Vehicle Description
By 1971, competition within the off-roader market was heating up.
Ford's Bronco, the new Chevy Blazer, and Jeep's CJ and Wagoneer
were all vying for buyers in the fast-growing segment.
International Harvester, playing the role of underdog, responded
with their new Scout II. The Scout II was larger than the Scout 800
it replaced, with fresh new styling that was more modern yet still
retained the Scout's basic, rugged appeal. International lacked the
development budget of GM and Ford, instead relying on a number of
special appearance packages to keep buyers interested. Model such
as the Patriot and Sprit of �76 celebrated America's bicentennial
with bold blue and red graphics over white paint, while the
delightfully vulgar "Midas Touch" edition featured eye watering
graphics, shag carpet and swiveling plaid seats. But perhaps the
most successful of the Scout specials had to be the purposeful,
stripped out, bare-bones SS II. The SS II (Super Scout II) was
built for sheer off-road enjoyment. Standard steel doors were
eschewed in favor of Bronco Roadster-inspired fiberglass inserts
and removable, soft-sided doors like a Jeep CJ. The fiberglass top
was replaced by a simple, removable soft vinyl canopy on a light
frame, and a roll bar was mounted behind the front seats. Outside,
distinct ABS plastic inserts are fitted to the grille and tailgate
along with a graphics applique package and white painted "wagon
wheel" rims, with raised white letter off-road tires. Tough and
basic, the Scout SS II proved very popular with off-road racing
enthusiasts and was the truck of choice for a number of champion
National Off-Road Racing Association competitors. We are very
pleased to offer this outstanding 1978 Scout; an eye-catching truck
that has been impeccably restored by a marque expert.� During
restoration, a standard Scout II was upgraded to factory correct SS
II specs. It is rare to come across an International Scout that has
been given the care and attention of a concours-quality
restoration, and this is the finest of its kind we have ever
encountered. Freshly restored, this truck has been painstakingly
researched and assembled using original and new old stock parts.
During the restoration, the body was found to be incredibly solid
and accident free. It was expertly prepped and painted inside and
out in the factory correct shade of Omaha Orange. Original-style
door inserts were then fitted - correctly presented in bare satin
black with exposed hardware. The paint quality is outstanding, and
the panels are exceptionally straight. We love the exquisite
details such as the pinstriped wheels with tiny hand-painted IH
logos. Original graphics were reproduced and applied to correct
locations on the quarters and front fenders, and other correct SS
II parts such as the flares, ABS plastic grille and tailgate
inserts, and complete soft top and door set were sourced from noted
IH Scout experts. As with the rest of the truck the interior is
properly detailed and beautifully finished. Bare painted floors,
correct for the SS II, are protected by correct IH branded rubber
floor mats. The bucket seats, center console and tilt steering
column are also part of the SS II package. The only deviation from
standard is the plain black seat upholstery; a correct material and
pattern for standard Scouts, and a more attractive option than the
lurid plaid originals. The frame has been fully media blasted and
refinished in correct satin black powder coat for a long lasting
and durable finish. Under the hood, International's virtually
bomb-proof 345 cubic inch V8 is fully and correctly detailed;
backed by a freshly refurbished Torqueflite automatic transmission
and integrated transfer case. Power disc brakes and power steering
help make it an easy and enjoyable drive while, for safety and
usability, a poly fuel tank replaces the original steel tank.
Nearly every accessory, fitting, piece of plumbing or hardware is
new, new old stock or painstakingly restored and presentation of
the engine and undercarriage is outstanding. The level of care that
went into this restoration truly astounds us. Included receipts
document more than $13,000 spent on parts alone. This is a super
cool, audacious period piece that is a great alternative to more
commonplace classic off-roaders, and a fabulous expression of late
�70s style. Few International Harvester Scouts have been restored
with such attention to detail, and this outstanding truck is
absolutely fresh and ready for show or enjoyment on and off the
road.
