Solid Sportop: 1966 International Scout 800

San Antonio, Texas is one of my favorite cities on the planet, and it looks like there are some hidden gems there as far as vehicles go, as well. This gentleman is presumably saying howdy to the seller who is coming to pick up his formerly hidden 1966 International Scout 800 Sportop, but we don’t know for sure. That solid Scout 800 Sportop is listed here on eBay, and they’re asking $7,999, or best offer. Thanks to T.J. for the tip!

The seller isn’t kidding when they say this Scout 800 is solid. It’s as solid as a visit to San Antonio would be. It’s truly one of the world’s greatest cities, and I never gave it a thought to look for old vehicles on my trips there. I would not change a thing about the exterior appearance of this Scout 800, other than cleaning it up a bit. Check out the driver’s side rocker panel. Yeah, baby!

The unique chrome bumper on this fancy, removable fiberglass top Sportop model is still there and looks almost like new. The Continental spare tire carrier is loaded, but the rubber looks like it belongs on a black Escalade, or maybe that razor-thin ring isn’t a tire. Just kidding, of course, but it’s nice to see the rim and wheelcover, even if the wheel covers are off of an early to mid-70s Plymouth. I-H offered the fiberglass top, more luxurious Sportop model from 1966 until 1968.

Those white knob shifters are fantastic, and other than a lot of work needed on the soft goods inside, things look nicer than I thought they would here. I never like to see wires hanging down from the dash like that, but hopefully all is well, although Texas has its share of mice and other chewing rodents, so I’d prepare for some work. The back seat area isn’t exactly luxurious, even though the Sportop model was meant to be a bit nicer and quieter than the regular Scout. Hagerty is at $11,900 for a #4 fair-condition Scout Sportop, just as a general reference. This one isn’t quite there yet, but I bet most Barn Finds readers could get it working and looking great again in no time.

The engine is, I believe, a 152-cu.in. slant-four, but in 1965/’66, a 196-cu.in. slant-four was also offered. The 152 engine had 92 horsepower and 142 lb-ft of torque when new. It’s backed by what I believe is a Borg Warner T-18 four-speed manual and two-speed transfer case, sending power to all four wheels as required. This one isn’t currently running due to having been stored for an undetermined period of time, but it sure looks like it would be a fun project to bring back to life again. I’d get everything mechanically perfect, fix the seats, and use it as it looks now. How would you bring back this Sportop?