The market for vintage SUVs is going nuts these days. The value of classic Ford Broncos, Toyota Land Cruisers, and Jeep Grand Wagoneers continues to skyrocket. This wave of interest spurred Ford and Jeep to revive those nameplates. And now, another long-dormant utility brand is returning: the Scout.
The International Harvester Scout was a competitor to those SUV classics. Debuting in 1961, it featured a removable top and four-wheel-drive—and came in either pickup or wagon body styles. Early Scouts set the template, but enthusiasts are more interested in the Scout II, introduced in 1971.
This 1979 Scout for sale on eBay is a remarkable example.
At Home on the Trail or Farm
The Scout II has rugged looks, aggressive factory wheel-and-tire packages, and serious off-road capability. So it’s no wonder the model’s popularity endured beyond its parent company. After all, the Scout has the off-road ability of a Bronco or Jeep, but with the added interest of coming from a defunct farm equipment manufacturer.
That’s right. International Harvester was originally an agricultural equipment manufacturer, making everything from tractors and combines to crop dusters and milking machines. As it grew, the company birthed divisions to build heavy-duty trucks, school buses, earth movers, and household appliances.
Shop now for an International Harvester Scout
The first sketch of an all-electric VW Scout, slated for 2026.
Unfortunately, after the oil crisis of the 1970s, IH fell on hard times and began selling off these divisions. The Scout II was discontinued in 1980. By 1985, International Harvester had sold off its agricultural business and rebranded itself as Navistar to focus on commercial trucks.
In 2020, Volkswagen purchased Navistar, receiving the rights to the Scout name. Last month, VW announced it will revive the Scout as a brand of electric trucks. The released sketches showed a design roughly based on the Scout II.
A Restomod That Heralds The Future
The buzz from future electric Scouts makes it a great time to purchase a classic Scout—before the news spreads too far. The car for sale on eBay had $15,000 in recent work to bring it to a high standard. Modders raised the suspension to add ride-height while added fender flares make room for massive BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires.
Aftermarket bumpers, a winch, a soft top, and a modified tailgate add to the rugged look. A dark blue metallic paint job with black decal stripes inspired by the popular factory Rallye package finishes the visual appeal.
Given what’s been added and expected Scout values, the $54,995 asking price is pretty reasonable. This 1979 Scout convertible is a compelling choice for a classic SUV. These days, old-school Broncos are quickly swept up by the Hollywood and influencer set.
Classic Broncos are a regular sight on the streets around Venice Beach and other hipster haunts. Grand Wagoneers are a staple of the Nantucket set, and Land Cruisers are plentiful around the nation because they refuse to break down.
Meanwhile, this 1979 Scout gets you all the vintage cool and capability of those rigs but with an under-the-radar hipster vibe. But, of course, its stealth status could change as VW promotes a new EV based on the classic Scout design. That new battery-powered SUV could finally give the rugged Scout model the widespread love it always deserved.
