Recent content by Mike Bolton

  • From all of us at Scout Motors, welcome to the Scout Community! We created this community to provide Scout vehicle owners, enthusiasts, and curiosity seekers with a place to engage in discussion, suggestions, stories, and connections. Supportive communities are sometimes hard to find, but we're determined to turn this into one.

    Additionally, Scout Motors wants to hear your feedback and speak directly to the rabid community of owners as unique as America. We'll use the Scout Community to deliver news and information on events and launch updates directly to the group. Although the start of production is anticipated in 2026, many new developments and milestones will occur in the interim. We plan to share them with you on this site and look for your feedback and suggestions.

    How will the Scout Community be run? Think of it this way: this place is your favorite local hangout. We want you to enjoy the atmosphere, talk to people who share similar interests, request and receive advice, and generally have an enjoyable time. The Scout Community should be a highlight of your day. We want you to tell stories, share photos, spread your knowledge, and tell us how Scout can deliver great products and experiences. Along the way, Scout Motors will share our journey to production with you.

    Scout is all about respect. We respect our heritage. We respect the land and outdoors. We respect each other. Every person should feel safe, included, and welcomed in the Scout Community. Being kind and courteous to the other forum members is non-negotiable. Friendly debates are welcomed and often produce great outcomes, but we don't want things to get too rowdy. Please take a moment to consider what you post, especially if you think it may insult others. We'll do our best to encourage friendly discourse and to keep the discussions flowing.

    So, welcome to the Scout Community! We encourage you to check back regularly as we plan to engage our members, share teasers, and participate in discussions. The world needs Scouts™. Let's get going.


    We are Scout Motors.
  1. Mike Bolton

    Comment by 'Mike Bolton' in item 'Scout Aristocrat'

    The Aristocrat was actually a "Marketing Exercise" to see if optioned-up SUVs could ba accepted by the market as a car-alternative, rather than an off-road work vehicle. No one had tried anything like it before. They were limited production, but sold very well, and other "Special" packages would...
  2. Mike Bolton

    Comment by 'Mike Bolton' in item '1978 International Harvester Scout II (Esther)'

    How did you come to name her "Esther"? That was the name of Mrs. Ted Ornas. (In case you didn't know.)
  3. Mike Bolton

    The Road to Scout Production - All the latest updates in one place...

    Great to see these photos. It was with a big lump in my throat that I watched the transport drive away with the Last Scout. Even so, it is satisfying to be a part of such an endeavor that is so much bigger than any one person!
  4. Mike Bolton

    75 terra

    I see you also have a "Revised Line Sequence number". Not sure what yours means for your truck, or why assembly was delayed, but that was the case. It was meant to be #2624, but instead, it "Followed" #2813 down the line. It's in shared company with the Last Light Truck, earlier in 1975, which...
  5. Mike Bolton

    Comment by 'Mike Bolton' in media '20230610_134838.jpg'

    Nice to meet both Jamie and Chris.
  6. Jamie and I at the 2023 Scout Nationals.

    Jamie and I at the 2023 Scout Nationals.

    Pictures of mine.
  7. 20230610_134838.jpg

    20230610_134838.jpg

    Meeting Jamie at the 2023 Scout Nationals. The Last ScoutII is the background.
  8. Mike Bolton

    Newest TD Scout

    This thread is for the general discussion of the Item Newest TD Scout. Please add to the discussion here.
  9. Mike Bolton

    1980 ScoutII Diesel from Arizona to Iowa in 1987

    This thread is for the general discussion of the Item 1980 ScoutII Diesel from Arizona to Iowa in 1987. Please add to the discussion here.
  10. Mike Bolton

    Comment by 'Mike Bolton' in item 'Newest TD Scout'

    Sounds like an interesting proposition. We'll have to see if this can happen!
  11. Mike Bolton

    Welcome and Introductions!

    Ours is not the highest serial number. Serial numbers are assigned when the order is written. Ours has serial number 23023, but was made to follow 23106 down the line, making it be the last Scout built. The Revised Line Sequence Number of "F5214" means it was built after D5214, the highest Line...
  12. Mike Bolton

    Welcome and Introductions!

    What number are you using to determine order from the end? Are you counting back from 23106? (Because ours "Follows" 23106.)
  13. Mike Bolton

    Welcome and Introductions!

    Since this facility is up and running, I thought I should join. I've owned a Scout since 1987, buying a rust-free one in Arizona, and keeping it running and rust-free (by keeping it off the salted roads here in Iowa). Locating the Last Scout in 1996 was a life-changing event for our family...
  14. 1980 ScoutII Diesel from Arizona to Iowa in 1987

    1980 ScoutII Diesel from Arizona to Iowa in 1987

    This particular Scout is the one that started my obsession for these magnificent machines. This Scout was purchased by me in Mesa, Arizona in 1987. I flew down there using a one-way ticket, so I was committed to bring it back to Iowa. It had 46K miles at the time, and was in fair shape for a...