Hemmings Find Of The Day – 1978 International Scout II

Last year we had the privilege of going down to Tennessee to be a part of Scout Motors’ unveiling of their Terra pickup truck and Traveler SUV. Featuring a modern take on classic truck and full-size SUV styling, heavy attention to detail and an electric powertrain that will be available with an optional range extending engine, Scouts are one of the upcoming vehicles that many have their eye on. But they wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for International Harvester’s Scout line of utility vehicles. These rugged 4x4s, like this 1978 Scout II that is going up for auction on Hemmings.com, were outdoorsy and rugged back when those weren’t lifestyle choices but instead were prerequisites for the commute that farmers, tradesmen and other jobs experienced most every day.

In the Scout timeline, there were two distinct eras: the Scout 80/800 era or first generation that were very Jeep-like in their build and overall shape, and the Scout II or second generation that seemed to be aimed directly at the likes of the Chevrolet K5 Blazer/GMC Jimmy and the incoming Dodge Ramcharger/Plymouth TrailDuster. Scout IIs were longer, roomier, and had more creature comforts than before… though, considering International’s agricultural origins and fanbase, that might not be saying too much. But that doesn’t matter, as fans of the Scout treasure them.

Many Scout owners modified their vehicles to suit their tastes. While this Scout II does have some modifications, like the non-stock wheels and the provisions for an included soft top, most of the vehicle is still as it left Fort Wayne, Indiana. The School Bus Yellow paint, the factory optioned CB radio, the 345-cu.in. International V-8 and the Chrysler-sourced TorqueFlite automatic transmission are all true to the truck. There’s a bit of wear in the interior and a few touch-ups in the paint, but considering the fate that befell many a Scout, that’s nothing of concern. 

The new Scout line of vehicles draws heavy inspiration from its ancestors, that was on full display at the unveiling. The Scout Traveler especially calls back to the Scout II. But where the new Traveler is a high-tech, well-equipped SUV for the modern era, the Scout II is what International set out to be: everything you need, nothing you don’t, and ready to put in the work the moment it’s time to get to business. Though, frankly, we can’t see this 40-year-owned example doing much work beyond hauling a few people out into some backwoods country for an afternoon of good times or maybe hauling a small boat to a quiet lake for a morning of fishing.

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