Check Out This Engine-Swapped International Harvester Scout
It’s easy to think that the SUV market emerged from nowhere, and that there’s a straight line from the Willys Jeep to the Grand Cherokee. It ain’t so, however. The market took a long while to come to fruition, with AMC putting out the first true SUV in the late 70s/early 80s. In between the Willys Jeep and these models, trucks were designed with a purpose in mind. They were tools, designed for those who had more serious needs than just ripping up a trail for fun. One such model which found itself in this generational gap was the International Harvester Scout. No one really talks about International Harvester (now known as Navistar International) these days. They were famed farming equipment manufacturers who ventured into the off-road market, aiming to compete with Jeep.
Nowadays, if you want to get your hands on a Scout, you need to be prepared to pay a high price. This particular Scout restomod, however? It deserves its price. Sold recently at auction for $128,800, this isn’t your Grandfather’s 4×4. Inspired by the modified Scout which Jerry Boone steered to victory in the 1977 Baja 1000, it’s been suitably upgraded. For a start, let’s look at the engine. The Scout originally came with a range of V6s and V8s, with the largest being 345ci or 5.65 liters. This restomod has seen the engine swapped with a 6 liter GM V8. This V8 is paired with a 4L60E transmission, as found in the Chevy Camaro.
The exterior features a roof rack, front bumper rocker guards, a winch, and a tire carrier. This is a truck designed to be used. It’s a truck for adventuring. The interior’s seen some cool improvements too. The dash is bedecked with aircraft-style dials, and the seats have been beautifully refurbished. This is a truck which is not to be trifled with. The price may be high, but I’m pretty sure this truck could take on anything. Want evidence? Check out the gallery below.
