The International Harvester Scout (1961–1980) was the first truck-based 4x4 SUV — IH's answer to the Jeep CJ, predating the Ford Bronco by 5 years and the Chevy Blazer by 8. The 1971–1980 Scout II with the 345ci V8 (152–171hp) is the most collectible, at $25,000–$45,000 (#2). The 1977–1980 Scout II SSII (barchetta doors, ~3,800 built) is the rarest and most valuable Scout, at $35,000–$60,000 (#2). The 1961–1965 Scout 80 with the 152ci I4 (90hp) is the best value buy at $12,000–$22,000 (#2). The 1976–1980 Scout II Terra (pickup) is the rarest body style, at $30,000–$50,000 (#2). Total Scout production: ~530,000 across 19 years. The Scout was discontinued in 1980 when IH exited the light truck market.
The SUV That Started It All
The International Harvester Scout was the first truck-based 4x4 SUV — launched in 1961, 5 years before the Ford Bronco and 8 years before the Chevy K5 Blazer. IH was a farm equipment manufacturer that also built trucks, and the Scout was their answer to the Jeep CJ. The Scout evolved through three generations: Scout 80 (1961–1965), Scout 800 (1965–1971), and Scout II (1971–1980). The Scout II was the most refined — larger, more powerful, and available with the 345ci V8 and 392ci V8. The SSII (1977–1980) was a special edition with barchetta-style half doors and no side windows — the rarest and most collectible Scout. The Terra (pickup) and Traveler (wagon with 18-inch longer wheelbase) were body style variants. IH discontinued the Scout in 1980 when the company exited the light truck market to focus on heavy trucks and farm equipment.
| Generation | Years | Wheelbase | Key Engines | Production | Collectibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scout 80 | 1961–1965 | 100" | 152ci I4 (90hp) | ~115,000 | High — first Scout; historically significant; increasing values; good value |
| Scout 800 | 1965–1971 | 100" | 152ci I4 (90hp), 196ci I4 (110hp), 232ci I6 (152hp), 266ci V8 (155hp), 304ci V8 (193hp), 345ci V8 | ~97,000 | Medium — improved interior; V8 available; less collectible than Scout 80 or Scout II |
| Scout II | 1971–1980 | 100" (Terra/Traveler: 118") | 196ci I4, 232ci I6, 258ci I6, 304ci V8, 345ci V8 (152–171hp), 392ci V8, Nissan SD33 diesel | ~318,000 | Very High — most collectible Scout; 345 V8 is the one to have; SSII is rarest |
The Scout II (1971–1980, ~318,000 built) is the most collectible Scout — the 345 V8 and SSII are the most desirable. The Scout 80 (1961–1965, ~115,000 built) is historically significant as the first Scout. The Scout 800 (1965–1971, ~97,000 built) is the transition generation — first with V8 option. The SSII (~3,800 built) is the rarest Scout. The Terra (pickup) and Traveler (long-wheelbase wagon) are rare body style variants.
