Pick of the Day: 1978 Scout II, a somewhat overlooked off-roader

Despite all the fuss and premium prices these days for early Ford Broncos, most of the SUV’s contemporary competitors have been left in the dust, including the International Scout. 

The Pick of the Day is a 1978 International Scout II 4X4, powered by its original 304cid V8 and automatic transmission, according to the Hudson, Massachusetts, private seller advertising the Scout on ClassicCars.com.

The powertrain has accrued just 20,000 miles, the seller says, which usually denotes that the engine and transmission have been rebuilt, although that is unclear in this ad.  Could be that the entire Scout has gone only 20k.  Any prospective buyer would need to find that out.

What is more certain is that this Scout is a “documented one-owner vehicle,” states the seller, who presumably is that owner.  The SUV comes with its original manuals, build sheet and warranty documents, the seller adds.

The Scout II was the second generation of International Harvester’s Jeep fighter, with expanded choices of engines and transmissions, a longer wheelbase and significant upgrades to the interior fittings, which were generally Spartan in the first-gen models.  Styling was only slightly revised, the grille and the steel hardtop getting a new look. 

This Scout II wears the Rallye package graphics that looks so ‘70s, along with custom wheels, and the seller says it “runs and drives excellent.”  The body appears to be in decent condition, but the interior could use some cleanup.  

“Dressed in its original colors, “Elk Tan” over bucket-seat interior with center console,” the ad says. “Factory power steering and power disc brakes. All electrical works as it should, including gauges, interior lights, blinkers, etc. “

The Scout looks artfully presented in snowy, woodsy photos with the ad – outdoor pictures with good backgrounds go a long way in making an advertised vehicle look attractive.  The rural vibe goes perfectly with the Scout’s adventure image.

These SUVs were indeed very capable off-roaders, durable and trustworthy.  As with any orphan brand, parts and repairs could be an issue even though these 4X4s have decent club support.

While a Bronco in similar condition might approach six figures in value, this nostalgic-looking Scout II is priced at just $26,900.

To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.