Lucas Bell 
With the return of the Ford Bronco, the American off-roading segment is once again at a high point. While it is true that Ford and Jeep did battle through the 1960’s and beyond with their 4×4 SUVs, they were not the only major players. The International Scout was a genuinely capable machine that has become a legend in its own right, despite its return to the modern market being unlikely. However, you now have a chance to buy one of these classic SUVs at the Kissimmee Summer Special hosted by Mecum from August 27-29.
There are two International Scout SUVs available for sale at the Kissimmee Summer Special, and both belong to the Scout II generation that started in 1971. The second generation model brought a host of improvements over the earlier trucks, including the addition of Dana 44 axles and power disk brakes from the factory. The second generation also saw more International Scout models join the lineup.
The older of the two trucks being offered by Mecum is this 1974 model, which appears to have undergone quite a lot of modification. Fender flares, an upgraded front bumper, an LED light bar, and a roof rack among other exterior tweaks. The purple Scout isn’t a bad looking truck, but it isn’t a show winner. Inside you’ll find a custom leather interior, and all sorts of tech including what appears to be a rear entertainment system. It appears like a rig that is ready for some time on the trails, which is not a slight at all.
The other International Scout available for sale at the Kissimmee Summer Special is this 1978 International Scout Traveler. Introduced in 1975, the Traveler was an extended version of the Scout, carrying 18 inches of extra wheelbase length. The longer models also featured a fiberglass roof, just like the contemporary Bronco model which it competed against. This truck is finished in a very cool orange paint called Sunset Pearl, and it wears a black removable top. There aren’t many details about the truck from Mecum, but it appears to be the nicer of the two available.
The return of the Bronco has certainly reinvigorated some off-roading fans, but not everyone is going to go out and buy one. Perhaps one of these vintage 4x4s with a reputation for handling the trails as good as anything will fit the bill instead.
