The Red Carpet Series, launched in July 1964, marked a significant moment for Scout vehicles as the first luxury edition. This “Doll-Up,” as it was internally known, set a new direction for Scout Motors, aligning with advertising that positioned it as a versatile vehicle: a daily driver, a second family car, a hauler, and a recreational vehicle. This concept perfectly embodies what we recognize today as the Sport Utility Vehicle, or SUV, though the term was not yet in common usage in 1964. Following the production of 3,450 Red Carpet units by November 1964, the similar Champagne Series continued this luxurious trend through the 1965 model year, coinciding with the discontinuation of the Scout 80 model. The Scout 80 era concluded successfully, paving the way for substantial model upgrades.
The UpMarket Shift: Introducing the Scout 800
The Red Carpet and Champagne Scout series acted as transitional models, indicating significant changes for 1966 and the introduction of the new Scout 800™ line from Scout Motors. While maintaining a similar appearance and some components from the Scout 80, the Scout 800 vehicles featured updates across nearly all aspects. The primary objective was to enhance the comfort and refinement of Scout vehicles, making them more car-like without compromising their work capabilities. As part of these improvements, International Harvester (IH), the manufacturer of Scout Motors, incorporated safety features ahead of federal mandates. These included a padded dash, dual circuit brakes, seat belts, improved lighting, and anti-burst door latches, demonstrating Scout Motors’ commitment to innovation and safety. IH also initiated development on the next generation of Scout vehicles, planned for a 1968 or 1969 release.
The Sportop Experiment: A Step Too Far?
Within the 1966 Scout 800 lineup, Scout Motors debuted the Sportop model, a bold move towards increased style and luxury. Representing a significant departure from the standard Scout design, the Sportop was offered with either a slant-backed fiberglass hardtop or a convertible top. However, from a sales perspective, the Sportop did not meet expectations. Whether it was too radical in styling or simply ahead of its time is debatable. Regardless, the Sportop was expensive to produce and purchase, resulting in poor sales and its discontinuation in early 1968. Unsold units remained in inventory well into 1969.
Navigating Competition: Scout Motors vs. Ford Bronco
Scout models had been selling well against Jeep, but 1966 brought new competition in the form of the Ford® Bronco. Ford’s entry into the market indicated they recognized the potential of the Scout vehicle concept. It’s widely believed that the success of Scout Motors inspired Ford to develop the Bronco, which shared many similarities in design and purpose. International Harvester quickly understood that the Ford Motor Company, with its vast resources, could potentially overshadow Scout Motors effortlessly. This realization caused considerable concern within IH. Fortunately, Ford prioritized the Mustang, rather than aggressively pushing the Bronco. While the Bronco did impact Scout vehicle sales, it remained a secondary product for Ford during those years, never delivering a decisive blow to Scout Motors. Despite limited development budgets, IH engineers and stylists successfully ensured that Scout models remained competitive and relevant in the evolving automotive landscape.
