Vehicle Description
One of the original SUVs, this 1962 International Harvester Scout
80 seems to live in the perpetual shadow of the Ford Bronco. But
this is no ordinary Scout. With an unreal professional frame-swap,
a 3.2L EFI V6, a 5-speed manual gearbox, and the same do-anything
rugged good-looks, all at a more affordable price, perhaps the
Bronco trend is about to have some stiff competition. Take a look
and you'll discover this is one heck of a nice SUV.
The squared-off bodywork tells you all you need to know about
International's intentions: this is a tool for any job, or any
adventure. But that doesn't mean it doesn't have its own particular
appeal, especially when it's this nicely finished. You don't find
many of these around, and far, far fewer have been restored this
well, with super-straight sheetmetal covered by a deep coat of red
paint that almost seems at odds with the truck's heavy-duty
underpinnings, and also topped by a beautiful white removable
hardtop (with sunroof!). It really looks great and while you'll be
proud to show it off at the local cruise night, you won't think
twice about putting it in 4-wheel-drive and heading into the bush,
either. Wherever you go, the frame this Scout now sits on will get
you through just about any element. Donated from a 1999 Isuzu
Amigo, the fit was near-perfect, and because of this, the Scout
looks stock to the naked eye, only giving away it's modern
underpinnings upon much closer observation. The fit and finish
hasn't been compromised by the swap either, with gaps still
aligning well and doors shutting just like they should. Heavy duty
black steel bumpers are fore and aft, and a full-size matching
spare hangs on a tire carrier out back.
The interior is an upgraded affair as well, with the same donor
Amigo providing a lot of new components. Tweed bucket seats are up
front and in great shape, plush carpet covers the floor boards, and
a matching bench seat provides added space for travel companions.
You get two dashes for the price of one inside this Scout, with the
original, albeit obsolete, unit still cemented in its factory
location. It was left there for aesthetic purposes (and man, are we
glad that it was), and the Amigo dash components were expertly
installed underneath and integrated into a middle console that also
contains the 5-speed shifter and 4WD control. Sandwiched in between
the two is a new under-dash A/C unit that blows modern A/C into the
cabin. Metal door panels now include matching vinyl inserts, and
the modern Amigo tilt steering column is affixed to the original
Scout dash and props up a Grant GT steering wheel. The marriage
between modern and classic is truly a wonderful union inside this
Scout.
They couldn't go this far and not swap the power-plant too, right?
The fuel injected 3.2L V6 was also donated from the Amigo, and it
generates plenty of torque without ever feeling like it's working
hard. All the modern goodies in this motor move the Scout body
weight with ease, and steering and handling is still precise
because the chassis sits plumb after zero modifications during the
swap. The 5-speed manual transmission in aided by a hydraulic
clutch, and the 4WD drive system is electronically activated. Power
4-wheel discs even have a transplanted ABS system, and the power
steering system is effortless and smooth. The presentation of the
motor was not taken for granted either, as the V6 sits square, the
inner fenders and firewall are painted and detailed, and all the
components are neatly organized and symmetrically positioned.
Underneath it's all Amigo, and although not detailed for show, it's
obvious everything is very solid and has received recent service
throughout. The rubber hits the road with 16-inch Scout alloys
wrapped in 245/75/16 Uniroyal Laredo radials all around.
An unusual, fun off-roader that most folks will appreciate for its
many virtues. If you like going off the beaten path (literally and
figuratively), then this is the truck for you. The look of a stock
Scout 80, with the comfort, reliability and road prowess of a
modern Isuzu. A great concept with even better execution. Call
today!
