The Scout 80, although tough with its ladder-style frame, solid axles, and leaf springs, was not known for its speed. It had a 152 cubic inch four-cylinder engine, which was essentially half of International’s 304 cubic inch V8 engine. The engine, known as the “4-152 Commanche,” initially produced 93 horsepower, but that number increased to 111 horsepower with the addition of turbocharging.

In 1966, International introduced the Scout 800, a refreshed version of the SUV. This model offered a larger four-cylinder engine, followed by a six-cylinder option, and finally, a much-needed V8 engine as an optional choice. The Scout 800 marked a shift for the vehicle, transforming it into a more modern SUV with additional features like back seats, carpeting, and an improved heating and ventilation system.

The Scout became a fan favorite and exceeded International’s sales expectations. However, competition soon emerged, with Ford launching the Bronco and Chevy introducing the Blazer. Both vehicles bore a striking resemblance to International’s Scout, indicating the level of influence it had on the industry.

[Featured image by Jeremy from Sydney, Australia via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY 2.0]