DLL Articles

When you think of International, you likely think of tractors, trucks, and, the legendary Scout. Finding an International Scout for sale in good condition is becoming an increasingly challenging task. 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. You can’t deny the impact that International Harvester has had on the automotive industry, the sturdy International trucks or even the International scouts for sale were not the first products turned out by the company. The first thing to roll of the production line was farming equipment.

International Harvester’s roots are firmly planted in the agriculture industry. The International Harvester Company was born in 1902 as the result of a merger between the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, the Deering Harvester Company, and three other small farming equipment companies. 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. With this move toward light trucks, International found itself competing with automotive manufacturers, including giants like Ford and, later, Jeep. May 5, 1975, marked the end of the production of the light truck, but its effect on the company’s history is undeniable.

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. However, where the Jeep offered a boxy body and military styling, the International Scout was rugged and pared down in comparison. Throughout the years, as other models were introduced, the Scout underwent a number of facelifts and changes.

In 1965, the Scout 800 took the place of the Scout 80, and the 800 continued through 1968. The 800 was designed to offer more creature comforts such as bucket seats, better heating systems and even optional rear seats. The International Scout 800A came onto the scene in 1969, bringing along with it even more creature comforts, including a quieter Dana 20 transfer case, heavier rear axle, and an option for a 304 V-8. In 1971, the 800B came onto the market, but was replaced within the year with the International Scout II.

International went on to manufacture several models of International Scout II vehicles and a variety of trucks. Unfortunately, though, even increases in sales couldn’t help the fact that the company wasn’t able to generate a sustainable profit. Up against turmoil both outside the company, in the form of a struggling economy, and within the company itself, as well as a worker’s strike in 1979, it was clear that International was deep in a financial crisis. The strike continued for almost six months, costing International Harvester nearly $600 million. Today that value would be closer to $2 billion. At this point, the company’s fate was inevitable. 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. With the agricultural division, International Harvester sold their name and IH symbol. That was the last anyone would see an International Scout for sale from IH.

The company retained ownership of its truck and engine divisions, and in 1986 Harvester started anew with a name change to Navistar International Corporation. The International brand name lives on today with the manufacture of school buses, engines medium trucks and heavy duty trucks.

Finding an International Scout for sale today, has become a little easier thanks to all the great resources online. The legend continues.