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Well-Optioned Survivor: 1975 International Scout

This 1975 International Scout II XLC is a nicely optioned survivor that wears great colors and a few spots of rust. The Scout presents just like one of these should, as an off-road warrior with some bumps and bruises but fortunately nothing too serious. The interior is nicely preserved as well, demonstrating that despite its off-road prowess, it is still possible to keep a 4×4 in good shape while using it as intended. Judging by the vintage Iowa license plates and the listing location, it seems like a safe bet that the truck hasn’t ventured too far from home in recent years. Find it here on eBay with bids to $7,100 and the reserve unmet, and the option to Buy-It-Now for $12,900.

While I love seeing pictures of vintage trucks in rough environs, it’s still reassuring to see it parked off of the snow. The body appears to be nicely aged, with paint showing the sort of consistency usually associated with original colors. The body graphics against the orange paint gives it the appearance of a high-riding creamsicle, which really isn’t a bad thing – I wish more cars and trucks today had this combo as an option. The Scout does have some rust in the body, namely in the rear arches, and the driver’s side fender has suffered some isolated damage that didn’t affect the rest of the body. The windows look to be coated in some vintage tint, which I would remove immediately if it were mine. If someone spray-painted the steel wheels white, this truck would look significantly better.

The interior is a serious high point, as you normally don’t associate a high level of cleanliness with the cabins of vintage trucks. The driver’s seat has seen better days, but it’s an easy patch job for an upholstery shop (or just use tape for the time being if you’re not a perfectionist.) The dash looks pretty good, not showing any signs of massive cracking, and the carpets look like they’d bounce back with a good shampooing. The automatic transmission wouldn’t be my first choice, but it’s also not out of place in a truck like this. The door panels look to be in acceptable condition, and the corresponding orange paint is another strong indication that the exterior wears original colors. Bucket seats, console, P/S, P/B, and factory A/C (not working) round out the list of optional equipment.

The 345 V8 does run and drive, but the seller doesn’t elaborate as to whether it has any outstanding service needs; regardless, the engine bay is clean and certain parts look to have been recently replaced. The battery also looks fresh, and overall, the Scout presents as a truck that was used but also maintained. The generous equipment list and great colors alone make this one tempting, but since it originally came from Texas the undersides are in great shape with no obvious rot to deal with. The seller notes the windshield does have a crack but a replacement screen and new rubber seal are included with the sale. Even the original hubcaps remain with the truck. As far as survivors go, this Scout seems to be as honest as you can get.

Comments

  1. Avatar photo Howard A Member

    Well, here we go, with the latest over-priced classic du jour. Apparently, they’ve bilked all they can out of FJ’s and 1st gen Broncos, now it’s the Scouts turn. Always liked the Scout, for what it was, and I hope these people bidding this to that price, know what they’re doing. While IH used all off the shelf mechanical parts, I’d have to think any other parts got to be impossible to find, The guy I bought my GoldWing from in N.Wis. had 5 of these in his woods, and not one was in one piece. They were hard to find parts for in the 80’s, worse than a foreign car, as stuff like filters and plugs were all odd numbers. Good luck today. The only thing going for it, is it’s 4 wheel drive, other than that, these people are nuts.

    Like 8
    • Avatar photo Lance Nord

      Howard A – This truck is not overpriced (by much)… considering the perceived condition. Parts are not as hard to find as you think since there are plenty of businesses reproducing them.

      Like 4
      • Avatar photo Howard A Member

        I suppose. The other thing going for it, is it’s scarcity. Any 4 wheel drive up north, where these hailed from, turned into dust, and in warmer climates, there was no reason for 4 wheel drives. Here in Colorado, I’ve seen just about every 4×4 to come down the pike, even a Nissan Patrol but rarely, if ever, a Scout. I do think they are great trucks, but would be hard pressed to spend more than a couple grand on one.

        Like 0
  2. Avatar photo KSwheatfarmer

    Very few among us saw the Bronco price escalation coming,me included. I’ve concluded it’s been driven by the retro craze and the “cute” factor. No doubt the Bronco seemed to start it all.Yes, they don’t meet today’s standard for what we expect out of our vehicles today which leads me to believe most will be used as status symbols, added to collections, driven very little in the real world. Inevitably this trend would also jump over to Scouts. Restored examples are bringing big money now. People spending money on expensive toys has been going on for a long time and probably not going to stop any time soon.

    Like 6
  3. Avatar photo Martin

    Cool old sports cars, muscle cars and 4×4’s are in demand. Nothing at all wrong with the price, but everyone has their own idea of value. If the seller is wrong it will not sell and if he has judged the market correctly it will.

    Like 3
  4. Avatar photo Mikey8

    Why is the front fender a different shade? Replaced? Wreck or rust?
    I love the scouts. I had a 69 and had lots of fun with it!
    Way too much money. I’m guessing hidden rust. They were prone to it.

    Like 1
    • Avatar photo Robert

      Yes original owner bumped her husband’s truck pulling into the driveway at night. From the top of the stripe down it was original

      Like 0
  5. Avatar photo Kent

    Price is okay, if it’s solid, also it’s a ’74 not a ’75

    Like 0
    • Avatar photo Robert

      My old scout in the article. The scout was definitely a 75

      Like 0
      • Avatar photo GotScout

        Then someone screwed up… 75 had the SQUARE headlight bezels, and the mid cover plate… that yours shows to HAVE had… but now missing.

        Like 0
  6. Avatar photo Robert

    This is my old scout. She was in good shape with a lot of work done. I got it in 2013 or 2014 while in high-school. I put a full new brake system, fuel system, all bearings and bushings were replaced. Done some electrical work to get the lights working. The scout had aluminum mags when I got it and I preferred the look of the “patina” steel wheels and hubcaps. The scout did have an original super scout grill when I had it. I never drove it but around the neighborhood then traded it for a 77 dodge maxivan with a 440 big block and all its original shag. I was the second owner of the scout the previous being a woman who special ordered the scout when she was 17 in high school. It was her graduation gift and her parents let her make what she wanted.

    Like 0

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