used in their “big” trucks? If so, did any of the other manufacturers use the same steering wheel across such a wide range of vehicles?
Thanks Bruce.
Bob, good question. I think the Scout used an 18” wheel and the big trucks had the same design but used a 20” steering wheel. If there is an IH truck expert on here, please let us know.
Honestly, I always thought it was the same wheel. But Bruce makes a great point about the difference in diameters. Geomechs might know. A larger wheel would be a bit tough to fit getting in and out.
I just did a quick Google search. And if the information is correct. A 17 inch wheel was used in the pickups and Scout and a 19 inch wheel in their larger trucks. I honestly thought it was the same. I guess because of the design.
You are rigth; the light trucks used the same 17 inch wheel while the 150 series and up used a 19 inch. It seems to me that was the standard for most truck builders…
I believe the 1961 model year for windows did not roll up they slide to open. My 64 has roll up windows but the first era ones did not. Also I am aware there was a factory option to have a plow.
I had a 1962 Scout and really liked it. It had roll up windows and I see a window crank on this 1961.
Just fantastic
Very well done! While the snowplough makes a useful tool for winter, if this truck came my way, the plow would likely be removed and set aside. I would just use it as a daily driver and have lots of fun with it.
Fairly easy to get parts for unless you need brake drums. Most of my customers have had to get the newer versions that have the 5 on 5.5 stud pattern and have a machine shop position another set of holes in a 5-on-4.5. Some frown upon it but I have a lot of customers who are doing just fine.
The engine is going to cost you. Mains, cam bearings, lifters are available. Flat-top pistons not bad; contour pistons can be challenging. Rod bearings are available but EXPENSIVE!!! Rockers and shafts; there’s a couple of outfits that exchange rebuilt assemblies.
There are some Scout specialists out there who provide good products and services. You will become good friends with them.
In Appleton, WI???? I’m 30 minutes from there….how did this thing not turn into a pile of rust if used for plowing snow?
I bought one of these in December 1969. Best snow plow truck for driveways. I owned many snow plows over the years; the Scout was the best.
Can’t beat a short wheelbase, short vehicle, w greenhouse visibility for plowing Charldie. 👍
Very nice and very cool IH Scout!!
is that a red light on top did this belong to a fire dept ?
If I bought this Scout, I would take the plow off in the summer and use it on the road and in the winter I would plow back on and plow ONLY my driveway with it. I would NEVER drive it on the road in winter because of the salt. If you plowed with it commercially then you’d ruin it, but if you just plowed your own driveway with it then it would be under-stressed in most cases and you could preserve it pretty easily.
Getum up Scout!