Amid rumors of its delay, budgetary spirals and legal challenges, the boss of the Volkswagen-owned Scout Motors says the company’s electric and range-extender revivals of the classic International Scout 4x4 are still ‘full steam ahead’.
Of course, the whole ‘electric’ part of the equation might be a sticking point for many in the current turbulent EV market, but if the idea of a capable 4x4 blending classic Scout styling with a modern powertrain still appeals, then there are other ways, such as cramming a huge LT1 V8 under the hood of one of the original versions instead.
Looks Classic, Doesn’t Feel It
That’s just what Florida-based restomodder Velocity Restorations has been doing for some time now. Its latest build, which the company has provided an in-depth walkaround video of, started life as a 1973 International Scout II, and it’s a sight to behold.
It begins with a brand new chassis provided by Illinois-best specialist Roadster Shop, which does away with the rather agricultural underpinnings of the original for a far more modern setup complete with four-link rear suspension, coilovers at all four corners and front and rear anti-sway bars. Wilwood disc brakes feature on all four wheels too.
A Modern V8 Heart
Velocity Restorations
That chassis overhaul is needed because in place of whichever of the Scout’s range of fairly feeble engines originally powered this particular one is General Motors’ 6.2-liter LT1 V8, as originally fitted to the C7 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and sixth-generation Camaro.
Churning out 455 HP, it drives the wheels via the 10-speed 10L80 automatic transmission co-developed by GM and Ford. Meanwhile, there’s a Dana 44 axle up front and a 60 at the rear, and the 35-inch BFGoodrich KM3 mud terrain tires should afford plenty of off-road ability.
A ’70s Homage Look
Velocity Restorations
While much of the underneath is thoroughly modern, the brown and off-white two-tone paint scheme Velocity’s given this particular Scout couldn’t be any more ’70s if it tried. The firm calls the livery Harvest Moon, and it’s paired with its Heritage Series exterior package which brings chrome billet exterior accents and painted 18-inch steel wheels.
The retro theme continues inside with swathes of brown leather and carpeting, but here too, there are concessions to modernity like the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible head unit and Focal sound system.
If it all sounds a bit more up your street than the modern electric Scout, then there’s bad news with regards to this particular car as Velocity’s website already lists it as sold. However, if you don’t have the patience to source a car and wait for a bespoke build, the restomodder has a couple of other Scouts on its site that’ll soon be available – you’ll just need to be able to stomach the eye-watering $407,900 price that both are listed at.
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