Finding an International Scout For Sale – Getting Back to the Roots
The name International conjures images of tractors and trucks, but also, perhaps most vividly, the renowned Scout. As the years roll by, finding an International Scout for sale in good condition has become quite a challenge. While its parent company has closed down and other companies have picked up the manufacturing of its vehicles, classic International vehicles are still in high demand amongst enthusiasts and collectors. Surprisingly, given the impact International has had on the automotive industry, the company was originally formed for an entirely different purpose. It was not until later that the first International Scout was for sale. The first thing to roll of the production line was farming equipment.
International Harvester’s roots are firmly planted in the agriculture industry. A merger between the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, the Deering Harvester Company and three other small agricultural equipment companies in 1902 birthed the International Harvester Company. In its initial years, International focused its efforts on tractors and other farming equipment, but in 1907 the International Harvester wagon was introduced. International was now competing against other automotive manufacturers with this move to produce light trucks, and it found itself in the ring with powers such as Ford and, eventually, Jeep. May 5, 1975, marked the end of the production of the light truck, but its effect on the company’s history is undeniable.
The First International Scout for sale, the Scout 80, was introduced in 1961. The Scout was a direct competitor for the Willys Jeep and possessed many of the same features. However, where the Jeep offered a boxy body and military styling, the International Scout was rugged and pared down in comparison. The Scout would see many changes over the years as new models were introduced.
The International Scout 800 took over for the 80 in late 1965 and continued through 1968. The 800 was designed to offer more creature comforts such as bucket seats, better heating systems and even optional rear seats. The International Scout 800A was introduced in 1969 and improved upon its predecessor by offering a quieter Dana 20 transfer case, a heavier rear axle and an optional 304 V-8. The 800B entered took the reins in 1971, but didn’t even make it through the year before it was replaced by the International Scout II.
International went on to manufacture several models of International Scout II vehicles and a variety of trucks. However, while sales were up, the books weren’t showing enough of a profit to sustain the company. With a struggling economy, internal problems inside the company and a worker’s strike in 1979, International plunged into financial crisis. The strike lasted almost six months and cost the company close to $600 million. Today that value would be closer to $2 billion. The company’s downward trajectory was set. As 1981 began, it was clear that the company’s trouble was serious. November 1984 signaled the beginning of the end when International Harvester sold their agricultural division to Tenneco, Inc. With the agricultural division, International Harvester sold their name and IH symbol. You would no longer see an International Scout For sale directly from International Harvestor.
The company did retain the Harvester truck and engine divisions, and in 1986 Harvester was reincarnated as Navistar International Corporation. To this day, Navistar manufactures school buses, engines medium trucks and heavy duty trucks under the brand name International.
Finding an International Scout for sale today, has become a little easier thanks to all the great resources online. And so the legend continues.
