Wheels: VW Scout

The Scouts were affordable (read: cheap), rugged, and largely unwanted due to their primitive designs and lack of technical support. Above, Eric Meltzer's 1971 IH Scout 800B. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Before the SUV displaced the minivan as the family hauler of choice for the American consumer, that market was defined by Jeep.

Virtually any on- and off-road vehicle that could be useful to complete a task was a Jeep. The International Scout and first generation Ford Broncos were often be referred to as Jeeps, the very vehicle they were designed to compete against. Jeep was to SUVs as Kleenex is to facial tissues.

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As a former owner of two Scouts, your column brought back fond memories. It also reminded me of the rust issues that plagues Scouts. Also, did you know IH gave away Scouts as a premium with the purchase of high-end combines?

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