international scout facts

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THE question of exactly which automaker created the muscle car or just what company gave birth to the minivan may never be answered satisfactorily. The origins of the sport utility vehicle seem to be more certain, however. The International Harvester Scout is often considered, if not the first SUV made than among progenitors to the modern Sports Utility Vehicle and four by four classes. Built as a rival to the two-door Jeep CJ 4x4s, which had emerged from the ghost of the Willys-Overlanders of the ’40s and early ’50s, the first International Harvester Scout, the Scout 80, debuted in late 1960. International Harvester Scouts were produced in the period of 1961-1980, and it remains one of the forebears of the modern SUV. Still its discontinuation hasn’t stopped from adherents of the adventure vehicle from continuing to love it. Scouts are making a comeback, with customizers like New Legend taking the old Scouts from the scrap heap and bringing them up for the present moment. The ultimate dark horse in the 4 x 4 world is returning, though not from the dead. Call it a respite, a brief sabbatical, a 37-year beauty nap, because the fact is legends never die. This skill was designed with the idea in mind to create curiosity and interest to what I believe is one of the most amazing vehicles ever produced.