Unusual Scout half-cab pickup. Beautifully restored with numerous upgrades. Innovative 196 cubic inch engine, 3-speed manual, functional 4-wheel-drive. Added power steering and 4-wheel disc brakes. Rare and fun, this little Scout is the star of every show it attends.
Coming out of long-term ownership, this Scout has one of the most detailed files we've ever seen. The comprehensive restoration is beautifully documented and even if we didn't have the paperwork, the quality is evident the moment you see the truck. Finished in white with black stripes, it has a sporting look that matches its personality--this 4x4 wants to play! Fit and finish are probably better than International Harvester could manage and the flat bodywork is super straight with clear reflections that suggest a lot of time block sanding. The bolt-on top is removable to transform it into a fully open vehicle, and there's a useful roll bar behind the seats, just in case. Other neat details include running lights up top, tow hooks under the chrome front bumper, and correct 'IH' and 'Scout' emblems. They also thoughtfully added a set of tubular steps, so climbing in is easier, and the bed is beautifully finished--so pretty that you probably won't use it for hauling ever again! The combination of go-anywhere utility and sporty attitude proves to be insanely appealing.
The interiors of these vehicles were always spartan at best, but this one is nicely finished and uses some modern upgrades to make it far more habitable. Bucket seats provide plenty of room, even in the compact half-cab configuration, and that's helped by a smaller wood-rimmed steering wheel on a tilt steering column. Lots of sound-deadening materials were used under the simulated diamond-plate rubber mats, so it's reasonably comfortable at speed, and there's a fresh cloth headliner overhead rather than the usual bare fiberglass. Shifters for the 3-speed manual transmission and 2-speed transfer case are topped with whimsical yellow knobs, adding a splash of color to the cab, and entertainment comes from a modern digital AM/FM radio from RetroSound. Original gauges are joined by a set of Stewart-Warner dials for temperature and oil pressure, and there are auxiliary controls so you can dial in exactly how much steering assist you'd like from the electric power steering system. Seat belts have been added for safety and it features custom-monogrammed 'Scout' door panel inserts. This little pickup has a lot of neat details.
The engine is a 196 cubic inch inline-4, which was basically just International's basic V8 cut in half. It even sits at an angle like half a V8 would. Rebuilt to stock specs, it's topped by a 2-barrel carburetor along with a correct 'International' valve cover that probably interchanges with the V8 units. There's a massive radiator up front for slow going off-road, and a modern Davis Unified Ignition fires the plugs (basically a GM HEI unit). Virtually everything you can see or touch under the hood is new, including the power brake booster and mastery cylinder for the 4-wheel disc brakes. It starts easily, idles nicely, and makes enough to torque to give the Scout a quick, agile feeling around town. There's a modest lift to the suspension, achieved by moving the axles under the stock leaf springs, and as I mentioned, electric power steering and 4-wheel disc brakes make it a breeze to drive in today's world. There's a fresh stainless exhaust system that offers a nice 4-cylinder growl and both axles are fitted with contrasting covers and 'IH' logos. The sheetmetal floors are in excellent condition with no signs of rot or patchwork, and new shocks help with the ride. Polished 15-inch aluminum wheels add sparkle and wear fat 33x12.50R15 BFGoodrich off-road radials.
Documentation is extensive. We have two original build sheets (which International called "Line Setting Tickets"), the original service unit record, owner service policy in its original wax paper sleeve, plus dozens of neatly indexed pages of receipts for all the restoration and service work. It also comes with a few spare parts like gaskets and carburetor rebuild kits.
We love this little Scout. It has an unbeatable "can do" attitude to go with its cheerful look. But make no mistake, this is a serious off-roader whose compact size, short wheelbase, and torquey engine make it formidable in the rough. Add in a few sensible modifications, and you have a great hobby vehicle that can go almost anywhere and win friends wherever it goes. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.