The classic International Scout has long been a beloved icon among off-road enthusiasts, but like most trucks of this era, many Scouts were used and abused. That was certainly the case with this 1978 Scout II, which our customer found in pretty rough shape parked in a field. When this truck was brought to us, the customer tasked us to work our restomod magic on his vintage IH Scout with one caveat: to retain as much of the truck’s weathered and battered body as possible. Not only did we accept the challenge, but this build is one of the top Scout restomods Velocity has created.
Preserving the Patina: A Nod to the Scout’s Authenticity
With the customer’s clear direction to retain the patina on this classic International Scout, the Velocity team focused on preserving the truck’s unique character. This meant repairing structural issues—such as replacing the rocker panels and other compromised sheet metal—to ensure the integrity of the build, and a clear coat was applied over the patina to protect the aged and weathered appearance for years to come.
The dark green body and patinaed white hardtop are truly eye-catching, but the heavy-duty, homemade-looking push bumper (which was on the truck when it was rescued) gives it its rugged, post-apocalyptic style. The 15-inch steelies were also clear coated to preserve the patina, and they are wrapped in 32x9.5-inch mud boggers that provide a no-nonsense capability and matching demeanor.
Grit Meets Luxury: Redefining the Classic International Scout’s Interior
While the exterior wears its decades of history like a badge of honor, this classic International Scout restomod conceals a completely restored interior that is all about pampering the occupants. Gone is the utilitarian, spartan interior that one might expect from a vintage IH Scout, and in its place is a cabin that exudes sophistication and style.
The interior was completely restored and modernized. 
The highlight of the interior is the buffalo leather upholstery with plaid seat inserts.The attention to detail extends to the modern amenities integrated into the build. Every piece of interior sheet metal has been restored and repainted to appear new, a stark contrast to the exterior’s weathered finish. This juxtaposition—of rough and refined, old and new—makes this classic International Scout stand out, but the true highlight of this build is the upholstery.
The seating is upholstered in OE-style patterns, but it shows off green Hydes brand buffalo leather with eye-catching plaid inserts. And it doesn’t end there. They carried the plaid theme up to the headliner, tying the whole look together in a way that screams bespoke craftsmanship. This unique blend of materials and colors pays homage to the Scout’s heritage and elevates the driving experience to one of premium comfort and class.
Built to Drive: A True Powerhouse in Disguise
Even the 6.2L LS3 V8 was dressed up for this build.While this classic International Scout’s exterior remains unassuming, the beast’s heart is anything but. Under the hood lies a powerful 6.2L LS3 V8 mated to a 4L60 automatic transmission and Atlas two-speed transfer case, which are upgrades that propel this vintage off-roader into the realm of high-performance vehicles.
To ensure that the performance of this classic International Scout matches its muscular looks, it rides on a Velocity Exclusive frame built by Roadster Shop. This custom chassis offers an advanced suspension setup featuring a 3.5-inch lift, coilover shocks, and four-wheel Wilwood disc brakes. And with its brand-new axles (Dana 44 front and Dana 60 rear), this Scout can tackle steep inclines, loose gravel, or deep mud for the ultimate street presence and trail performance.
A Lasting Legacy: Why the Classic International Scout Still Matters
In essence, Velocity’s most distinct build is a masterpiece that balances preservation with innovation, paying homage to the heritage of the classic International Scout while propelling it into the future with the power and luxury to match its iconic status. Whether valet parked or navigating rugged trails, this Scout II stands as a celebration of what makes the classic International Scout a true legend in the world of off-road vehicles.