Uncut V8 4 Speed: 1979 International Scout II

Long before the modern Sport Utility Vehicle became a leather-lined, computer-controlled mall-crawler, SUV’s were built by a company best known for tractors and agricultural giants. When International Harvester introduced the Scout II in 1971, they didn’t just build a 4×4, they drafted the blueprint for the entire SUV segment. Today, collectors and off-road purists still appreciate its driving experience. This uncut 1979 International Harvester Scout II stands as a glorious, mechanical time capsule of pure American grit. Like many of the Scouts we have covered, this one is in the Northwest near Portland, Oregon. It is listed here on Craigslist for a reasonable $11,500. It has been posted for about 2 weeks and we appreciate Curvette for sending us the link.

To appreciate this particular Scout II, one must understand the fiercely competitive era from which it emerged. Throughout its 1971–1980 production run, the Scout II went toe-to-toe with the Jeep CJ, the first-generation Ford Bronco, and the Chevrolet Blazer. Unlike its rivals, the Scout was built with medium-duty truck DNA, giving it a boxed frame and heavy-duty drivetrain elements that made it virtually indestructible. In today’s collector market, these trucks are popular. While highly modified rigs have their place, the collector premium is heavily weighted toward originality. Clean, “uncut” sheet metal—free of massive modern fender flares or structural rot—is the holy grail. Under the hood, International Harvester offered a fascinating array of powertrains. Options ranged from a fuel-pinching 196-cubic-inch slant-four (literally half of an IH V8) to a Nissan-sourced turbodiesel, and the dependable 304-cubic-inch V8. But the king of the mountain was always the heavy-duty 345-cubic-inch V8 found in this 1979 model. Respected for its stump-pulling low-end torque and longevity, the 345 is paired here with a coveted four-speed manual transmission and a robust 4WD system, making it a desirable configuration for vintage overlanders.

For its age, the interior looks great. an aftermarket radio and cup holder can be seen in the picts but the fat rimmed steering wheel and manual windows invite this Scout II to be driven. With only minor practical updates—including a newer radiator, fresh shocks, a new wiper/washer tank, and crisp new interior door cards—this Scout retains its honest, factory-delivered soul. Fully licensed through 2027, it stands ready for the trail or the local cars and coffee, offering its next owner a rare, authentic piece of utility vehicle royalty. The seller states that there is some surface rust. Most likely it is on the undercarriage. While the pictures are great, there are no pictures of the undercarriage or engine compartment.

Aesthetically, the late-’70s Scouts were famous for their earthy paint charts. Buyers could choose from iconic period-correct shades like Sunburst Yellow, Grenoble Green, Fire Orange, Terra Cotta, and Dark Brown Metallic. This survivor Scout II wears its age like a badge of honor. It boasts an uncut body featuring only light surface rust with zero structural issues—an incredibly rare find for a vehicle known to suffer from rust in humid climates. The provenance of this vehicle is just as compelling as its mechanicals. This is a highly desirable two-owner truck purchased more than 20 years ago from Bisio Motors on Sandy Boulevard in Portland, Oregon. Run by Ernest “Ernie” Bisio—affectionately known across the West Coast as “Mr. Scout”—Bisio Motors was Oregon’s oldest active dealership, holding a legendary 60-year legacy of keeping these classic off-roaders on the road. I bet this one sells quick.