Just like the classic Jeep or Ford Bronco, the IHC Scout has become an American icon in its own right. Created as a competitor to the Jeep, the Scout was introduced to the public in January, 1961. Built for almost two decades and highly praised for their ruggedness, Scouts routinely outsold Jeep's CJ models.
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Still, almost 30 years after the last Scout left the Ft. Wayne assembly line, it is difficult unearthing a low-mileage, unmodified example. Finding a rust free one is even harder, as the Scouts carried marginal corrosion protection from the factory.
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Well, your search for a superb Scout may be over. You are looking at one of the finest original survivors on the planet!
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Built during February of 1974, the car was deliverd to IHC's main offices in Columbus, Ohio, where IHC CEO G. "Jerry" Baecher took possession of the 4x4 on March 20, 1974. Needless to say, perhaps, a company big wig has a need for luxurious and representative transportation, hence Mr. Baecher's Scout II came from the factory fully loaded.
The invaluable original Line Setting Ticket (an equivalent to the "build sheet") irrefutably confirms standard and optional equipment, including:
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A plethora of original documents accompanies the Scout, like the first owner's service policy, owner's manual, accessory manual, emission maintenance manual, and towing booklet.
A dozen recipts for mechanical repair and restoration, totalling $6,713.62, detail the most recent service history. Here are some of the highlights:
- Rebuilt Torqueflite 727 transmission
- Rebuilt carburetor and new accelerator pump
- New alternator
- New battery
- New fan clutch and fan
- New A/C compressor
- New motor and transmission mounts
- New muffler
- New leaf spring bushings
- All fliuds drained and replaced
- New front brake pads and rear shoes
- New radio speaker
- New antenna
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One in a million, this Scout has never been modified in the suspension department beyond the addition of front and rear anti-roll bars; thankfully, it has neither been lifted nor lowered. The body does not have any corrosion or accident damage. Doors do not sag, hood fits perfectly, tailgate does not rattle and the back window opens and closes smoothly. All glass is original and in excellent condition. According to the owner, the 36,536 miles indicated on the Scout's odometer could very well be the original mileage!
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Toothbrush clean engine compartment houses the strong 345cu. in. V-8. This power plant is rated at 185 horsepower and possesses stump-pulling torque. The engine runs perfecty; it does not display any bad habits, such as smoking, (oil) drinking, or overheating. Note the many original details, such as factory labels, gracing the engine bay. The intake and carburetor have been updated, however, original manifold and carb are included.
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Back to the exterior! We marvel at the Scout's extra clean coachwork. Apparently, the truck was repainted once, in the original colors, and there are no dents, scrapes, or bubbles. The finish is very smooth and glossy, however, you'll notice a bit of fading, especially on the hood and near the tailgate, which gives the Scout somewhat of a mildly patinated appearance. All the brightwork is complete and in very good to excellent condition throughout.
Scout's all-steel Travel Top has never been removed.
Weatherstripping remains excellent througout.
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A set of brand new CAPITOL radial A/T tires of the dimension LT235/75R15 has been recently fitted to the original steel rims. Factory hub caps are in superb condition. Note front lock-out hubs.
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One of the many highlights of this Scout II is its immaculate, all original interior. Scouts were known to be among the roomiest vehicles of their kind.
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Leather-wrapped Sport steering wheel was owner-installed. The original wheel is included as well.
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Pristine, uncut dash. Note factory original radio--yes, it works perfectly! Dash top is like new, without any cracks or discoloration. The gears in the automatic transmission are engaged via the desirable floor shifter.
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Original front bucket seats. Carpeting, seat upholstery, door panels, the irreplaceable cardboard headliner: everything is ultra clean, free of any rips or stains.
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Rear bench folds forward if additional luggage space is needed. Note factory seat belts.
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Ready for a test drive?
So are we, but let's have a look at two important areas first: trunk and undercarriage.
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Area behind the seats looks spotless, swith original rubber floor mat and side-mounted spare and cover. A couple of cardboard boxed contain a stash of important parts that are included, among them:
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Check out the undamaged tailgate: this Scout was never abused!
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Undercarriage presents itself fantastically clean, dry, and 100% rust free.
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These detail shots from the frog's perspective convey more than a thousand words. You are looking at one of the finest unrestored Scouts in the nation.
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Monday, September 28, was another warm and sunny day in San Buenaventura and we decided to head for the hills in the fabulous International. Naturally, we stayed on the pavement; this Scout II is way too nice to be off-roaded!
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The truck starts instantly and idles almost silently. The Torqueflite shifts smoothly into "D" and off we go. All the controls are easy to reach. All lights and gauges work exactly as they should. Pull a knob on the dash, and the transfer case engages properly.
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Hey, this is fun! Even the A/C blows ice cold.
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Later, on the 101 freeway, we easily attain our 75mph cruising speed. With the 3.31:1 rear axle ratio, this Scout is a very capable commuter.
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Returning home, we are thoroughly satisfied with the Scout's achievements. Not only did the 35 year-old International perform flawlessly, we also received quite a few admiring glances and favorable comments wherever we parked our Avocado Green steed.
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There are not many IHC Scouts like this one left in the country. Most of the survivors have seen more off road use, salted winter roads, and more modifications than acceptable to the dyed-in-the-wool enthusiast. To find one like this is a rare occurrence, indeed.
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Here is a rare opportunity to acquire an umolested example of IHC's finest. Even if you have been looking for a Jeep CJ7, Chevy Blazer, or Ford Bronco of the period, you might want to consider this superb Scout II instead. It's as clean as a whistle, has been conscientiously maintained, comes with a great provenance, and has never had an ounce of rust. And that's guaranteed!
You are most welcome to inspect this fine automobile at our location in Ventura, by appointment, or have someone inspect it for you.
Please, direct all inquiries to bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at 805-653-5551.
Take me to Californiaclassix' Home or the Showroom.