Farm Find: 1974 International Harvester Scout II 4×4
This 1974 International Harvester Scout II was found on a farm in Pennsylvania covered in about two inches of dust. The Scout’s job was hay-hauler, and that’s so appropriate since the first Scout introduced in 1961 was aimed directly at the farmers and ranchers who bought IH’s agriculture equipment. Thanks to its versatility, the Scout found a wide audience, though not quite wide enough to save International Harvester. Today’s listing is here on eBay, bid to $16,100, reserve met. The truck is located in West Babylon, New York, and yes, you can drive it home. Note that it’s not a real Rallye Scout – that package wasn’t introduced until 1976, and it included power steering and beefier suspension in addition to its dressy stripes. Still, it’s an attractive and original Scout – definitely worth a look.
The Scout II was launched in 1971 with improvements including wider doors, a slightly longer body (on the same old 100″ wheelbase), multiple engine choices, bright trim, and a more spacious cabin. Buyers liked the uprated model, and in its first year, the Scout II doubled prior-year sales. This one has the 144 hp, 304 cu. in. V8 with a two-barrel carburetor, paired with a three-speed automatic. During Scout II production, two Borg-Warner automatics were offered, but by late 1972, Chrysler’s Torque-Flite replaced the T39. The seller indicates that the Scout could use some minor maintenance to fix leaks and tune it up, but for short trips, it’s in fine order including the four-wheel drive. The odometer reads 5914 but it’s likely turned over.
The interior features a bench seat with embossed upholstery with minor staining, some tears, and a separated seam. Pedal wear is noticeable and the plastic over the gauges is hazy. The cargo area looks decent.
This Scout is a TravelTop, with a removable hard top. The paint has cleaned up quite nicely and other than a rusty spot here and there, the tinworm has been kept at bay. The undercarriage looks solid – and the seller provides plenty of photos of the greasy side for evaluation. The grille, bumpers, and side trim are arrow-straight. Scout prices have skyrocketed over the last few years, making this one look like a bit of a bargain thus far. Overall, this Scout is a decent original example to use as a survivor-driver, or perform a restoration. I’d keep it maintained mechanically and drive its wheels off, as is; what would you do with it?
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Comments
Scouts were sold by ag dealers as an alternative to paying taxes to large farmers and ranchers. Back then the tax laws were pretty lax and these were easily passed off as a needed farm equipment. Kind of like UTVs are sold today, or a top of the line leather filled pick up truck that will never haul feed. The tax people were more likely to let it slip by when the brand was IH. At least, that is how I saw it. Used to make me pretty mad when ever I had to purchase something, and could not write if off as a business expense.
I bought my first new car off the lot… a 1974 Scout II, yellow with tan interior, 304 v8, ac, power brakes and steering. I had it 10 months and the dealer offered me $1000 over the purchase price so like a dummy I sold it back. Later I had a 1979 with 345 v8, best 4 x 4 I ever owned. Never got stuck once. Only draw back was that slow filling gas tank due to double 90 degree bend in the filler tube.
Just Me, Back in 1976 I worked as a Service Manager for a IH dealer. One of the benefits of that job was that at the beginning of the new year model, I could pick whatever I wanted off the front line to drive for the next year. So I picked a Scout fully loaded with the towing package. It consisted of the 345 cu.in. engine with the Chrysler 3 speed Torque Flite A/T and posi rear end, I don’t remember the gear ratio in the rear. One of my mechanics that worked there at the dealership, lived about 2 miles from me. He would tell me about his 1969 Chevelle with the 396 cu.in. how it ran so good. Well one morning guess what happened? He went by my driveway just as we was going to work. I pulled out after he went by and when we crested the hill there was a 3/4 mile straight away. Well that was to much to take for me. So I dropped the old Scout into the passing lane just to see if he he would take me and the Scout on. You guessed it, HE DID! We ended up at the end of the 3/4 mile stretch fender to fender, they were equally matched, to my suprise! These were the GOOD OLD DAYS AS US OLD TIMER CALL THEM!
Pretty scary with all the new undercoating, makes me wonder ??
i always wondered if the 304 was an amc powerplant or unique to international, gotta dig that oversize water neck for a thermostat housing. I remember when i worked as a teen in the local auto parts in the mid to late 80’s people came regularly for parts but what about today i’d love to own one for the uniqueness but terrified if something goes where do i get major service parts
Hi Robert, I believe the IH 304 had nothing in common with the AMC motor. IH used the AMC inline 6, and the 401 V8 in ’73, all stout motors. As far as parts, IH used all off the shelf items, like my ’77 GMC, I had no problem getting most any mechanical item. It may have an inch of dust on the box, but the stuff is out there. I’d worry more about Scout “specific ” parts, body, trim, interior, as I’m not sure anyone reproduces that.
A lot of the sheet metal is being reproduced now, minus the big items—so clean tubs are the Holy Grail. You can get fenders and door skins and other stuff pretty easily. Some of the trim is shared among other IH vehicles, and there are vendors with NOS hoards still out there. And, there’s always a Scout buried in someone’s back field with good parts to pick.
The IH 304 was definitely different from the AMC. Binder engine was bulkier and used timing gears and rocker shafts. The AMC engine used individual rocker supports and a timing chain. I think there was close to a hundred pounds difference. IH started using the AMC six because emission regs stifled the Binder sixes. The 401 V8 was used because IH’s 392 engine production was max’d out and shipped over to the large truck line; the AMC was available so it got sent to the light truck division where it worked fairly well…
A very nice looking unit. How did it survive in New York and not rust to dust. Like said, what lurks beneath that new under goo?
Strange looking front seats for a Scout, otherwise an attractive looking truck. As a NY truck I’m shocked at the lack of rust. The only demerits are the 304 and slushbox. And I would enjoy it very carefully and not “drive the wheels off” for the sake of preserving its remarkable originality. Just needs periodic TLC.