Far-removed from any barn, this show-ready Scout may be one of the best-preserved and restored specimens on the planet. The 1971 International Harvester Scout in Frisco, Texas looks like it drove off the pages of the original sales literature! A mixture of low-mileage original equipment and nicely-restored parts, the Comanche package Scout (1 of 1500) transports you back to 1971, when four-wheel-drive vehicles had left behind their origins as work trucks and moved upscale to a world of family fun and adventure. This one comes to auction here on eBay where at least three bidders have driven its market value above $39,000.
I rode in a few of these back in the day, and the twin inward-facing fender benches call to mind vehicles from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, in which hearty adventurers risked life and limb to teach viewers about wild animals while crashing through the brush in Land Rovers and other burly vehicles. Note the full headliner in this Comanche, a luxury touch eschewed by many similar vehicles of the day.
Real adventurers don’t mind pulling over to the side of the road to “lock in the hubs” before engaging four-wheel-drive. I remember the first time my Grandfather entrusted me with locking in the hubs of his 1967 International Harvester Travelall that we called “The Green Monster.” While you might think this one’s had a complete restoration, many parts have simply been well-preserved o this 33,000-mile classic. For example, it sports shiny original paint on the hood and the original spare tire. While they look aftermarket, those are the original chrome wheels, too.
The torquey 232 cid (3.8L) inline six-cylinder suits the vehicle perfectly. With a three-speed manual transmission and 4.27 gears, it should get up and go just fine, and climb any mountain in low range. Aside from the battery and a few details, the engine compartment looks completely stock, and it’s no surprise that this Scout has won awards. Would you dare to go off-road exploring in this immaculate Scout?
Off road? For $40g’s? Not some of the places I’ve been. They may be nuts, but someone with deep pockets wants it, hook or by crook. $40 grand for a Scout, I don’t care if it has the window sticker, it’s just not $40 thousand dollars worth of vehicle. Don’t get me wrong, love Scouts, probably the best of the bunch,(CJ, FJ, Bronco counterparts) but I’m sorry, at $40 grand, somethings wrong with our system here. Granted, it’s a nice one, got the AMC motor, but I’m appalled at what people think is valuable today. $40 grand buys a pretty fancy rig today, but a ’71 Scout? Someones in for a big surprise.
Today’s fancy rigs won’t be around in fifty years. This Scout will.
I want it, anyone know where this thing went?
$20,000 tops, yes it’s nice, 40 g’s good luck. I hear ya
If I had the Ching I would outbid this person in a heartbeat. Brings back memories of this exact rig outside of our local dealer, it was awesome back then and even more so today!
Did you see the restored “Terra” pickup a couple postings down? It’s currently at $4,500 and I feel a much sweeter deal, even at double the price. Much more in line for what these should go for.
I agree with the “TERRA” comment, some one is going to get a sweet ride if it sells.
Beautiful Scout. Not my thing but beautiful nonetheless. This truck seems like a deal (40K? GULP) compared to the ridiculous money thrown at total rust-bucket Bronco’s.
Twice the vehicle of a comparable year Ford Bronco. $40K seems a bit high, but it is a fairly rare Comanche and it’s in pristine condition…. (and half the price of a pristine 71 Ford Bronco.)
Nice truck and they should command more money but $40K seems a little steep!! Looks like new though and I certainly wouldn’t go off tossing with it if I dropped 40 large on it!!
I know I am going to be sharply criticized for this, but my 2019 Silverado Trail Boss had a sticker of $40k and will be around for years to come due to the built-in rustproofing commonplace on new cars. I’ve already put a few creases in it due to farm work. I can take it just about anywhere, tow any toy home that I’m interested in, with room for my infant son in climate controlled comfort, and not have to jump out to adjust the hubs. If I want primitive, I’ll drive my survivor 74 Midget purchased for $900. $40k for a Scout that you won’t want to park anywhere near other vehicles not to mention jump a few rocks off road……????…..PASS. Museum price, museum piece. No longer the workhorse it was designed to be. Discuss….