Although the condition of most remaining examples would suggest International Scouts left the factory already in the process of rusting, this 1963 Scout 80 currently listed on Ebay is proof these early utilitarian SUVs once existed with clean sheet metal.
Perhaps even more amazingly it's proof that some Scouts even managed to survive in this state. Although this IH has been repainted the seller explains that a little surface rust underneath the floormats is as bad the rust issues ever got.
How did this Scout manage to do the seemingly impossible and survive in such a well preserved state? Not surprisingly it appears an easy life and a lengthy period of storage are to thank for this Internationals excellent condition.
According to the seller it was purchased new by a "Mom & Pop" Service Station in southern Minneapolis where it was used to clear snow on property and run parts. When the owner died, the Scout went into storage for several years—first in a warehouse and then in the second owners garage. This lengthy hibernation also goes a long way towards explaining the mere 12,439 miles on the odometer.
The Scout's current owner claims it runs and drives like new and we don't doubt it for a second. Everything about this Scout—from the included factory snowplow assembly right down to the original tires—appears as it would have in 1963, if not nicer. The 152ci four cylinder was recently gone through, the 4x4 works and the travel top—which judging by the bulkhead and bench seat is one of the few non-original features—has been repainted.
Bidding on this early SUV is currently at $8200. Considering there are over four days left on the No Reserve auction and it's near perfect condition we'd guess it will cost a decent amount more to win the auction. We're admittedly Scout biased so assuming this 80 is truly as nice as it looks we'll consider it a good buy regardless of where the bidding actually ends.
[Ebay via Bring A Trailer]