While much of the credit for today’s SUV-dominated market can be traced back to the first-generation Ford Explorer and second-gen Jeep Cherokee (XJ), there are other early SUVs that have helped bring us to where we are today. With this in mind, let’s check out the latest Auction Dilemma pairing: a 1974 Ford Bronco Explorer and a 1973 International Harvester Scout II. Both vehicles are up for auction at Bring a Trailer.
1974 Ford Bronco Explorer
What’s a Bronco Explorer? Long before suburban families started filling driveways with Ford Explorers in the 1990s, the automaker offered an Explorer Package to dress up the Bronco. The add-on was nothing more than an appearance option with two-tone paint, upgraded upholstery, chrome exterior trim, two-person rear seating, and an Explorer badge for the glove box door. Thanks to a 2012 restoration, this 1974 Bronco appears mostly clean and reinforces that SUVs from this era are all about simplicity. According to the vehicle’s Marti report, we see that the original Midnight Blue Metallic paint was swapped out for red during the refurbishment. While 91,000 miles are shown on the odometer, the seller reports that actual mileage is unknown.
Powering this Bronco is a 302ci V-8, a factory upgrade originally rated for 125 HP and a surprising 243 lb-ft of torque. A three-speed automatic transmission and two-speed transfer case manage the rear-wheel drive/four-wheel drive set up.
The original blue seating was replaced with black vinyl during the Bronco’s updating. Besides a torn driver’s seat, the cabin appears in good condition with a mix of original features and aftermarket treatment.
1973 International Harvester Scout II
In the 1970s, imports hadn’t dented the surface of the American market for SUVs and trucks; Detroit still dominated things. Yet, not everyone wanted a GM, Ford, Chrysler, or even AMC (Jeep) product. As a result, International Harvester (IH) vehicles offered a contrarian play. The Scout, which launched in 1960, and became the Scout II in 1971, was a credible alternative to Jeeps and Broncos of the day. This original and imperfect Scout II has a retro-coolness that’s hard to describe. Perhaps it’s the soft blue color or just the right amount of blemishes that add character. As the seller notes, 31,000 miles on the clock don’t accurately reflect the Scout’s true usage as actual mileage is unknown.
Power comes from a 345ci V-8 which the seller reports a factory rating of 182 HP. However, online sources peg this at 144HP and a beefy 285 lb-ft of torque. Befitting this IH’s tired condition, the engine requires the periodic dose of starter fluid to get things going. A three-speed automatic and two-speed transfer case control power to the rear wheels or all four wheels.
Despite its condition, the seen-better-days interior embraces all the elements of a time when an AM/FM radio and crank-up windows were state-of-the-art.
Classic SUVs From The 1970s
While neither five-decade-old SUV is a perfect example, each vehicle presents an insightful look into a simpler time that was at the dawn of the SUV explosion. As of this writing, the Ford Bronco has one day left of bidding with a $29,000 best offer. There’s a high bid of $9,000 and five days left on the International Harvester Scout II auction.
Sources: bringatrailer.com, classicbroncos.com, automobile-catalog.com
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July 18, 2021
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Auction Dilemma: Ford Bronco Explorer Vs. International Harvester Scout II - HotCars
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