You spot this 1978 International Harvester Scout II popping up on Bring a Trailer, and right away, its boxy charm grabs you. With that fresh two-tone beige repaint and Rallye graphics, it screams classic off-road style from the ’70s, the kind that inspired even the new Volkswagen Scout reboots. You’ve got a 345ci V8 under the hood, refreshed and ready for trails, paired with a three-speed automatic and Dana 20 transfer case for real 4×4 action.
The odometer shows just 53k miles, though total is unknown, and it’s got modern touches like a Rough Country lift, Holley carb, and BFGoodrich All-Terrains on 15-inch Ion alloys. Spent 45 years in sunny Arizona before a 2024 refurb in Missouri, this Traveltop version lets you pop off the hardtop for open-air fun. Current bid sits at $28,000 as of late November 2025, ending December 2—perfect if you’re hunting a square-rigged icon that’s equal parts retro cool and capable.
1978 International Harvester Scout II
You love how this Scout packs adventure-ready gear like a removable Traveltop hardtop, sliding rear windows, luggage rack, and split tailgate for easy loading. Inside, grab the locking center console, tilting wheel, and air conditioning to stay cool on hot trails. Extras shine with power steering, manual locking hubs, front discs, and that Rough Country lift boosting clearance over rocks.
International Harvester Scout II Key Features
| Key Specs | Details |
| Engine | 345ci V8 w/ Holley carb, Magnaflow mufflers |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 3-speed auto, Dana 20 transfer case, 4×4 |
| Mileage | 53k shown, TMU |
| Exterior | Two-tone beige repaint (2024), Rallye graphics, removable Traveltop |
| Interior | Brown vinyl w/ plaid inserts, A/C, bucket seats |
| Suspension & Brakes | Rough Country lift, power steering, front discs |
| Wheels/Tires | 15″ Ion alloys, 33×10.50 BFGoodrich A/T |
| Current Bid (Nov 2025) | $28,000, ends Dec 2 |
| Location/History | Springfield, MO; ex-Arizona, refurbished 2024 |
| Reference Website | https://en.wikipedia.org/ |
Harvester Scout II Launch Date
You know the Scout II hit the scene in 1971, replacing the original Scout with a bolder, longer design built in Fort Wayne, Indiana, through 1980. This 1978 model came during the peak rallye and Traveler craze, when International Harvester pushed square styling and V8 power to rival Jeeps. Production wrapped up as IH shifted focus, but these trucks stuck around for their tough solid axles and high ground clearance.
Harvester Scout II Price
Right now, you can jump into the bidding on Bring a Trailer at $28,000 from bidder Swifty60, with the auction wrapping December 2, 2025, at 10:25 AM PT. Similar 1978 Scouts have fetched $26,500 to $42,000 lately, depending on mods like Vortec swaps. Factor in its recent frame-off refresh, Arizona dryness, and clean Missouri title—this one’s priced fair for a turnkey off-roader.
Harvester Scout II Mileage
The five-digit odometer reads 53,000 miles, but true mileage is unknown (TMU) after decades of use. You get peace of mind from the 2024 refurb, including valve covers, plugs, wires, oil change, and frame paint. Low shown miles plus Arizona storage mean less rust worry, though expect some paint blemishes from life on the road.
Harvester Scout II Performance
Fire up the 345ci V8, and you feel the grunt through the Holley carb and Magnaflow exhaust—plenty of torque for hills via the Dana 20 low-range transfer case. The three-speed auto shifts smooth to all wheels, with front discs hauling it down from speeds up to 100 mph per the gauge. Refreshed engine and suspension make it handle dirt like the ’70s icon it is, no modern electric needed.
Harvester Scout II Exterior Design
Its fashionably square look hooks you first—twin grille, round headlights, chrome bumpers, and those Rallye stripes over two-tone beige shine bright after the 2024 repaint. Vent windows and side mirrors add vintage flair, while 33-inch BFG All-Terrains on alloys scream capability. Body-off work means straight panels, though minor blemishes show honest wear.
Harvester Scout II Interior Design
Step inside to brown vinyl buckets and folding rear bench with plaid accents that match the doors—cozy yet tough, with fresh carpet and headliner. Gauges cluster simple: speedo, temp, oil, amps, fuel. Outside, the boxy Traveler stance, chrome trim, and pop-off top blend rugged function with ’70s style that VW’s copying today. Lap belts keep it era-correct, but A/C updates comfort.
You’ve eyed this 1978 Scout II on BaT, and it delivers that perfect mix of nostalgia and go-anywhere grit. With bidding hot at $28k and days left, decide if its square vibes and V8 rumble fit your garage. Snap it up, hit the trails, and own a piece of off-road history before the hammer drops.
FAQ’s
Is this 1978 Scout II a solid buy at the current bid?
Yeah, around $28k lands you a refreshed Arizona survivor with V8 power and modern lift—comparable sales back it up.
Can you remove the top for off-roading?
Absolutely, the Traveltop hardtop pops off easy, plus sliding windows let breezes in on open drives.
What’s the off-road setup like?
Rough Country lift, locking hubs, Dana transfer case, and big A/T tires make it trail-ready right now.
