The name International has become synonymous with tractors, trucks and, of course, 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. Surprisingly, given the impact International has had on the automotive industry, the company was originally formed for an entirely different purpose. It was not until later that the firsl International Scout was for sale. Farming equipment production marked the beginning of the company.
International Harvester’s roots lie 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. International was now competing against other automotive manufacturers with this move to produce light trucks, and it found itself in the ring with powers such as Ford and, eventually, Jeep. International’s last light truck was produced in 1975 after a wild ride that changed the course of automotive history.
The First International Scout for sale, the Scout 80, entered the picture in 1961. The Scout was a direct competitor for the Willys Jeep and possessed many of the same features. Rugged and pared down, the Scout offered an alternative to the Jeep with its boxy body and military styling. The Scout would see many changes over the years as new models were introduced.
In 1965, the Scout 800 took the place of the Scout 80, and the 800 continued through 1968. The International Scout 800 was designed to offer “creature comforts” including bucket seats, a better heating system, and even an option for 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 was unveiled, but was replaced later in the year by 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. Despite increases in sales, it was evident that the company wasn’t generating adequate profit to sustain itself. 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 continued for almost six months, costing 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. The company sold its name and the IH symbol along with the division. You would no longer see an International Scout For sale directly from International Harvestor.
The Harvester truck and engine divisions remained in the company’s possession and in 1986 Harvester turned over a new leaf 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.
If you are looking for an International Scout for sale, be sure to make good use of all the resources online The legend continues.
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