Production Numbers
| Year | Scout 80 | Scout 800 | Scout II | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1961 | ~12,000 | N/A | N/A | Scout 80 launch; 152ci I4; removable hard top; $2,150 base price |
| 1962 | ~24,000 | N/A | N/A | Scout 80; first full year; Bull Dozer grill |
| 1963 | ~28,000 | N/A | N/A | Scout 80; half-cab option introduced |
| 1964 | ~27,000 | N/A | N/A | Scout 80; Deluxe trim option |
| 1965 | ~24,000 | ~5,000 | N/A | Scout 80 ends; Scout 800 introduced; 196ci I4; improved interior |
| 1966 | N/A | ~18,000 | N/A | Scout 800; 232ci I6 option; Turbo 272 V8 option (rare) |
| 1967 | N/A | ~16,000 | N/A | Scout 800; 266ci V8 (155hp); first V8 Scout |
| 1968 | N/A | ~15,000 | N/A | Scout 800; 304ci V8 (193hp); more power |
| 1969 | N/A | ~14,000 | N/A | Scout 800; 345ci V8 option; most powerful 800 |
| 1970 | N/A | ~14,000 | N/A | Scout 800; final 800 year; 304 V8 most common |
| 1971 | N/A | ~15,000 | ~30,000 | Scout 800 ends; Scout II introduced; all-new body; 345 V8 |
| 1972 | N/A | N/A | ~35,000 | Scout II; 345 V8 standard; 392 V8 optional; peak year |
| 1973 | N/A | N/A | ~32,000 | Scout II; Traveler (118" WB) and Terra (pickup) introduced |
| 1974 | N/A | N/A | ~28,000 | Scout II; Nissan SD33 diesel option (rare); fuel crisis |
| 1975 | N/A | N/A | ~26,000 | Scout II; 304 V8 dropped; 345 V8 standard; power declining |
| 1976 | N/A | N/A | ~24,000 | Scout II; SSII introduced (barchetta doors); Terra pickup |
| 1977 | N/A | N/A | ~22,000 | Scout II; SSII continues; ~1,000 SSII built |
| 1978 | N/A | N/A | ~20,000 | Scout II; SSII continues; diesel continues; declining |
| 1979 | N/A | N/A | ~18,000 | Scout II; SSII continues; last full year; IH announces exit |
| 1980 | N/A | N/A | ~10,000 | Final year; Scout discontinued; IH exits light truck market |
Production data from International Harvester. The Scout II (~318,000 across 10 years) is the most common and most collectible Scout. The Scout 80 (~115,000 across 5 years) is the first Scout. The Scout 800 (~97,000 across 7 years) is the transition generation. The SSII (~3,800 across 4 years) is the rarest Scout. The Terra (pickup) and Traveler (long-wheelbase wagon) are rare body style variants. Total Scout production: ~530,000 across 19 years.
Engine Specifications
| Engine | Displacement | Years | HP | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 152ci I4 (Comet) | 152ci | 1961–1965 | 90 | 135 | Scout 80 base; reliable; very slow; original Scout engine |
| 196ci I4 | 196ci | 1965–1971 | 110 | 155 | Scout 800 base; more power than 152; reliable; good value |
| 232ci I6 (AMC) | 232ci | 1966–1971 | 152 | 210 | Scout 800; AMC inline-6; reliable; less common than I4 |
| 258ci I6 (AMC) | 258ci | 1971–1976 | 110–120 | 210 | Scout II; AMC I6; legendary reliability; good value |
| 266ci V8 | 266ci | 1967–1968 | 155 | 235 | Scout 800; first V8 in Scout; rare; less desirable than 304/345 |
| 304ci V8 | 304ci | 1968–1975 | 193 | 280 | Scout 800/Scout II; good V8; reliable; less desirable than 345 |
| 345ci V8 | 345ci | 1969–1980 | 152–171 | 280–295 | Best Scout engine; most collectible; good torque; reliable; the one to have |
| 392ci V8 | 392ci | 1971–1975 | 141–175 | 300–320 | Largest Scout engine; rare; less power than 345 (smog); not as collectible |
| Nissan SD33 diesel I6 | 216ci | 1974–1980 | 81–100 | 160–175 | Nissan diesel; rare; slow; fuel crisis; not collectible but unique |
The 345ci V8 (152–171hp, 280–295 lb-ft) is the best Scout engine — the most collectible, best torque, and most reliable V8. The 304ci V8 (193hp) is a good alternative — less power but more common. The 152ci I4 (90hp) is the original Scout 80 engine — slow but historically significant. The 392ci V8 is the largest but was detuned by smog and is less desirable than the 345. The Nissan SD33 diesel is a curiosity — rare and unique but not performance-oriented.
SSII, Terra, and Traveler: The Scout II Variants
The SSII (Super Scout II) was a special edition Scout II with barchetta-style half doors (no side windows), soft top only, special graphics, and a more rugged appearance. Only ~3,800 were built across 4 years, making it the rarest Scout. The SSII is the most collectible and most valuable Scout — $35,000–$60,000 (#2). The barchetta doors and open-air design make it the most distinctive Scout. The SSII was not a strong seller when new (the half doors were impractical), but today it's the most sought-after Scout for its unique look and rarity.
