1976 International Scout II

Description

Over a span of more than 80 years, International Harvester forged a strong reputation as the builder of rock solid heavy-duty trucks. Along the way, the company consistently proved itself a worthy competitor to much more well-known manufacturers, and battled Jeep and Ford's Bronco toe to toe in what was then a fledgling SUV market. Looking rugged as can be, this 1976 International Scout II is a great example of International's prowess in the niche during that time. It features a strong running powerplant under its hood and, with some well-focused attention, can be made into an ultra-appealing, robust workhorse that's sure to turn heads with its uniqueness and sturdy good looks.

You can see right away how this Scout ably served as the precursor to the more sophisticated SUVs of the present, yet at the same time it's certainly unique, with its rugged, unapologetically beefy shape, ample wheel clearance and wide track. You may from time to time see a classic SUV on the road that's been modded for an open-air driving experience, but this ride actually left the factory that way and has a look all its own. The Glacier Blue shade draped over its exterior provides a really nice look and the paint sports a nice shine and a smooth texture. It's easy to picture yourself behind the wheel with nothing but blue sky above you, but for those occasions calling for more shelter, there's a one-piece hardtop included that features fixed glass windows and a hinged lift gate for access to the cargo area in back.

The blue cloth interior inside the doors is loaded with vintage appeal. Both the bucket seats up front and bench seat in back are in solid shape and plenty comfortable. Unlike so many trucks of this era, all interior components are present and accounted for, so there'll be no puzzle-like challenges to be answered while figuring out what part is meant to go where. There is a mix of functional and non-functional items, but you can easily see how appealing this interior would be once restored. It's a nicely configured driving environment - the Scout's ample width means there's plenty of shoulder room for full sized passengers and there's a substantial amount of cargo space behind the rear bench seat.

The engine compartment houses an assortment of components that are almost certainly original, including the 345 cubic inch V8 that sits at the center. It's an eager powerplant, firing up promptly and providing this substantial vehicle with surprisingly strong acceleration as it teams with a smooth shifting 3-speed automatic Torqueflite transmission. The power steering on hand here is a welcome surprise - it's got a nice, easy feel to it while still providing good response and it pairs with power brakes that feature discs up front to bring dependable, fade resistant stops. This rugged classic performs its work on a set of very sharp 15" stock black steel wheels outfitted with Hankook Ventus tires.

Combining a distinctively rugged look with some bona fide collectability due to its rarity, this 1976 International Scout II would be a great acquisition for the classic truck enthusiast in search of a ride that stands apart from the crowd. Call today!