Vehicle Description
1973 International Scout II
You know what the problem is with this country? You can no longer
buy road vehicles made by a manufacturer of farm equipment, that's
what's wrong! Maybe it's time for Ford to bring back the Fordson
tractor, though that wouldn't be the same. I was reminded of the
sad lack of vehicles with combine harvesters in their lineage when
we got this IH Scout in our Hallowed Halls.
For consignment in its repainted, re-metaled, restored glory...an
International Harvester Scout II from 1973, which was the third
year of production for this vehicle. The consigner put it into the
hands of a reputable shop, and they obviously took the ball and ran
with it resulting in our current consignment. Lots of body, paint,
and mechanical work, with receipts, have been put into the off
roader so read on if you so desire, but I assure you, you'll be
impressed!
Exterior
Look off in the distance and your eyes may play tricks on you as
this pre-SUV SUV almost blends into the grass with its wonderful
1970's green hue. Ceylon Green Poly is the wonderful color which
drapes this Scout II, closely akin to an avocado or lush lime
green. Not to be outdone, the white graphics affixed to the side
cover up some of this field of dreams, although it adds a nice
breakup to the green, and mixes well with the green hardtop. The
panels are all straight as this rig is fresh out of the body shop
after receiving new inner and outer rockers, fender and quarter
panel repair, and paint blending down low to match the factory hue.
Some color differentiation is noted in the paint and cracking is
present in the white panel inlays, but all rust has been
remediated. A large black steel front bumper leads the way complete
with a Warn winch for pulling those Rovers out of a spot of trouble
and this leads back to the 14-bar split grille with its like new
chrome trimmings. Large 15-inch white painted wagon wheels are on
all 4 corners, and they are wrapped with 265/75R15's. The high
stance is impressive as is the removable body colored roof which
allows you to see the top of the trees during your ascent in any
elevation.
Interior
It is not very often this writer decides to start with the
headliner, but in this case why not break tradition and work from
the top down. White perforated vinyl makes up the roof lining and
remains in good condition save for the missing rear courtesy lamp.
Just below in the back is a storage area for all your camping needs
and a foldable ivory white bench seat with flourish stitching and a
tight tuck and roll pattern. While remaining original, this seat
does present with some staining and a few tears. Up front a
sprawling smooth tan vinyl bench seat fills the gap between the
door and floats in a sea of like new brown carpet, and this seat is
ultra clean and sports tan piping around the edges. A small black
center console is down low and center holding your gearshift and
the 4WD selector to the right. Up front the dash is pristine in
padded black vinyl and Ceylon Green steel with the usual suspects
and does have an air conditioning hanging below.
Drivetrain
A 304ci V8 in its orangish red glory sits in an original looking
engine bay which is nicely preserved. On top is a 2bbl carburetor,
and in back an A727 Torqueflite 3-speed automatic transmission
which pushes power rearward, (and forward when in 4WD) to 3.31
geared axles. A new aluminum radiator is in charge of keeping
things cool.
Undercarriage
Peering underneath, we note some surface rust, but pretty well
buttoned up under here with solid frame and new floor pans. As
mentioned earlier, the inner rockers were replaced and this has
remediated any rust that was there previously. Leaf springs with
newer bushing, shackles and U-bolts are on both front and rear, and
a newer dual exhaust is installed. Power drum brakes are on the 4
corners and have the benefit of new wheel cylinders.
Drive-Ability
It's always a kick to get behind the wheel of these 4WD trucks and
this one was truly a pleasurable experience. It lit right up, and
we were off for the test track where it performed beautifully. Good
solid handling, nice acceleration, and even a fairly smooth cruise.
A truly comfortable interior and the sheer simplicity of this rig
left me with an ear to ear smile.
Grab your gear, strap your canoe to the top, and enter this go
anywhere, go through anything IH 4-wheeler, and you can only begin
to dream of the adventure you'll cook up putting this restored
truck through its paces. And you'll do it in vintage retro color,
snappy interior, and 4WD style circa 1973.
VIN DECODE
3S8S8CGD40632
3-1973
S-4wd
8-Scout II
S-Non Pickup
8-V8
C-1973
D-Scout
40632-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
