When you think of International, you likely think of tractors, trucks, and, the legendary Scout. As the years roll by, finding an International Scout for sale in good condition has become quite a challenge. Although the company closed its doors, selling the rights to the production of its vehicles to other companies, classic International vehicles are still the envy of collectors and enthusiasts. You can’t deny the impact that International Harvester has had on the automotive industry, the sturdy International trucks or even the International scouts for sale were not the first products turned out by the company. The first products manufactured were agricultural equipment.
The roots of International Harvester are mired in the agricultural industry. The merger of three small agricultural equipment manufacturers with McCormick Harvesting Machine Company and the Deering Harvester Company resulted in the birth of the International Harvester Company in 1902. International’s first product lines included several types of tractors and other farming equipment, but in 1907, with the introduction of the International Harvester wagon, history took a turn. This move to manufacture light trucks brought International into the ring with other automotive manufacturers, taking them head to head with auto greats like Ford and eventually Jeep. Production of the light line truck ended on May 5, 1975, but, man, what a ride!
The International Scout entered the picture in 1961 with the introduction of the First International Scout for sale… the Scout 80. A direct competitor for the Willys Jeep, the Scout was manufactured with many of the same features as the Jeep. 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 took over in 1969 and was even cushier than its predecessor with a quieter Dana 20 transfer case, heavier rear axle and a 304 V-8 option. In 1971, the 800B came onto the market, but was replaced within the year with the International Scout II.
Throughout the following years, International introduced various models of the International Scout II, and continued to manufacture a variety of trucks. Unfortunately, though, even increases in sales couldn’t help the fact that the company wasn’t able to generate a sustainable profit. The company fought valiantly against a struggling economy while facing internal conflicts, but a worker’s strike in 1979 was the last straw, and International found itself in financial crisis. The strike lasted nearly six months and cost International Harvester nearly $600 million. In today’s dollars, that would be a loss of closer to $2 billion. The die was cast. As 1981 rolled in, it was clear that the company was in serious trouble. In November 1984, International Harvester sold the agriculture division to Tenneco, Inc., signaling the beginning of the end. In addition to the agriculture division, International Harvester also sold its name and the IH symbol. That was the last anyone would see an International Scout for sale from IH.
The company retained ownership of its truck and engine divisions, and in 1986 Harvester started anew with a name change to Navistar International Corporation. To this day, Navistar manufactures school buses, engines medium trucks and heavy duty trucks under the brand name International.
It will take some patience, but using the tools available online, you will be able to find that perfect International Scout for sale. The legend continues.