1974 International Scout II – OEM+ Build #40

Every Scout has a personality.

Some are restored to sit under bright auction lights. Some are built for trails. Some spend their lives tucked away in garages waiting for the next Cars & Coffee.

This isn't one of those Scouts.

Build #40 was built to be driven.

Finished in deep gloss black from nose to tail, this Scout has a completely different attitude than anything else I've built. The stance is aggressive. The black-on-black details give it a menacing presence. The dual exhaust delivers a deep V8 rumble without being obnoxious, and the Holley Sniper EFI fires instantly every time you turn the key.

It's old-school American steel with modern drivability.

Forty builds into this obsession, I've learned that the best trucks aren't necessarily the most expensive or the most modified. They're the ones that make you look back over your shoulder every time you park them.

This Scout does that every single time.

Let's get into it.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 1974 model year — one of the desirable pre-smog Scout years.
• Original matching-numbers 345ci V8.
• Original 727 automatic transmission.
• Original Dana drivetrain with lockers.
• True 4x4.
• Holley Sniper EFI 2300 Master Kit electronic fuel injection.
• Professionally built dual exhaust system.
• 35" Mud Terrain tires on Method Racing wheels.
• Bluetooth audio streaming.
• LED lighting throughout.
• Grade-8 hardware upgrades throughout.
• Family-style roll cage.
• Professionally trimmed high-clearance fenders.
• Built to drive anywhere, not sit on a trailer.

This truck keeps everything people love about a vintage Scout while eliminating many of the frustrations that come with owning one.

 

EXTERIOR

2-Door • 100" Wheelbase • Original IH Glass

The first thing you'll notice is the paint.

Not because it's flashy.

Because it has depth.

Fresh gloss black paint was professionally finished, wet sanded, cut, buffed, and polished to create a finish that changes personality depending on the lighting. In direct sunlight it looks sleek and refined. In the shade it looks downright sinister.

The body lines are sharp, the gaps are clean, and the details become more noticeable the closer you get.

Exterior Features:

• Fresh gloss black paint.
• Wet sanded using 1k, 2k, and 3k grit.
• Professional cut and buff process.
• Two-step paint correction.
• Gloss black powder-coated handles, locks, badges, and emblems.
• Black housing LED projector headlights.
• LED clear side markers.
• CNC-machined aluminum powder-coated grille.
• Heavy-duty custom steel front and rear bumpers.
• LED tail, brake, reverse, and turn signals.
• Black zinc hardware throughout.
• Ceramic UV window tint.
• Professionally trimmed high-clearance fenders.
• Aluminum mirrors.
• Bikini top.

The overall look is clean, purposeful, and aggressive without trying too hard.

No giant decals.
No gimmicks.
No unnecessary distractions.

Just a black Scout done right.

POWERTRAIN

Matching-Numbers 345ci V8 • Original 727 Automatic • Dana Drivetrain

This Scout wasn't built to be admired from a distance.

It was built to be enjoyed.

Turn the key and the Holley Sniper EFI takes over. No pumping the throttle. No fighting cold starts. No carburetor drama. Just modern reliability wrapped around a classic V8.

The result is a Scout that starts easier, drives smoother, and inspires more confidence than most vintage 4x4s.

Suspension and Driveline:

• RCX 4" lift system.
• Lift shackles.
• Premium RCX 2.0 shocks.
• Forged aluminum wheel adapters.
• Power steering.
• Power brakes.
• Front and rear differential guards.
• Grade-8 hardware throughout.

Engine and Drivetrain:

• Original matching-numbers 345ci V8.
• Holley Sniper EFI 2300 Master Kit.
• Powder-coated engine components.
• Aluminum radiator.
• Super Flow air cleaner.
• New engine mounts.
• Resealed original 727 automatic transmission.
• IH lockers.
• New seals and gaskets.
• Autolite platinum spark plugs.
• 8.5mm ignition wires.
• NAPA Gold filtration.
• Valvoline VR1 high-zinc oil.

One of my favorite parts of this build is the exhaust.

The dual exhaust system gives the Scout a deep, healthy V8 tone that sounds exactly the way an old International should. It's noticeable without being overwhelming. Enough to make you smile every time you start it, but civilized enough to enjoy on longer drives.

Rolling on:

• 35" Radial Mud Terrain tires.
• 17" Method Racing wheels.

The stance is exactly where it should be.

Wide.
Balanced.
Purposeful.

INTERIOR

Seating for Four Adults

The interior follows the same philosophy as the rest of the build.

Simple.
Functional.
Durable.

Instead of trying to turn the Scout into a luxury SUV, the goal was to create a cabin that looks good, feels comfortable, and remains true to the rugged character of the vehicle.

Interior Features:

• Premium Tom's Offroad gray leather seating.
• Reclining front seats.
• Matching rear tumble seat.
• New lap belts.
• Restored original dash pad.
• Restored arm rests.
• Marine-grade removable gray floor decking.
• Heavy-duty rubber floor mats.
• Powder-coated scuff rails.
• Family-style 2" OD roll cage extending to the rear.
• Spare tire mount.
• Restored gauges.
• New weatherstripping and window seals throughout.
• Powder-coated handles and window cranks.
• Grade-8 hardware.

Audio Upgrades:

• RetroSound Bluetooth stereo.
• Hands-free calling.
• AM/FM/XM capability.
• Hidden antenna.
• Dual roll-bar mounted speakers.

Additional Details:

• CNC 14" steering wheel.
• Grant adapter.
• Black zinc hardware.
• Aluminum knobs and levers.
• Locking center console.
• Integrated cup holders.
• Extra keys included.

Everything feels tight.
Everything works.
Everything belongs.

OVERALL

The photos tell part of the story. The Dropbox tells the rest.

Included is a complete digital archive containing hundreds of photographs and dozens of videos documenting the build process, restoration work, upgrades, assembly, and final walkarounds.

Multiple crates of spare parts, used parts, and additional components are included as well.

This isn't a project. It isn't somebody's unfinished dream. And it isn't a quick flip hiding behind fresh paint.

It's a matching-numbers, pre-smog Scout that has been thoughtfully upgraded while preserving everything that makes these trucks special.

Whether you want a weekend cruiser, a family adventure vehicle, a Cars & Coffee conversation starter, or simply one of the coolest classic 4x4s on the road, this Scout is ready.

Turn the key…. Drop it in gear….Go make memories.

FAQ

Yes:

• Fits through a standard 7' garage door.
• Cruises comfortably at modern highway speeds.
• Stops better than most vintage vehicles.
• Runs on standard pump gasoline.
• Uses a 19-gallon fuel tank.
• Rare pre-smog platform.
• Holley Sniper EFI makes ownership dramatically easier than a traditional carbureted setup.

No:

• Hardtop not included, but I can help source one for an additional cost.
• No LS swap. This Scout retains its original matching-numbers drivetrain.
• No holds. I'm already working on the next build.

LOGISTICS

$79,999 - Private Party Builder Sale - Clean Open Title - Located in North Phoenix, Arizona 85086

FaceTime, Zoom, Teams, and WhatsApp walkarounds available.

Nationwide shipping assistance available through Marvel Auto Transport.

Before making a decision, ask for the Dropbox file and review the documentation. The details matter, and this Scout has plenty of them.

Text preferred before calling: 480-SixSevenEight-52O3 – Rocky - Builder | Scout Enthusiast | Build #40