4 Minutes
International Scout II restomod gets a Corvette heart
Velocity Restorations in Florida has taken a bold detour from the growing parade of electric reinterpretations and given a 1973 International Scout II an emphatic V8 transplant. While news outlets buzz about Volkswagen’s electric Scout reboot, this project answers a different demand: owners and enthusiasts who want the period-correct looks of a classic off-roader combined with modern gasoline performance and capability.
The result is a restomod that looks unmistakably 1970s on the outside but behaves like a contemporary high-performance SUV. The transformation was comprehensive — not just an engine swap, but a full reengineering from the ground up.
Chassis, suspension and braking upgrades
The original heavy, ladder-frame underpinnings were replaced with a purpose-built Roadster Shop chassis. That change enabled modern suspension geometry and drivability:
- Four-link rear suspension for improved axle control
- Adjustable coilover shock absorbers at all four corners
- Front and rear anti-roll bars for reduced body roll
- Wilwood disc brakes on all four wheels for consistent stopping power
These upgrades turn the Scout into a far more composed vehicle on-road, while preserving its off-road pedigree.
Powertrain and drivetrain
Under the hood sits a 6.2-liter LT1 V8 from General Motors — the same engine family that powered the C7 Corvette Stingray and sixth-generation Camaro. Tuned to around 455 horsepower, the LT1 routes torque through a modern 10-speed 10L80 automatic transmission. Heavy-duty axles (Dana 44 front and Dana 60 rear) and 35-inch BFGoodrich KM3 off-road tires mean the Scout is ready for rough tracks as well as highway runs.
Performance highlights:
- Engine: 6.2L GM LT1 V8, ~455 hp
- Transmission: 10-speed 10L80 automatic
- Axles: Dana 44 front, Dana 60 rear
- Tires: 35" BFGoodrich KM3 off-road rubber
Design: classic looks, modern details
Despite the mechanical overhaul, the exterior retains the Scout’s iconic silhouette. A two-tone brown-and-cream paint scheme, painted 18-inch steel wheels, and chrome trim keep the vintage aesthetic intact. Inside, brown leather upholstery and carpet preserve a retro ambiance, but modern comforts are plentiful: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a Focal premium audio system make long drives more enjoyable.
"We wanted to respect the Scout's heritage while giving it the performance and reliability today's owners expect," says a representative from Velocity Restorations.
Market positioning and availability
This particular build has already been sold, but Velocity offers similar turnkey Scout restomods. Expect a premium price: examples like this command figures in the high six-figure range — the listed price for comparable builds has been around $408,000. For collectors and buyers who value authenticity with modern capability, these restomods fill a niche that neither pure originals nor factory-electric reinterpretations do.
Key takeaways:
- A full-frame swap, modern suspension and Wilwood brakes transform handling
- Corvette LT1 V8 delivers authentic American muscle and dependability
- Classic styling remains, while interior tech brings contemporary comfort
For fans of classic SUVs who crave modern performance and reliable drivetrains, the International Scout II restomod from Velocity is a persuasive blend of nostalgia and engineering — a reminder that restomods can be as much about usability as they are about looks.
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