International Harvester Scout facts for kids

Quick facts for kids International Scout
1961 International Scout 80 with half cab roof
Overview
Manufacturer	International Harvester
Production	1961–1980
Assembly	Fort Wayne, Indiana
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size SUV
Body style	2-door SUV 2-door Pickup Truck
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive

The International Scout was a cool off-road vehicle. It was built by a company called International Harvester from 1961 to 1980. The Scout was one of the very first SUVs ever made. It was designed to compete with the popular Jeep vehicles.

What's amazing is that the Scout went from just an idea to being built in factories in only two years! It looked strong and boxy, like the Jeep, but had a smoother design. Early models even had a windshield that could fold down. Both the first Scout and the later Scout II were made in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They were two-door trucks. You could get them as a small pickup or with a roof that you could take off, either a hard one or a soft one.

How the Scout Started

International Harvester began making trucks and pickups way back in 1907. In 1953, they added a vehicle called the Travelall. It was a truck-based car that could carry many people. In the late 1950s, the company decided to create a new vehicle. They wanted something to compete with the two-door Jeep CJ 4x4.

The first Scout, called the Scout 80, came out in late 1960 for the 1961 model year. It became very popular and sold well against the Jeep. Because the Scout was so successful, other car companies joined in. Ford made the Bronco, and Chevrolet created the Blazer.

Making the Scout

People started thinking about a new version of the Scout in 1964. The plans for this new model were approved in mid-1965. The updated version, called the Scout II, was released in 1971. The main shape and metal body parts of the Scout II stayed the same until they stopped making it. Production ended on October 21, 1980.

Over 20 years, from 1960 to 1980, a total of 532,674 Scouts were built. The Scout was first made as a vehicle for work and businesses. But it really helped pave the way for the popular 4-wheel drive recreational vehicles we saw in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.

Different Scout Models

The International Scout came in several different models and versions:

• Scout 80 (1960–1965): This was the very first model of the Scout.
• Scout 800 (1966–1971): This model looked much like the original. However, it had some cool upgrades, like electric windshield wipers and newer engines.
• Scout 810 (1971): Some of the very first Scout II models actually had "Scout 810" written on their glove box.
• Scout II (1971–1980): This was the main production model for many years. It had a removable soft or hardtop roof. Its wheelbase (the distance between the front and back wheels) was 100 inches.
• Scout II Terra (1976–1980): This was the light pickup truck version of the Scout II. It had a longer wheelbase of 118 inches.
• Scout II Traveler (1976–1980): This version came with a removable fiberglass hardtop. You could also get an optional third row of seats. It also had the longer 118-inch wheelbase.
• Super Scout II (1977–1979): This special model had fabric doors that could be removed. It also featured a rollbar for safety and a softtop roof. International Harvester called the soft-top model the "SSII" in their advertising. Over time, people started calling it the "Super Scout," which is the name it's known by today.

Images for kids

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  The first model, a 1961 Scout 80, in pickup style with removable hardtop. A full cap was also available, known as the Travel-Top.

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  Rear view of an International Harvester Scout 80, showing the IH logo and tailgate hooks.

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  International Harvester Scout 80 Campermobile.

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  An early 1965 Scout 800, built with remaining Scout 80 parts. The hood loop in the center and grill from the 80 are present here. This vehicle's final inspection took place on 10/14/65 and it was deemed a new 800 model.

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  International Harvester Scout 800 Sportop

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  A 1976–1980 Scout II Traveler

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  IH Scout II with Rallye package

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  Rear view of a 1976–80 IH Scout II Traveler.

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  IH Scout II, with SSII doors.

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  1978 Monteverdi Safari

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  1978 Monteverdi Sahara