1978 International Scout II

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!

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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