1962 International Scout Restomod

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!