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Untouched 1977 International Harvester Scout SS II

This 1977 International Scout is a rare “SS II” package, a model which rarely comes up for sale. Not only was it a limited production trim, but these were designed to be bashed and trashed off-road to prove its worthiness against the likes of the Jeep CJ. To find one that is all original and hasn’t been restored is quite a find, and the seller claims this example was recently acquired from the elderly owner that purchased it new 40 years ago. Find it here on eBay  with bidding over $24K and no reserve.

Soft top, soft doors, and a roll bar were among the enhancements that came with the SS II package. The grill insert and mirrors were also unique touches, along with the brush bar up front. I’m not sure if the jerry can is a stock component, or the the first and only owner added it. The side graphics are also part of the SS II package and remain in mint condition, along with the white wagon wheels.

It’s hard to believe a rig intended for ruthless off-road use has remained in such pristine condition – both inside and out. The seats are perfect, the original painted surfaces inside the cabin match the exterior perfectly, and the dash pad shows no signs of cracking. Mileage is a tick over 53K, making it even more impressive that the cosmetics remain so fresh. The seller also notes unlike many Scouts, there is no rust – anywhere.

The Scout is equipped with the optional 345ci V8, along with an automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The seller notes that this truck had previously sold before questions as to its authenticity were raised; they have confirmed through further research that this is a factory-build Scout SS II, and despite the proliferation of replicas in recent years, there’s no fakery happening here. Bidding seems quite strong, and assuming its credentials are valid, it looks like one of the best.

Comments

  1. Avatar ed kastrul

    Nice, Clean truck but nothing original about this truck! The whole truck was repainted, The front grill is replaced with a plastic aftermarket piece, the bumpers are powder coated, the body decals are reproduction and the seats are recovered. THIS TRUCK IS RESTORED! Not an original “Survivor”. Still a great truck and I would own it if it were priced less.

    Like 5
    • Avatar G. Isabelle

      The SSII had a unique ABS plastic grille tailgate insert from the factory. Whether or not this is the original piece can’t be said, but it is correct for a Super Scout II.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Damian

        The tailgate insert was optional, but the grill was standard.

        Like 1
    • Avatar Bestguest

      The grill is correct .Came from IHC with this option package

      Like 2
      • Avatar Keefer F Zeller

        The seller admits in the ad that the grill is an aftermarket replacement. Also completely repainted and decaled. Not original.

        ” This Scout was delivered new exactly as you see it here and all of the unique Scout SS pics on this vehicle are authentic to 1977 with the exception of the plastic grill which we replaced being it was slightly damaged at one corner. This Scout was delivered new exactly as you see it here and all of the unique Scout SS pics on this vehicle are authentic to 1977 with the exception of the plastic grill which we replaced being it was slightly damaged at one corner. Amazingly the convertible top and side curtains are original to the car, showing some age & wear but likely one of very few that have survived the ages. All of the interior is original except for front seat upholstery and very nice, again evidence of the good care this Scout has had over the years. The vehicle was overall repainted a few years back correcting what we are told was very thin paint and multiple small nicks and scrapes. Exact reproduction SS vinyl striping was replaced at that time. Our only cosmetic work was to pull the front and rear bumpers to be redone in correct satin black but powder coated for durability. They came out great. “

        Like 1
  2. Avatar local_sheriff

    Never seen a true SSII irl , but what a truck! This is excactly how I think a true 4×4 should be – agricultural! No carpet or insulation drawing moist, shifter levers directly connected via linkage instead of wires or vacuum, and of course the option to ride topless! Even its colors are great!

    Only behemoth would be this example may almost be ‘too nice’ for trail duty…

    Like 7
    • Avatar Joe Horvith

      The spare tire on the ssii was mounted inside the truck on the driver’s side

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Ted

    I’m liking this, haven’t seen one since a kid in richmond drove one when we were in high school.

    Imagine if Cornbinder was still manufacturing vehicles…………almost worth doing some artistical renderings……….

