1979 International Scout

Stored in our Aiken, South Carolina climate-controlled showroom. To see more pictures, video, information, and our full inventory, visit us online at http://www.carcaveusa.com or call us at (803) 262-4742. A full walk-around video will be available on our YouTube channel tomorrow https://youtu.be/PiW-rB0qCiQ.

Highlights

1979 International Harvester Scout II 4x4

Chevrolet 350ci V8 Engine

Tan Softopper Convertible Top

Air Conditioning

This 1979 International Harvester Scout II is a particularly interesting example of a classic American 4x4, combining the unmistakable styling of the Scout with easy-to-service Chevrolet small-block V8 power and an automatic transmission. You know a small-block Chevy has fired up when you light the fires, as the exhaust makes a beautiful melody. Finished in metallic brown with a contrasting tan Softopper convertible top, bronze Method Race Wheels, and a custom upholstered interior, this Scout retains its vintage swagger with an easy-on-the-pocketbook drivetrain.

We know this Scout's history particularly well, as the previous owner is a longtime friend who owned the vehicle for a very long time. He recently retired after owning and operating a salvage yard. Over four decades, he accumulated an extensive personal collection of International Scouts and Scout parts, along with many other classics; he never sent a Scout to the crusher! Drawing on his experience and access to components, he custom-built this Scout for his wife, Jill, as a gift for her 60th birthday on October 22, 2022 after she survived a battle with breast cancer. A personalized plaque mounted beneath the dashboard, and a pink ribbon and a survivor decal commemorate the occasion. These decals are removable if the next owner chooses.

Under the hood is a Chevrolet 350 cubic inch V8 sourced from a 1986 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. The automatic transmission and transfer case were also sourced from the same donor vehicle, providing a complete GM drivetrain conversion while retaining the Scout's four-wheel-drive capability. The automatic transmission is operated through a B&M floor-mounted shifter. The V8 features an Edelbrock intake manifold, Edelbrock carburetor with electric choke, headers, and a custom dual exhaust system that gives the small-block Chevy a fantastic sound. An aluminum radiator helps keep engine temperatures in check. The Chevrolet small-block V8 is one of the most widely supported American engines ever produced, offering excellent replacement parts availability, straightforward maintenance, and extensive aftermarket support. This conversion provides the benefits of a familiar and serviceable GM drivetrain under the hood while keepin' it real-deal Scout on the exterior.

Features and Specs

Automatic Transmission

B&M Floor Shifter

Floor-Shifted 2WD/4WD High/Low Transfer Case

Engine, Transmission, and Transfer Case Sourced from a 1986 Chevrolet K5 Blazer

Edelbrock Intake Manifold

Edelbrock Carburetor with Electric Choke

Exhaust Headers

Custom Dual Exhaust System

Aluminum Radiator

Original Scout Dana 44 Front Axle

Original Scout Dana 44 Rear Axle

Automatic Locking Front Hubs

Power Steering

Power Brakes with Front Discs

Rancho Shock Absorbers

Working Air Conditioning

New A/C Compressor, Condenser, and Receiver-Drier

Bronze Method Race Wheels

265/70R16 Radar Renegade All-Terrain Tires

Custom Reupholstered Front Bench Seat

Custom Built for Previous Owner's Wife's 60th Birthday

Long-Term Ownership

Exceptionally Clean and Straight Body

The Scout retains its original Dana 44 solid front and rear axles with leaf-spring suspension, Rancho shock absorbers, and automatic locking front hubs. The power steering keeps the steering effort light, but you still know you're driving a solid-front-axle 4x4 down the road. Power-assisted brakes with front discs provide great stopping power for a 47-year-old off-road machine.

The exterior was recently resprayed in an attractive metallic brown that complements the Scout's distinctive body lines. A new tan Softopper convertible top with clear side and rear windows was installed during the build and appears to have never seen the sun or rain. Bronze Method Race Wheels wrapped in 265/70R16 Radar Renegade all-terrain tires give the Scout a purposeful stance without the need for a big lift. Chrome bumpers, original-style International badging, and classic Scout trim complete the exterior.

One of the most impressive aspects of this particular Scout is the condition and straightness of the body. The body panels are exceptionally clean and straight, with consistent lines and an overall presentation that stands out for a vehicle of this age. The frame is also straight, and we have not observed visible evidence of previous collision damage.

The Scout does carry a salvage title designation dating back to the 1980s. The specific circumstances surrounding the original designation have not been documented, and we do not want to speculate about its origin. What we can report is that the body is exceptionally clean and straight, the frame is straight, and we have not observed visible signs of previous accident damage. The salvage designation is part of the vehicle's title history.

Inside, the front bench seat has been reupholstered in tan vinyl with striped cloth inserts and contrasting piping. The combination cheers up the interior without being overwhelming while retaining the original Scout bench seat. The rest of the interior retains its original-style International dashboard, steering wheel, and instrumentation (two gauges are non-functional), with the addition of a B&M automatic floor shifter and an aftermarket stereo. The personalized birthday plaque remains mounted beneath the dashboard as a reminder of the vehicle's unique history. Durable rubber floor mats are included, and the floor pans have been coated with bedliner. A rear seat is included with the vehicle but is not currently installed. The rear seat does not match the newly upholstered front bench.

And yes, this antique comes with working air conditioning! The A/C system has been fitted with a new compressor, condenser, and receiver-drier, helping keep the cabin cool when the weather heats up. Functional A/C is a huge bonus with Car Cave being located south of the Mason-Dixon Line! This is a modified, driver-quality Scout that has been built to enjoy rather than restored to factory-original specifications.

International Scouts have developed a strong following among collectors and enthusiasts for their rugged construction, removable tops, straightforward mechanical design, and unmistakable American styling. This example stands out for its long-term ownership by a dedicated Scout enthusiast, its personal history as a custom birthday build, the Chevrolet 350 V8 drivetrain conversion with Edelbrock upgrades and custom dual exhaust, working air conditioning, power steering, front disc brakes, and exceptionally straight body. It offers the character and simplicity of a vintage Scout with a combination of upgrades that make it an enjoyable vehicle for weekend cruising, around-town driving, and recreational adventures.

We regularly drive our inventory, so the mileage shown on our website may differ from the current odometer reading. Contact Car Cave USA at (803) 262 4742 for additional information, detailed photographs, or to schedule an inspection and test drive at our Aiken, South Carolina showroom.