The International Harvester Scout pickup is a desirable specimen in almost any flavor it was offered in, especially when you find one that isn’t a basketcase. Like so many other vintage four wheel drives in the same category as a Bronco or Blazer, squarebodies like the Scout are a pretty safe genre of vehicle to invest in as there’s always someone who wants to build one for driving to the beach or the trail. To make it even more desirable, you’ll need to track down a survivor or one that’s been tastefully restomodded, or you can find one of the more limited production variants ever made: an 800B, like this 1971 model here on eBay where bidding is at $10,550 with no reserve.
The 800B was the swan song for the Scout that was soon to be replaced by the next-generation Scout II. The 800B wasn’t dramatically different from the 800A, but the production cycle was so short-lived it became an instant collector’s item among Scout fanatics. The 800B was built for less than eight months before production shifted to the new model, and while there’s no significant advantage from an equipment or engineering standpoint, owning of the rarest Scouts ever made has to hold some appeal among collectors. I’d say it does, given where bidding is already at with several days left.
There’s other reasons why this 800B is so appealing, and it has to do with some of the work the seller has performed. This includes a restored interior, that includes new covers for the roll bar. The seller notes the Scout otherwise remains very original, and that it does have some issues the next owner will have to sort out. This includes a window that’s out of alignment and a vague reference to needing suspension work. The 800B is said to have good bones with not a lot of rust, and given it resides in Florida, the amount of corrosion will typically depend heavily on how it was stored and whether the Scout lived near the beach.
Of course, you’ll likely want to live near the beach if you take this Scout home. The inline six cylinder is said to be rebuilt, but no further documentation is provided. The drivetrain benefits from a new battery, rebuilt carburetor, and new tires, which the cosmetics have been improved with a replacement bumper, new emblems and door handles, and a new roll bar. The seller reports that “..it will need a little love to get going,” which I translate to mean it doesn’t run. A new soft top is included with the sale, and this listing is offered with no reserve.
Too bad that “little bit of love” is going to cost you. I had thought about a Scout, but ended up buying a ’91 Wrangler,,more on that later. I equate this on par with that 1965 CJ5 I looked at. It was TOO basic for even me. Great for that sprawling 800 acre ranch, but looked downright dangerous for any type of road travel. The O/D could actually be a hassle, as I wouldn’t go 60 in one. The same can be said here. With the gearing, 50 is about it. I think that’s an AMC 258 in there, as IH didn’t offer an in line 6 at the time, and the 232 was used from ’65-’71, and 258 in ’71, I read.
I reluctantly paid $3500 for the Jeep Wrangler( 4 cyl. 5 speed) with 94K,, and wouldn’t have gone much more for ANY vintage 4×4. I wouldn’t give more than a couple grand on this either. BTW, I realize, asking price is sometimes fictional, and just about every Jeep I looked at, had that “slash” mark, and the “new” price next to it, often thousands less. Up to you, I suppose, couple grand tops here.
They may not check all of your boxes, but Some of us like early Scouts.
I’m not certain why you think these vehicles will only do 50 mph… as a former owner, I can tell you that’s absolutely not true… not even close.
Apparently you are not quite current on the value of these things:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-international-harvester-scout-800-8/?utm_source=dm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2021-04-25
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1962-international-harvester-scout-80-11/
@Howard A: I am sorry that early scouts and jeeps don’t impress you, but I think you are overlooking the value added by scarcity as well as style. And, if not that, then just personal preference. Everyone has their own personal taste and tolerance level for style, drivability, highway speed as well as price. When you look at the current level of bidding on Ebay it is apparent that each bidder is driven by his own individual tastes and values -and that does not mean that you are not entitled to your own views. I guess the only reason I am responding to your post is that it appears to assume that we all see scouts through the same lens that you do. I own a 67 scout and enjoy it for a whole different set of reasons than those you find as shortcomings. However, I do respect that you are not impressed with them. That’s ok, too. Thats what keeps us all interesting! :)
Don’t be sorry, 914, I DO like early Jeeps and Scouts, but for the purpose intended, not 6 lane interstates with some snarling 4×4 riding your arsky. I looked at the ’65 CJ, and I still like SOME creature comforts, like a defroster and carpeting. Again, it was cool, but could, ( and looked like) it was left out in the rain.
To those that say 60 mph is no problem with these, yes it MAY do 60, under ideal conditions, but not to sound redundant, but these were never designed to do that. Handling at that speed, with a straight front axle, is downright dangerous. I see how my ’91 Wrangler, even with improved front end, is still a handful on our poor roads here.
I respect most all opinions here, and like I always say, you want to spend $10g’s ( plus another couple making it right), for THIS,,( or something similar) by all means, have at it. Unless you can do the work yourself, and many can’t, be ready to pay someone $100/hour to change a u-joint( or whatever), it’s something many don’t consider when buying stuff like this.
Item location:
New Smyrna Beach
That first picture with the jumper box doesn’t inspire confidence.