Yahoo Autos 1979 International Scout Is for Sale on Bring a Trailer
Volkswagen is reintroducing the Scout nameplate for a new line of electric SUVs and pickups. Here's a restored second-gen IH Scout that shows where the new version gets its inspiration.
Off-road ready and equipped with V-8 power, four-wheel drive with low range, and manual locking hubs, it has go-anywhere prowess to match the name.
A lift-off roof makes for open-air adventuring. The online auction ends on October 29.
Square-jawed and handsome, Volkswagen's reboot of the Scout SUV is a mainstream response to the success of Rivian. VW is set to pump $5 billion into Rivian over the next few years, part of a strategy to launch its own charismatic pickup truck and SUV EVs with up to 500 miles of range (with a combustion-engine range extender), bearing a beloved nameplate. However, if you'd like your squared-off Scout sport-ute with a a little more old-school flavor, we've got a minty example you might be interested in.
That's literally mint, as this 1979 International Harvester Scout II is painted in the one-year-only hue of Mint Green. It's for sale on Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos). It's powered by a 345-cubic-inch V-8 and a three-speed automatic rather than battery packs and electric motors, but like the reborn Scout Traveler, it's got a live rear axle and boxy charisma in spades.
The original International Harvester Scout was one of the earliest 4x4s, a true forerunner of the likes of the Toyota 4Runner. International Harvester is a century-old tractor manufacturer, a peer to John Deere and the like. The original Scout 80 was intended to be a more civilian-friendly version of the Willy's Jeep, not so much a car as a combustion-powered replacement for a cowboy's horse.
By the time the 1970s rolled around, the second-gen Scout II was a chonky lifestyle vehicle that was all about getting far out into the great outdoors—and with this example's Rallye graphics, it looks cool doing so. There are plenty of such machines these days, but the Scout led the way. The Scout II was a true rough-and-tumble off-roader that could handle pretty much any obstacle. The ride and handling are as agricultural as you'd expect from a company with a name like International Harvester, but with 31-inch all-terrain tires, and true 4x4 capability, few obstacles will slow down your off-road exploration. This is one Chicago-built badass, ready to kick up some mud on its pale green flanks.
Whether or not VW's reboot of the Scout's heritage works, the original is an icon. Here, in Rallye trim, it just oozes appeal—you can see why Volkswagen wanted to bring back the brand. While the new version isn't due to arrive until 2027, you can park this old-school Scout in your garage now.
The auction ends on October 29.
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