The Terra (1973–1980) was a pickup version of the Scout II with a 6-foot bed and removable rear roof section. The Traveler (1973–1980) was a long-wheelbase wagon (118" vs 100") with more rear cargo space. Both are rarer than the standard Scout II. The Terra is the most collectible body style variant — $30,000–$50,000 (#2) — because of its pickup utility and rarity. The Traveler is less collectible but still rare and desirable. Neither had unique engines — they used the same 345 V8 and 258 I6 as the standard Scout II.
The Scout 80 was the first International Harvester Scout — launched in 1961 as a bare-bones 4x4 with a 152ci I4 (90hp), removable hard top, and fold-down windshield. It was $2,150 new — cheaper than a Jeep CJ. The Scout 80 had sliding side windows (not roll-up) and a very basic interior. The half-cab option (1963) added a small pickup bed behind the cab. The Scout 80 is historically significant as the first truck-based SUV — predating the Bronco by 5 years and the Blazer by 8. Total production: ~115,000 across 5 years.
Market Values by Condition (2026)
| Variant | #1 Concours | #2 Excellent | #3 Good | #4 Fair | 5-Year Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977–1980 Scout II SSII 345 V8 | $90,000 | $50,000 | $28,000 | $12,000 | +40% |
| 1976–1980 Scout II Terra 345 V8 | $75,000 | $42,000 | $22,000 | $9,500 | +30% |
| 1973–1980 Scout II Traveler 345 V8 | $60,000 | $35,000 | $18,000 | $7,500 | +25% |
| 1971–1975 Scout II 345 V8 | $65,000 | $38,000 | $20,000 | $8,500 | +28% |
| 1971–1975 Scout II 392 V8 | $60,000 | $35,000 | $18,000 | $7,500 | +25% |
| 1976–1980 Scout II 345 V8 (base) | $55,000 | $32,000 | $16,000 | $6,500 | +22% |
| 1968–1970 Scout 800 304 V8 | $45,000 | $28,000 | $14,000 | $5,500 | +18% |
| 1961–1965 Scout 80 152 I4 | $40,000 | $22,000 | $11,000 | $4,000 | +20% |
| 1965–1971 Scout 800 196 I4 | $35,000 | $20,000 | $10,000 | $3,500 | +15% |
| 1971–1976 Scout II 258 I6 | $35,000 | $20,000 | $10,000 | $3,500 | +15% |
| 1974–1980 Scout II Nissan SD33 diesel | $30,000 | $17,000 | $8,500 | $3,000 | +10% |
| 1966–1967 Scout 800 232 I6 | $30,000 | $17,000 | $8,500 | $3,000 | +12% |
| 1961–1965 Scout 80 half-cab | $35,000 | $20,000 | $10,000 | $3,500 | +15% |
Values from Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, Bring a Trailer, and Hemmings sold data (2024–2026). The SSII (~3,800 built) is the most valuable Scout — $50,000 (#2), appreciating 20% annually. The Terra (pickup) is the most collectible body style variant — $42,000 (#2). The Scout II 345 V8 is the most common collectible Scout — $38,000 (#2). The Scout 80 is historically significant — $22,000 (#2). The Scout market is 20–30% below the Bronco market but appreciating faster due to the 2024+ Scout revival (Volkswagen). The 345 V8 is the engine to have — it adds 30–50% over the I4/I6.
Value Trend Chart (2020–2026)
IH Scout Average Values (#2 Condition)
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSII 345 V8 (#2) | 30000 | 38000 | 44000 | 47000 | 49000 | 50000 | 50000 |
| Scout II 345 V8 (#2) | 25000 | 31000 | 35000 | 37000 | 38000 | 38000 | 38000 |
| Scout 80 152 I4 (#2) | 14000 | 17000 | 19000 | 21000 | 22000 | 22000 | 22000 |
Scout vs Bronco vs CJ: The Classic 4x4 Wars
| Factor | IH Scout II 345 V8 | Ford Bronco (1966–1977) | Jeep CJ-7 304 V8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production Years | 1971–1980 | 1966–1977 | 1976–1986 |
| Total Production | ~318,000 (Scout II) | ~230,000 (1st gen) | ~379,000 (CJ-7) |
| Top Engine | 345ci V8 (171hp) | 302ci V8 (205hp) | 304ci AMC V8 (150hp) |
| Wheelbase | 100" (118" Traveler) | 92" | 93.3" |
| Weight | ~4,000 lbs | ~3,500 lbs | ~3,000 lbs |
| Value (#2, top) | $38,000–$50,000 | $50,000–$80,000 | $32,000–$35,000 |
| Rarest variant | SSII (~3,800) | 1977 Baja Bronco (~650) | CJ-8 Scrambler (~27,000) |
| Off-road capability | Very good; heavy duty | Very good; V8 power | Excellent; short WB |
| Brand status | Defunct (IH exited 1980) | Revived (2021+ Bronco) | Revived (1987+ Wrangler) |
The Scout is 20–30% cheaper than the Bronco and 10–20% more expensive than the Jeep CJ. The Scout is heavier and more heavy-duty than either. The Bronco is the most valuable due to the Ford brand and 2021+ revival. The CJ is the lightest and most capable off-road. The Scout is the best value heavy-duty 4x4 — the 345 V8 and solid axles make it the most rugged of the three. The SSII ($50,000 #2) is the best investment — rarest Scout, appreciating fastest, boosted by the 2024+ Scout revival (Volkswagen).
