Not all 4x4s were (or are) designed for crawling up and over rocky obstacles. Take, for example, the Pick of the Day, a 1964 International Scout 80 that appears to be more ready for the beach than the boulders.
“In 1961 (model year), International Harvester’s truck division pioneers the development of the recreational vehicle market with the introduction of the International Scout, a totally new sport utility truck,” notes The Standard Catalog of Light-Duty Trucks.
“The cab top was removable, as were the doors. The windshield could be lowered flat against the hood.”
“The first-generation Scout is the purest expression of the classic 4×4 genre,” says the Atlanta-based dealer advertising the Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com. “Introduced in 1960 as part of International Harvester’s Light Line of passenger trucks, the format proved popular (indeed, Ford borrowed liberally from IH’s design for its first-generation Bronco which debuted in 1966).
“This example is just come out of the Scoutman’s shop in Douglasville (Georgia) and is finished in the fantastic period IH color of Aspen Green Metallic over saddle (tan) interior. We believe all body panels (including floors) to be original – this was never a rusty truck.
“Straight and solid throughout with excellent gaps and finish quality. Original steel wheels, bumpers, and dash have been powder coated in pewter (not painted) for added durability.”
The dealer adds that the original seats were reupholstered “in high-grade saddle vinyl with black piping,” and that the original steering wheel was “exquisitely restored,” including its horn button.
“We love the simplicity of the all-metal dash — and of course, all gauges, lights and indicators are working as they should. Even the vacuum wipers work remarkably well.
“Our favorite way to enjoy this Scout is on a nice-weather day with the top off – but the full Softopper top is nice to have if you need shade or a full enclosure. Although it’s common to coat interior floors with rhino-liner, the floors were so crisp and clean in this truck that The Scoutman opted to paint them body color (this is how it would have been done at the factory, and it really makes the interior stand out).”
Model 80 Scouts were equipped with a Comanche 152cid 4-cylinder (one bank of International Harvester’s V8 that powered the Model C Traveall SUV and Travelette pickup trucks. The 4-banger was rated at 93.4 horsepower.
In the Pick of the Day, it is mated to a 3-speed manual transmission and a twin-stick transfer case. The dealer notes that the restoration included a fuel-system overhaul, engine reseal and new mounts, belts, hoses, starter, carburetor rebuild and engine tuneup.
“We usually joke that driving an early Scout is a bit like driving a tractor with a license plate — but this truck runs and drives surprisingly well, given the recent restoration and its stock suspension and tire setup,” the dealer points out.
“It tracks and stops straight with no slop in the steering, suspension or brake systems. The engine runs smoothly and the clutch and gearbox feel good (first gear is unsynchronized but the synchromesh in second and third works well).”
The ’64 Scout is being offered for $39,900. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Scout would be a good vehicle to use on a ranch/farm.