1970 International Harvester Scout 800A Gold SR2

1970 International Harvester Scout Sr2 Description

I’ve decided it’s time to sell this 1970 International Scout 800A Gold SR2 edition and I’m hoping I can find a buyer that will appreciate the rarity and historical significance of this special edition truck.

About 6 years ago I was looking in areas of the country where rust doesn’t plague these classic vehicles and I came across a 1970 Scout in Las Vegas. Unfortunately I was too late and it had been sold to a gentleman in WY. So I passed my information along to the new owner and sure enough in less than a year he also had decided to sell. I had the scout shipped and it’s never spent a winter on the road yet.

Personally I have always collected special edition international harvester scouts since my obsession began. I love the history and little differences and unique touches on the special editions. In 1970 IH offered around 2000 Flame Red Sr2s for the special edition model 800A, and later into the production run they added a Burnished Gold color option, of which there is said to have been 500 produced. My scout still has the line setting ticket on the passenger interior firewall, the serial number door plate, and the door jam sticker to confirm it is one such Gold Sr2 edition. They were equipped with a rallye decal package, sliding windows in the hard top, rallye rims, and a special interior package like interior door panels and floor mats etc. Mine came from the factory with a 304 v8 and a Borg Warner automatic transmission.

The suspension has upgraded leaf springs which look like rough country. It sits up a little higher than stock and with the 31 inch bfg tires I think it’s ideal.

Though they have minor pitting it does have the original scout 800 rallye rims on it. I will include a scout 2 version rallye as a spare as I don’lt have an 800 version extra. Also if you’d like I can include the original spare tire carrier; I just hate covering up that beautiful tailgate.

Being nearly 50 years old my truck did need repairs and preservation/restoration, but there are some great things about this truck that are still original from its production in 1970. For instance my Gold SR2 still has the original floors and sheet metal. Just to find a scout 800A primarily free of rust not running will cost you a minimum of $5000 then add the special edition factor being 1 of 500 and a compete drivetrain and you’ll be at more than half of my reserve in the current market.

Amazingly it still has the original interior door panels and armrests which look great!! The original rubber mat is still covering the front floors without many imperfections and the undercoating is still on the underside of this truck.

Of course everything isn’t perfect, after all it does have some age to it. The chrome yankee mirrors have pitting and patina. The headliner for the hard top is long gone. The original seats have water proof covers on them which are close to the oem pattern but not professionally reupholstered. The paint is base clear and while not show quality it is plenty nice enough to take to a show and to drive, I’d rate it a 6-7 out of 10. There are a few chips and scratches but they are minimal and don’t stick out. I had to take several original painted parts to the paint mixer before he matched the factory color. There are a few bumps and bruises in the hard top and the white paint could use some attention but it shows well for a driver. Also there are a few holes that were drilled for an aftermarket spare tire carrier and they have plugs or bolts in place for now. It could also use some new weatherstripping but it’s a scout and will never be a quiet ride so I didn’t install any.

As the truck sits I can walk outside to the garage after a couple weeks of sitting in freezing Chicago temps, and with two pumps of the gas pedal it fires right up. The engine is healthy and strong sounding. It has a nice idle and the added dual exhaust sounds mean and throaty without upsetting the neighbors. The tires hold air and are in good shape with over 50% tread life. The battery holds a charge and there isn’t a draw on it. The transmission doesn’t seem to like the cold temps as much as the motor but I would still use it to run errands around town how it sits once warm. Brakes are stock drums all the way around and stop the vehicle fine for cruising.

There’s a newer fuel pump, started motor, upgraded shifter trans linkage, upgraded carburetor, and the fluids have been checked or changed in the engine. The door hinges were re tooled and built to last a lifetime. A brand new windshield was installed and new gasket. New carpet in the back was laid down also. The windows go up and down with ‘help’ like a typical scout 800 model.

This Scout was put together to take for ice cream or groceries or to a local show. I never intended on driving fast or on the highway. In my opinion it should be upgraded for that and as a purist I wanted to leave it alone.

Some things I haven’t addressed are a radio- there isn’t one, I haven’t driven over 40mph so I cannot say that you should drive on the highway, and I haven’t used the heater although it is hooked up and the blower motor works. Some gauges aren’t working- they’re all original. Speedometer is bouncy but works. Both 10 gallon fuel saddle tanks are there and solid but only the drivers side is hooked up. I’d remove and clean the passenger side before using it. There’s an oil pan drip and the transmission is sweaty. All things you’d expect from a 50 year old truck. The previous owner started doing an electric windshield wiper conversion and as the truck sits there are no wipers hooked up. I never bothered with it because I only drive it on sunny days.

Don’t hesitate to email for any questions. I can send additional pictures and help with the new buyer coordinating a shipper. If you’re local come and see it. Being an older vehicle there is no warranty implied. It is sold as is. I prefer electronic wire transfer, a certified cashiers check, or cash when the transaction is completed.