The name International has become synonymous with tractors, trucks and, of course, the legendary Scout. Finding an International Scout for sale in good condition is becoming an increasingly challenging task. While the company itself has closed shop, leaving other companies to pick up production of its vehicles, International classics are still very much sought after by 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. Farming equipment production marked the beginning of the company.
The roots of International Harvester are mired in the agricultural industry. A merger between the McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, the Deering Harvester Company and three other small agricultural equipment companies in 1902 birthed the International Harvester Company. Over the years, International produced several types of tractors and farming equipment, but in 1907 history took a turn when the International Harvester wagon was unveiled. With this move toward light trucks, International found itself competing with automotive manufacturers, including giants like Ford and, later, 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, was introduced in 1961. A direct competitor for the Willys Jeep, the Scout was manufactured with many of the same features as the Jeep. However, where the Jeep offered a boxy body and military styling, the International Scout was rugged and pared down in comparison. 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 with driver and passenger comfort in mind, and introduced features such as bucket seats, an improved heating system, and even optional back seats. The International Scout 800A was introduced in 1969 and improved upon its predecessor by offering a quieter Dana 20 transfer case, a heavier rear axle and an optional 304 V-8. In 1971, the 800B came onto the market, but was replaced within the year with the International Scout II.
International continued to introduce several International Scout II models, as well as a variety of trucks. However, while sales were up, the books weren’t showing enough of a profit to sustain the company. With a struggling economy, internal problems inside the company and a worker’s strike in 1979, International plunged into financial crisis. The strike lasted nearly six months and cost International Harvester nearly $600 million. Today that value would be closer to $2 billion. The company’s downward trajectory was set. 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. You would no longer see an International Scout For sale directly from International Harvestor.
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 International legend continues.
Tags: vehicles, cars and trucks, 4x4, Trucks