    Like 4
  4. Avatar Lance Nord

    I have a real soft spot in my heart for Scouts. I would probably own a dozen if I could. This is a beautiful SSII, but there is no way this vehicle is all original from the factory.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Damian

      My wife bought me an SSII about two years ago for my birthday, and it was a basket case. Multiple paint jobs, swapped from auto to 4 speed, wiring was shot. I love these trucks, though…and the cult following don’t care much about originality. That being said, this example does look highly original, down to the snap-on vent covers and original WhitCo top and doors. Besides a few touch ups the seller notes in the listing, this does look like a fairly original “survivor”. If I only had room for her…

      Like 0
  5. Avatar Neal in Boston

    I love Scouts and would love to own one someday.

    I vividly remember sitting in a white SSII when I was a kid on a dealer lot in Ardmore, PA in 1977 or 1978 when my mom was shopping for her Scout. Of course I wanted the convertible with the off-road tires. She went for the more practical Rallye traveltop version with Goodyear Tiempos. Loved it and used it from new in the winter of ’78 through 92.

    Here’s a bit of an entry that I wrote and shared with a Facebook Scout group:

    She was serious about getting a SUV (before they were called that), and we visited lots of dealerships to check out Cherokees, Blazers, Ramchargers, and Broncos. I liked the IH dealerships the best with all of the big trucks like the S-series, Eagles and Transtars. What a terrible way to spend time as an eight year-old boy!

    Then when the local smaller Scout-oriented dealership insisted that she “be a good gal and bring her husband by” to talk about the options and finalize a deal, she left and went to a bigger IH dealer farther from home in Northeast Philly to order her truck. Interesting, though, that it is my father’s name on the paperwork.

    It is also interesting how that carbon-paper handwritten list was somehow accurately turned into a build sheet and then into our family Scout which we enjoyed through the winter of ’92. Looks like the total was $8695.00. That’s about $34,500 in today’s money. And they gave only a $95 deposit!

    I knew that rig inside and out since I cleaned it and cared for it. I remember the Tahitian Red paint coming off onto the sponge as I washed it. I learned to drive in that bouncy rig. Helped with maintenance and later did some repairs like fixing the window regulators. I capped and pop-riveted scales of aluminum flashing to cover rust holes and rot in its later years.

    So the only surprising detail on the order form for me is the axle ratio of 3.07. For some reason I thought it had 3.54s. Makes sense since we were not into off-roading at all. (Not that 3.54s are best for off-roading). In fact I remember being upset that they didn’t order the white spoke wheels and Tracker All-Terrain tires to make it look tougher. Chrome Rallyes and Tiempos instead were more practical for city driving, they said.

    Mom named her truck Foxy Lady, and she loved opening up the Thermoquad on occasion while listening to oldies.

    It served us well.

    My parents sold it in early ’92 when it needed floors, mounts, and rockers AGAIN.

    Sigh.

    I’d REALLY love to have another Scout someday.

    Like 2
  6. Avatar W9BAG

    Why is so important whether the vehicle is original or not ? I feel that if it has gone a thorough restoration, it would be worth MORE than if it is a survivor. Beautiful vehicle, very unique, and sure to get many admiring looks. I would have it receive a very careful rust proofing, and drive it in all weather; that’s it purpose. Keep it clean, serviced, and enjoy it !

    Like 2
    • Avatar Keefer F Zeller

      The reason it is an issue, for me anyway, is because the article says it is “untouched” and “all original”, when it isn’t. This makes a difference to some people.

      Like 0
  7. Avatar t

    I have a ’77 SS II and over the years I’ve learned these facts.
    1 – Passenger seat and rear seat were options.
    2 – The axle shafts are upgraded in strength
    3 – Vin tag is on the passenger kick panel and it is upside down
    4 – Dash vents have snaps for vent covers which are almost always lost
    5 – ’77 was first year and just over 4000 total SS II’s were built.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Ken

    I had a 78 that was Black. Mine had SSII hood decals, I still have the hood off that Scout. Unfortunately when I had it the body was totally shot so it got parted out and I put the SS parts on my other Scout which was one my Great grandpa bought new. I ended up using the top, grille, rollbar, axles for my other scout. The door inserts and top eventually got to the point the fabric was trashed and I had to put regular doors on and replace the soft top over the winter.

    Like 0

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