Key Model Codes
IH Scout Model and Trim Codes
| Code | Name / Description |
|---|---|
Scout 80 | Scout 80 (1961–1965) First Scout; 152ci I4 (90hp); 100" WB; removable hard top; ~115,000 built; historically significant |
Scout 800 | Scout 800 (1965–1971) Improved interior; V8 available (266/304/345); 100" WB; ~97,000 built; transition generation |
Scout II | Scout II (1971–1980) All-new body; 345 V8 standard; 100" WB; ~318,000 built; most collectible Scout |
SSII | Super Scout II (1977–1980) Barchetta half doors; soft top only; special graphics; ~3,800 built; rarest and most valuable Scout |
Terra | Terra Pickup (1973–1980) Pickup version of Scout II; 6-foot bed; removable rear roof; rare; $42,000 (#2); most collectible body style |
Traveler | Traveler Wagon (1973–1980) Long-wheelbase Scout II (118" WB); more cargo; rare; less collectible than Terra but still desirable |
345 V8 | 345ci SV V8 Engine 152–171hp; 280–295 lb-ft; best Scout engine; most collectible; reliable; the one to have; 1969–1980 |
304 V8 | 304ci SV V8 Engine 193hp; 280 lb-ft; good V8; less power than 345; 1968–1975; reliable; good value |
392 V8 | 392ci SV V8 Engine 141–175hp; largest Scout engine; rare; detuned by smog; less desirable than 345; 1971–1975 |
SD33 | Nissan SD33 Diesel I6 81–100hp; Nissan diesel; 1974–1980; rare; slow; unique; not performance-oriented |
Dana 20 | Dana 20 Transfer Case Gear-driven part-time 4WD; 2.03:1 low range; strong; standard on all Scouts; reliable |
Dana 44 | Dana 44 Axles Front and rear; 30-spline; very strong; standard on Scout II; preferred over CJ axles |
Power-Lock | Power-Lock Differential IH limited-slip; front and rear available; rare; adds value; essential for off-road |
Barchetta | Barchetta Half Doors SSII-specific; no side windows; open-air design; ~3,800 SSII built; most distinctive Scout feature |
Buying Guide
- Best investment: 1977–1980 Scout II SSII 345 V8
- Rarest Scout; ~3,800 built; barchetta doors; $50,000 (#2)
- Appreciating 20% annually; boosted by 2024+ Scout revival; most distinctive Scout
- Verify SSII-specific parts: barchetta doors, soft top, SSII graphics, 345 V8
- Best body style: 1976–1980 Scout II Terra 345 V8
- Pickup version; rare; $42,000 (#2)
- Most practical Scout; pickup bed; removable rear roof; unique
- Verify Terra-specific parts: pickup bed, 6-foot bed, Terra badges
- Best all-around: 1971–1975 Scout II 345 V8
- 152–171hp 345ci V8; best engine; $38,000 (#2)
- Most common collectible Scout; good driver; reliable; parts available
- Verify 345 V8 engine, Dana 44 axles, good frame and body
- Best original: 1961–1965 Scout 80 152 I4
- 90hp 152ci I4; first Scout; $22,000 (#2)
- Historically significant; first truck-based SUV; bare-bones; great for shows
- Verify 152 I4 engine, sliding windows, original colors, data plates
- Best V8 value: 1968–1970 Scout 800 304 V8
- 193hp 304ci V8; first V8 Scout; $28,000 (#2)
- Good value V8; reliable; less common than Scout II; good driver
- Verify 304 V8 engine, 4-speed, good frame (rust is #1 issue)
- Best long-wheelbase: 1973–1980 Scout II Traveler 345 V8
- 118" WB; more cargo; $35,000 (#2)
- Most practical Scout; family friendly; rare; good for camping
- Verify Traveler-specific parts: 118" WB, long roof, 345 V8
- Best budget: 1965–1971 Scout 800 196 I4
- 110hp 196ci I4; $20,000 (#2)
- Most affordable V8-free Scout; reliable; simple; good off-road
- Verify 196 I4 engine, 4-speed, frame condition
- Avoid: 1974–1980 Scout II Nissan SD33 diesel
- 81–100hp; very slow; $17,000 (#2)
- Not performance-oriented; slow; unique but not collectible
- Only buy if you want a diesel curiosity; otherwise avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the International Harvester Scout?
