Fantasy Junction

Description

Bring a Trailer Completed Auction:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1968-international-harvester-scout-800-13/

1968 International Scout 800

VIN – 781927G3103878
Exterior Color – Green
Interior Color – Black
Engine – 266ci V8
Transmission – 4WD With 4-speed manual and low-range transfer case
Mileage – 2,260 Miles TMU
Current owner – purchased in 2016 with the same miles indicated today (odo non-op)

General History
Produced by International Harvester from 1961-1980 the Scout was one of the first sport utility vehicles on the market. Though built by an independent auto manufacturer, clever design features and robust build made these big favorites among buyers, a sentiment echoed by collectors now more than 50 years later. A big selling vehicle at the time (over half a million sold during the product run spanning 20 years), owners trusted Scouts for rural/city use endearing them with the durability and ease of service. The first series Scout 80 was followed by the 800 which came to market in around 1966 with more options and comfort features. The last year of the 800 was 1968, the year of this example, which included the Dana 44 rear end and V8 engine as one of the desirable optional engine packages.

History and Ownership
This example was purchased by the current owner in 2016. Although early ownership is not known, the current owner purchased the car in Palm Springs, CA and drove it 500 miles home to the bay area where he has enjoyed it over the past six years. Mileage entries for service records on file indicate the odometer has not recorded accumulated miles since 2016. Under current ownership miles have been limited to local use with recent services and upgrades as noted.
The following work has been performed on this Scout 800:
November 2016 – Pertronix ignition and coil, new spark plugs, distributor cap, and spark plug wires installed.
December 2018 – Scout Front disc brake conversion installed, Scout 1” suspension lift kit installed (new shocks and leaf springs included), new polyurethane spring bushings, a set of four white-spoke 16” wheels installed to accommodate the new disc brake conversion, new tires, oil and filter change, transmission service, brake fluid flush, transfer case service, front and rear differential service, and tire balancing (totaling over $6,600).
April 2022 – New Duralast Gold Battery installed.

General Condition
Having been mechanically freshened recently and minimally used by the current owner, this Scout 800 presents today with durable, battle-ready driver-level cosmetics befitting the original goals of these vehicles. The army-grade paint and visual characteristics are consistent with Scouting heritage and use, complete with noble road marks, body panels proudly punctuated by adventurous use, and evidence of victories traversing rugged terrain. All opening features operate with ease and shut properly with heavy duty latching and spartan simplicity. The glass, lighting, lenses, emblems, and unique features are in generally good condition, consistent with the cosmetic presentation overall. The newer 16” white spoked wheels are in excellent condition, recently installed to accommodate the upgraded front disc brake conversion. The car has been lifted with a professional kit that increases ride height by 1”, safely accommodating the larger Toyo Off Road tires, purchased in 2018. The kit includes new shocks, new leaf springs, and installation hardware. Overall, the car is a combination of durable, road-ready finishes, presenting itself as an honest example of this model, unafraid to meet the challenges of off-road excursions, particularly with the 4WD and low-range manual transfer case for a wide range of terrains and suitable suspension to accommodate more aggressive climbing.

The original interior features recently refinished front and rear black seats with matching exterior color piping, a set of seatbelts (front and rear), and a six-point bolted in roll cage extending both front and rear passenger areas. The interior surfaces are showing a range of aging, here too consistent with the exterior finishes. The dashboard features an array of instruments, some of which are new, and the original speedometer, currently inoperable. A clever 8-Ball pool ball is installed as the shifter handle. Throughout the interior, themes of mechanical utility and durability are evident in what appears to be time-worn original painted interior surfaces, with much of the metal showing use, though very sound and not sacrificed by the ravages of corrosion.

Under the hood, the 266cu. in. V8 engine is a potent powerhouse for this Scout 800. Just as with the exterior and interior finishes, the engine appears to have been generally preserved and serviced as needed. Current owner upgrades include Pertronix ignition and coil and recent fluid services. The mechanical condition of the car overall is sound, responsive, and reflective of the genuine moniker of “utility” as part of the original classification of Sport Utility vehicles pioneered by International Harvester, Jeep, and the Ford Bronco. Underside photos show condition reflective of clean and dry example. The underside shows no visual evidence of structural compromise to the floor or suspension mounting points and reveals the new leaf springs, new shock absorbers, new front disc brakes, and hubs. The car starts, stops, runs, and drives as one might expect, with a distinct utility feel to the driving experience, good brakes, low and high range gearing that works very well in both settings, and enjoyable cosmetics for regular use. The car is outfitted with twin fuel tanks and a fuel switch lever, however the owner has only used the driver’s side fuel tank during his ownership.

This Scout is a rare and desirable V8 equipped example, featuring 4WD and recent upgrades making it a usable example of an iconic early Sport Utility Vehicle from one of the best manufacturers of these early SUVs.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608