Vortec-Powered 1978 International Scout II Traveler 4x4

Description

The 1978 International Scout Traveler was a long-wheelbase variant of the Scout II, produced by International Harvester, a company known for its agricultural and industrial vehicles. Introduced in 1976 and continuing through 1980, the Traveler was designed to offer more cargo space and passenger room than the standard Scout II and featured a removable fiberglass hardtop that extended over the rear cargo area, making it a versatile SUV for both utility and recreation. 

Built in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the 1978 model came with various engine options, including a Nissan SD33 196 cu-in inline-six diesel and International’s 304 and 345 cu-in V8 engines, and was available in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations. The Traveler was especially popular among off-road enthusiasts due to its rugged construction, solid axles, and high ground clearance. It also offered optional luxury features like air conditioning, upgraded interiors, and special trim packages. 

The Scout Traveler helped pave the way for the modern SUV by blending utility with comfort and style. Scout production ended in 1980, and parts for these engines are becoming scarce, making these SUVs a perfect choice for a modern engine upgrade, like this reimagined Traveler with a 5.3-liter Vortec V8 and full fiberglass body. 

Highlights 

• Full fiberglass body with integral top 

• Reupholstered interior with new Corbeau front bucket seats 

• 5.3-liter Vortec V8 engine from 2011 Silverado installed in 2018 with complete LS Swap kit from Anything Scout 

• Texas Speed Stage 3 cam package 

• Aluminum radiator with four electric fans 

• Professionally built 6L80 automatic transmission with manual shift 

• 2 1/2-inch lift with new Bilstein shocks 

• Dana 44 front and rear axles with four-wheel disc brakes 

• Stainless steel headers and complete exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers 

Features 

• Gray Brown paint with a Gold Dust midcoat 

• White Tri-Coat pearl paint, Diamond Ice with Gold Dust 

• Gold Mist Metallic stripe 

•  American Racing AR62 Outlaw II 16-inch wheels 

•  BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A LT45 / 75R16 (including spare) 

• 19-gallon poly plastic fuel tank and mounting straps 

• New Corbeau front bucket seats 

• Reupholstered rear seat 

• Reupholstered door cards 

• Lokar tap shifter 

• Plastic glove box 

• Grant wood steering wheel 

• Dynamat sound proofing 

• Complete carpet kit from Stock Interiors 

• Kenwood Bluetooth stereo 

• Kenwood 6×9 marine speakers 

• Tuffy Security locking center console 

• New headliner 

• New rubber and lift gate door seals 

• WeatherTech floormats and cargo mat 

• RIG’d Ultra Hitch carrier 

• Bestop spare tire cover 

• Aftermarket running boards 

• Rechromed bumpers 

• AC converted to 134A refrigerant 

• Locking gas cap 

• Trumpet air horns 

Known Imperfections 

• Minor paint blemishes 

• There are some Fisheyes in the new paint at the top of the driver’s door 

• Paint runs under the driver’s door in the white paint 

Included 

• Maintenance and upgrade receipts 

• Owner’s manual 

Ownership History 

The consignor of this 1978 International Scout II Traveler states, “It started life as a diesel Traveler. This Scout has been loved for a long time, going through a complete frame-off restoration in the 1990s with its previous owner and then being purchased in 2018 by the current owner where it underwent a drivetrain transplant. As of 2024, it has a brand-new two-tone paint job and a completely new interior. It has almost the entire Anything Scout catalog along with a full disc brake setup, cruise control, upgraded speakers, and a Bluetooth head unit.”