Backward Glances

Perfect Pitch: A ’79 Scout Restomod That Hits All The Right Notes

- Jim Allen

DEFINING “RESTORATION” AND “RESTOMOD” is difficult for some, but not for Joe Torres. He knew exactly what he wanted in a “Day 2” Scout—lots of pure ’70s sex appeal and a buildup that offered technological upgrades with a retro flavor.

Despite being a Ford Research and Advanced Products Development Engineer working on the most cutting-edge, new developments (can you say “electrification”?), Joe’s mind often wanders back to the thrilling days of International Harvester yesteryear. He credits his grandfather for this, a man who had an IH dealership for about 10 years and drove International trucks all his life. Joe believes the quality gearhead time spent with his grandfather planted the seeds of his engineering career. This Scout is as much a tribute as it is a toy.

The build started in 2014 with a ’79 Scout in California. Found on eBay, it had spent all its life in the California desert, and thus it avoided the rust problems that typically plague Scouts. Still, it had been sitting for the better part of 14 years and was the proverbial diamond in the rough. Joe immediately saw through the dirt and dereliction and envisioned a shining Scout on the hill.