1973 International Scout II Restomod For Sale | 5.3L Vortec V8
Build 003: The "Orange Crush" Edition — For Sale — $130,000
The Vision: Buy a Classic Scout II Re-Engineered for Daily Driving
The 1973 International Harvester Scout II is widely considered the ultimate “sweet spot” for California vintage truck enthusiasts. As a pre-1976 “Golden Year” vehicle, it offers total mechanical freedom. Masterfully built at our California studio, this one-of-one project was transformed from an unfinished body into a vibrant, high-performance modern daily driver.
Finished in striking “International Orange,” this premium Scout 2 for sale serves as a flawless tribute to IH’s rugged heritage, packed with modern performance and structural perfection from bumper to bumper.
The Powertrain: High-Performance 5.3L Vortec V8 Conversion
We re-engineered this classic Scout II for the modern collector by executing a complete Go Modern powertrain conversion featuring a fuel-injected 5.3-liter Vortec V8—renowned for its turn-key reliability and effortless performance.
- The Drivetrain: Modern horsepower is delivered smoothly through a precision four-speed automatic transmission and an NP241C dual-range transfer case, making this truck as capable at modern highway speeds as it is on coastal trails.
- Heavy-Duty Foundation: To comfortably handle the upgraded modern power, this custom build features high-strength Dana 44 axles front and rear. Whether you are navigating the steep grades of San Francisco or cruising the highways of Los Angeles, the engine layout of this vehicle is built to perform.
Body & Restoration: Hand-Crafted Steel in International Orange
The vibrant, heritage-inspired orange exterior commands attention on any road, but the true craftsmanship is underneath the paint. Like all premium Scout Club CA builds, this 1973 model underwent extensive, meticulous rust remediation.
Our team treated every critical area in the floors and rockers with hand-crafted steel work before applying the multi-stage paint finish, ensuring this structural masterpiece is protected for the next fifty years. To complete the look, we equipped the truck with classic 17″ steel utility wheels and rugged modern tires to deliver a vintage silhouette with tight, modern handling.
The Interior: A Totally Modern Cabin in a Vintage Silhouette
Inside, the cabin was stripped bare and entirely re-imagined for clean, luxurious daily utility. The interior features bespoke, hand-contoured seating wrapped in premium black vinyl, offering a highly durable and sleek contrast to the bright exterior.
To ensure true comfort across California’s diverse microclimates, we integrated a premium Vintage Air climate control system. This allows you to stay cool in the valley heat and fog-free on the coast, all operated through a beautifully clean, period-correct dash layout.
A Blue-Chip Investment: The Classic Scout Market
For collectors looking to buy an International Scout II, the timing has never been more strategic. The highly anticipated arrival of the new modern Scout Motors EV has placed a global spotlight on the heritage era, driving the value of original steel to historic heights.
This fully modernized 1973 build represents the “source code” of that legacy—a one-of-one physical masterpiece that cannot be replicated on an assembly line. To learn more about how the modern EV launch is transforming original trucks into highly sought-after blue-chip assets, read our market analysis: How the Scout EV is Driving Classic Values to New Heights.
COMPONENT ATTRIBUTE | VERIFIED BUILD SPECIFICATION ENGINEERING ARRAY |
Year / Model Variant | 1973 Scout II (California Pre-Smog / Exempt Baseline) |
Engine Block Integration | 5.3L GM Vortec V8 (Fuel Injected System Overhaul) |
Transmission Module | Modern 4-Speed Automatic Overdrive Transmission |
Transfer Case Assembly | NP241C Dual-Range Transfer Case Block |
Axle Matrix Arrays | Heavy-Duty Dana 44 Axles Front & Rear |
Climate Control Systems | Vintage Air HVAC Climate Control Conversion Suite |
Wheel & Footprint Spec | 17" Hand-Finished Steel Utility Wheels / Aggressive All-Terrain Tires |