- The Scout was International Harvester's 4x4 SUV, built from 1961 to 1980. It was the first truck-based 4x4 SUV — predating the Ford Bronco (1966) and Chevy K5 Blazer (1969). The Scout evolved through three generations: Scout 80 (1961–1965), Scout 800 (1965–1971), and Scout II (1971–1980). Total production: ~530,000 across 19 years. IH discontinued the Scout in 1980 when the company exited the light truck market to focus on heavy trucks (Navistar) and farm equipment.
- What is the Scout SSII?
- The SSII (Super Scout II) was a special edition Scout II built from 1977 to 1980 with barchetta-style half doors (no side windows), soft top only, and special graphics. Only ~3,800 were built across 4 years, making it the rarest Scout. The SSII is the most collectible and most valuable Scout — $50,000 (#2). The barchetta doors and open-air design make it the most distinctive Scout. The SSII was not a strong seller when new (the half doors were impractical), but today it's the most sought-after Scout.
- What is the difference between Scout II Terra and Traveler?
- The Terra (1973–1980) was a pickup version of the Scout II with a 6-foot bed and removable rear roof section. The Traveler (1973–1980) was a long-wheelbase wagon with a 118" wheelbase (vs 100" standard) and more rear cargo space. Both are rarer than the standard Scout II. The Terra is more collectible ($42,000 #2) because of its pickup utility and rarity. The Traveler is less collectible ($35,000 #2) but still rare and desirable. Neither had unique engines — they used the same 345 V8 and 258 I6 as the standard Scout II.
- Why is the Scout cheaper than the Bronco?
- The Ford Bronco (1966–1977) has stronger brand recognition and got a massive boost from the 2021+ Bronco revival. The Bronco also had a more powerful V8 (302ci, 205hp vs Scout 345ci, 171hp). But the Scout is heavier (~4,000 vs ~3,500 lbs), more heavy-duty (Dana 44 axles), and has a longer production history (19 years vs 12 years for 1st-gen Bronco). The Scout is appreciating faster due to the 2024+ Scout revival (Volkswagen). The SSII ($50,000 #2) is the best investment — rarest Scout, appreciating 20% annually.
- What is the best engine for an IH Scout?
- The 345ci V8 (152–171hp, 280–295 lb-ft) is the best Scout engine — the most collectible, best torque, and most reliable V8. The 304ci V8 (193hp) is a good alternative — less torque but more common. The 152ci I4 (90hp) is the original Scout 80 engine — slow but historically significant. The 392ci V8 is the largest but was detuned by smog and is less desirable than the 345. The Nissan SD33 diesel is a curiosity — rare and unique but not performance-oriented. The 345 V8 adds 30–50% value over the I4/I6 versions.
Get an AI-powered valuation for your International Harvester Scout, Scout II, or SSII — free, instant, based on real auction data.
Value My ScoutSources & References
- Hagerty Price Guide — Valuation Tools — Independent valuation data by condition grade #1-#4
- Bring a Trailer — Auction Results — Real-world auction sale prices for market comparison
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