Learning the History of IH and Locating Your Own International Scout For Sale

By Jason Sparks

When you think of International, you likely think of tractors, trucks, and, the legendary Scout. As the years roll by, finding an International Scout for sale in good condition has become quite a challenge. 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. The first thing to roll of the production line was farming equipment.

The roots of International Harvester are mired in the agricultural 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. 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. 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.

The International Scout 800 took over for the 80 in late 1965 and 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.

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. Today that value would be closer to $2 billion. The die was cast. As 1981 dawned, it was evident that the company's problems were serious. 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. This would be the last time to see a International Scout for sale directly from the company.

The company retained ownership of its truck and engine divisions, and in 1986 Harvester started anew 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.

It will take some patience, but using the tools available online, you will be able to find that perfect International Scout for sale. The legend continues. - 21392

About the Author:

I have been obsessed with the International Scout since I was very young. To learn more about the history of this extreme vehicle, as well as to find an International Scout for sale to add to your collections, be sure to see my blog.