Vehicle Description
Now that word has gotten out about our RK Motors Charlotte
showroom, and the high quality classics that inhabit it, one
question tends to get repeated almost every time we host guests:
Where are the Scouts? And, while that might seem like an easy
inquiry to answer, the truth is, we're not really sure. It's not
that we have anything against International's most popular utility,
it's just that we haven't found the right one to feature. That is,
until now. Backing 345 cubic inches of reliable V8 power with a
smooth 3-speed transmission, this resilient ute is a trail-ready
beast that recently benefitted from a detailed, frame-off
restoration. If you're shopping for a choice classic that's equal
parts charm and equal parts capability, you've scouted the right
listing!
TALL, RED AND HANDSOME
Nearly every iconic Scout has a following, but the legendary Scout
II is arguably the most sought after. Introduced in 1971 as a more
refined take on International's vaunted Jeep competitor, the Scout
II was billed as a go anywhere ute that was ready to work or play.
This '78 model wraps all that well-rounded swagger in a traditional
combination of red and white 2-stage. At the front of that pigment,
a body-matched grille hangs a small "INTERNATIONAL" emblem between
a simple bumper, amber parking lamps and black-trimmed headlights.
Behind those torches, polished mirrors reflect a polished fuel cap,
traditional door handles, subtle Scout badging and small marker
lamps. Between those lamps, a handy luggage rack dresses a
removable hardtop, which plants fresh glass behind a fixed
windshield, polished wipers and a small antenna. And at the back of
the truck, bright mud flaps cage a frame-mounted hitch, which
aligns seamlessly with a painted bumper, flush taillights and a
polished hatch handle.
INTERNATIONAL POWER
Hoist the hood and you'll find 345 cubic inches of pure
International power. Designed for industrial use, and spinning
roughly 150 horsepower into a massive 300 lb./ft. of torque, that
smooth mill was, by far, the most popular engine for the Scout II
line. At the top of the motor, a painted, "IH" topped air cleaner
funnels oxygen through a frugal 2-barrel carburetor to a cast iron
intake. That intake feeds a bright orange block, which spins mild
internals under cast iron heads and "INTERNATIONAL" stamped valve
covers. At the front of those covers, loomed MSD Street Fire Wires,
snapped onto a hot points distributor, trace cast factory
manifolds. At the front of those tubes, steel pulleys spin lucid
power steering behind a polished aluminum radiator. And overall,
the truck's Gloss Black engine bay appears sorted and complete, all
the way down to its compact bottle jack.
PUTTING THE "T" IN TOUGH
Crawling under this rig reveals a sturdy chassis that, given the
age of this Scout's restoration, appears appropriately
weather-free. Power meets the pavement through a reliable A727
TorqueFlite 3-speed, which rides between a correct transfer case
and 10-bolt axles. That drivetrain rolls in a factory frame that's
stretched over factory springs and fresh shocks. That chassis is
guided by power-assisted steering, and stopped by power-assisted
disc and drum brakes. Exhaust flows from aluminized pipes to
dual-chamber Flowmaster mufflers. And at the corners of the floor,
painted steel wheels twist a quartet of 31x10.50R15 BF Goodrich
Mud-Terrain T/As around quality Warn hubs.
TASTEFUL ACCOMMODATIONS
Inside this classic you'll find an airy cockpit that has enough
room to be your vehicle of choice for any weekend adventure. Front
and center, French-stitched bench and bucket seats provide enough
comfort for four adults. Beneath those seats, red carpet bridges
the gap between crisp Scosche speakers and a duo of curved
shifters. Above those controls, a body-matched dash hangs rebuilt
telemetry next to a modern Eclipse CD player. In front of the
driver, a beefy steering wheel laps a tilting column. And behind
the passengers, a large cargo hold shades a full-size spare
tire.
With its clean restoration, desirable drivetrain and undeniable
appeal, this sweet Scout is a reliable, well-done sport ute. And
best of all, mixing Middle America style with all-American utility,
its likeness isn't nearly as prevalent as more famous offerings
from Toyota and Detroit's Big Three. If you're looking for a cool
cruiser that's rare enough to show off, but not so exclusive you'll
be afraid to drop the ropes, you've found your next classic!
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a detailed, frame-off restoration
345 cubic inch International V8
Chrysler A727 TorqueFlite 3-speed automatic transmission
15-inch steel wheels / Warn hubs / 31x10.50R15 BF Goodrich
Mud-Terrain T/A tires
Modern audio
Factory power steering
Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes
Removable hardtop
Flowmaster dual-chamber mufflers
