Long before the days of Quad Cabs, push-button four-wheel drive, heated seats and digital dashboards that resemble something found in a commercial airplane, there was something better.
No offense to those of you who own a newer truck. I have a newer truck myself and I admit they are capable of going almost anywhere and hauling just about anything possible for an outdoors excursion.
Newer trucks are big, shiny, powerful and reliable – and the latter two are crucial when your journey takes you beyond where the pavement ends.
Still, these vehicles, whether a pickup or SUV, are not the perfect outdoors truck.
In my opinion, there is something better.
My father recently purchased a 1972 International Scout. It only has 36,000 miles and the body is virtually devoid of any rust (something rare for a Scout). It’s in beautiful shape and probably won’t see much off-road use because he wants to keep it that way.
It conjured up memories of when I had my Scout, a 1978 model, on the road. Seeing it reminded me why I always felt that Scouts were the perfect vehicle for hunting and fishing trips.
It’s not because a Scout is loaded with high-tech gadgetry and options. Considering International Harvester quit making Scouts in 1980, about the only options you can hope for are air-conditioning or woodgrain trim on the dashboard.
But that’s part of the reason why a Scout is the ultimate outdoor vehicle – because of its simplicity.
Driving to a hunting or fishing destination isn’t a joyride. All you want to do is get there quickly and safely.
My 1978 Scout took me to numerous destinations across the state. Whether it was an all-day trout fishing trip in the Benton area or a late-winter rabbit hunt in Bradford County, the Scout handled it.
Rarely was I the only one who relied on the Scout to get us to and from some remote places. When I headed out to Bradford County for a day of rabbit hunting, I shared the front seat with my beagle, Randy.
And when the Scout’s tires left the pavement on Route 187 and touched the first dirt road on the left right outside of Lovelton, Randy’s ears perked up and the Scout seemed to run with a little more authority. It was as if they both knew we were getting close to our hunting spot.
Still, the advantages a Scout had over newer trucks aren’t limited to nostalgic reminiscences.
There are tangible things – such as a four-wheel-drive system that would churn through anything and a strong, durable engine that would power the truck over any mountain road.
Inside, the space was divided evenly between room to haul people (four) and haul gear. The back had a rubber floor so you didn’t have to worry about putting plastic down before stowing anything wet or muddy. All you had to do was hose it out when you got home.
Same goes for the front. You didn’t hesitate to climb inside with muddy boots or wet clothes. There were no high-tech gadgets or expensive upholstery to worry about.
A Scout was a true truck, it could handle it.
And then there was the appearance. Scout II’s, which were made from 1972 to 1980, had rounded corners, straight lines and thick, steel bumpers.
You could park a Scout on top of a remote mountain and it looked like it belonged.
For a vehicle, Scouts just seemed at home in the outdoors.
Maybe that’s why I like them so much.
Previously published in the Times Leader, September 2, 2007.
