December 21st, 2022 was a significant day. It marked the Winter Solstice or the shortest day of the year. That means that days will get longer, and warm weather won’t be far away. When that happens, the temptation to hit the road for some wilderness adventures could be impossible to resist. Choosing the right tool for the job could be challenging, but this 1976 International Scout II Rallye could be perfect. Its presentation is hard to fault, while its combination of a V8 engine and 4×4 capabilities should allow it to climb into some pretty inaccessible locations. It is listed here on eBay in Caldwell, Idaho. Frantic bidding has pushed the price to $22,600, although it remains short of the reserve.

The “Rallye” version was a special edition of the Scout II introduced in 1976. The package added some suspension upgrades, power steering, and distinctive stripes to an already attractive vehicle. This Rallye retains the Black stripes against a predominantly White body, although the raised ride height suggests further suspension changes. The paint shines impressively, while the stripes and graphics look crisp. There are no bumps or bruises, and the underside shots confirm this classic has never seen salt and is rust-free. The removable hardtop allows wind-in-the-hair motoring, which could prove enjoyable as the new owner delves deep into the areas most people can’t access. The Scout II rolls on significantly bigger wheels and tires, with someone adding fender flares to protect the paint from flying stones. The trim is excellent, and the tinted glass looks flawless.

This Scout II features an interior whose condition matches the exterior. Aftermarket additions include a CD player with door-mounted speakers. Otherwise, it appears to be as it left the factory. The upholstered surfaces are excellent, including the cover on the removable rear seat. A set of genuine IH mats protect the spotless carpet,  and the dash exhibits no issues. Timber trim, a console, and a factory sports wheel add to the luxurious feel inside this classic. The original owner added factory air conditioning to the equation for those seeking further comfort. However, the seller admits it needs a recharge. If the new owner elects to commune with Mother Nature and accidentally finds themselves “shiny side down,” the roll bar should help protect occupants from potential harm.

While buyers faced several engine and transmission choices when ordering their new ’76 Scout II, one of the more desirable was the 304ci V8, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. That is what we find in our feature vehicle, with 144hp and 248 ft/lbs of torque feeding through the four-speed and a dual-range transfer case. The Rallye option brought power steering to the table, while this classic features power front disc brakes. Outright performance is less of a consideration with vehicles of this type, although this Scout II should cruise all day at freeway speeds. When assessing the worth of an off-roader, it is always worth evaluating its power and torque delivery. This V8 is what I term a “lazy” motor, meaning it churns out most of its power and torque below 2,500 rpm. That should allow it to crawl effortlessly over harsh terrain with the motor running at little more than idle. The seller indicates most of the Scout’s suspension is new, as are the Cooper SST tires. It has no apparent mechanical needs, with the listing stating it has a genuine 84,000 miles on the clock. There is no mention of verifying evidence, but this gem is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

It is more than forty years since the Scout II disappeared, and while many vehicles from this era hold few fond memories for enthusiasts, these classics are different. Although values aren’t climbing rapidly, they are consistently heading in the right direction. Most eBay auctions don’t feature much action early, but this Scout II attracted twenty-two bids in the first two days of a seven-day auction. That indicates the regard in which these beauties are held, and recent sales results suggest it will probably need to nudge past $30,000 before meeting the reserve. With those thoughts in mind, are you tempted to make a play for this classic?