Back in the ’60s and ’70s, International was pretty smart in marketing its Scout line. Small SUVs like the Scout weren’t regularly restyled, so International released “Doll-Up” Scouts, special editions to keep people coming into showrooms. Dodge recently used this ploy with its long-running Charger and Challenger nameplates, offering a dizzying array of Widebodies and Scat Packs to keep those cars fresh, and it worked. Keeping track of all the “Doll-Up” Scouts takes an encyclopedia, and luckily I recently got one as a gift, the International Scout Encyclopedia by Jim Allen and John Glancy. It turns out that this long-dormant ’74 Scout II is a rare one; located in Madisonville, Louisiana, it’s up here on eBay as an auction right now.
It’s called “The Outlaw,” and it was a regional package specifically marketed in the Pacific Northwest. The “Doll-Up” paint scheme was actually done by a painting legend in Portland named Jack Ruckman, who was nicknamed “The Beard” (He sounds like a guy who would still be in style today!). The Outlaw package was based on the Scout II Traveltop, and had the “Custom interior, sliding rear windows, and swing-away tire carriers with a gas can rack.”
It also came with the biggest available Scout engine, the 345 cubic-inch V8, and an automatic transmission, the T-407. The T-407 was International’s code for the Chrysler Torqueflite, which is what should be under the tunnel of this Scout. Unfortunately, the transmission is the reason why this Scout was taken off the road all those years ago; it’s currently taking up space in the cargo area. Luckily, the Torqueflite is the archetype of the robust automatic; it backed up Hemi cars for a reason, and parts availability is excellent. But time has its way with all things, and the transmission is probably the least of your worries at this point.
Rust is surprisingly not one of your main concerns. Scouts are known for their effervescence; they dissolve like Alka-Seltzer tablets in water. Aside from a few holes in the floor that need patching, this is one of the most solid Scouts you’ll find, and the owner has included pictures to prove it.
That leaves the interior. It needs everything, and a parts Scout with a rusty body might be your best bet if you’re looking to restore this Outlaw.
Then there’s the paint scheme; any new owner would be silly to deprive the world of one of its Outlaws, so someone with better painting skills than I have will need to emulate The Beard’s handiwork. Maybe it’s because I’ve been on a Scout kick lately, but I think it’s worth the effort; restoration projects don’t often pay off in a pecuniary way, but this one deserves to go to an International fan who will do it right. I hope it’s someone here on Barn Finds.
This is a really cool find Aaron. Never seen an Outlaw Scout before. I knew a man who had an 80 Diesel . He loved that thing. Dealt with rust several times over the years, then finally located a rust free body from another state ( non snow belt) and had it redone again. For a Scout this isn’t that bad body wise. I think this would make a good restoration candidate, or keep it as is with the original graphics patch it up and do the interior and enjoy.
“Scouts are known for their effervescence; they dissolve like Alka-Seltzer tablets in water.” Hilarious! I always found these interesting. They were cool before SUVs became cool. Good luck to the buyer.
The new Broncos have increased the interest in the vintage Broncos. I wonder if the new Scout, when VW brings it out, will increase the value of the vintage Scouts.
There was one of these on Copart in 2018 or so. At the time, it and 3 promo/period photos were *everything* online about this trim.
That one was sold to somewhere in Europe and painted orange and white.
This is the second one I’ve ever seen.
Alec: what is special about the interior? On this one, all I saw was a red door panel & a red seat.
It’s the paint job. International trims like this are extremely regional due to their dealer network being tractor and semi dealers, for example they only found the first known Sno*Star truck less than 10 years ago. The Outlaw was a PNW/Seattle trim and had either these flames with a red interior (Outlaw II) or the Outlaw I which was orange with white stripes but different from how the Estonian truck was repainted. Before this ad, the only pics online were the original brochure and some old kodaks from at least the 80s of one.
It might not be from the rust belt but that interior is like breakout the welder & a anvil!
Alec: what is special about the interior? On this one, all I saw was a red door panel & a red seat.
I saw an original Outlaw two years ago at IH Nationals in Ohio. That paint job is… something, especially in person.
OMG! Looks identical (minus some rot) to the one my family owned back in the mid 90’s. Picked it up from a towing and impound yard for 500 bucks, and it was by far the best vehicle I’ve ever had! I’d give my you know what’s to have it back!!