When I see a Chevy with SS written on it somewhere, and it looks legit, I take a second look. I’ve been trying to think of an example that didn’t add performance, and only added appearance, but I can’t. It wasn’t always a top-end model, but it was always a top-end performer. Sure, the Monte Carlo SS of the eighties wasn’t exactly a race car. Still, it was equipped with the best that GM was willing to put into a vehicle like that during that depressing time, and it had a sleek look to back up future performance modifications that most would likely want to do. When I first laid eyes on the International Scout Shawnee, with it’s big “SS” logos on the side, I was a mixture of surprised and skeptical. Was it real and rare, or custom and inspired? I’ve seen Dodge cars wearing Bumblebee stripes that they weren’t optioned for, but I’ve also seen the odd Chevy wearing one that they never actually came with. Then there’s the GT package that Ford used on a few things, most notably the Mustang. They may have made those two little letters cool, but they weren’t the only ones to use them, as the Dodge Dart GT was a thing and the Pontiac G6 GT, and I’m sure I’m missing more. The Scout Shawnee is also a thing, and that SS on the side is legit.
The International Scout is a cool rig nowadays, but sadly it wasn’t cool enough to save International Harvester back in their final days. In the mix of the Chevy Blazer, GMC Jimmy, Ford Bronco, Dodge Ramcharger, and Plymouth Trailduster, the IH Scout was the underdog. In 1979, the Scout Shawnee was created by IH with the help of Hurst for the 1980 Chicago Auto Show. Hurst was a hot name in high performance, and the idea was it would sell for a higher dollar and make higher profits for then-struggling IH. Sadly, it didn’t work, they only made three, and IH ended up becoming a casualty anyways. From what I can see, however, they were on to something with the Scout Shawnee. Outside, it has big chewy tires with steps in the middle to get in, chrome steel wheels, push bar, a rear-mounted spare, Band-Aid style stripes front and rear, canvas doors, canvas top, a razorback and a tonneau cover. Also, it says Hurst on it everywhere. There are two giant emblems on the b-pillar/razorback assembly, Hurst transmission and transfer case shifters, Hurst steering wheel, and other logos inside as well. On the hood and quarter panels (bedsides?), there are giant Scout Shawnee decals. Under the hood was a 345 cubic inch V8 topped with a four-barrel carburetor that I know made less horsepower than I want it to. Since I’m sure the performance was disappointing due to the era, I will neither look it up nor publish it. I’d instead end it on a high note telling you two of the three still exist today, so the third one could be yours someday if it’s not wrecked. Remember, it was built for rugged off-road use, after all.
