California man keeps car for 56 years then leaves two important notes on the dashboard for the next buyer
Published on Jan 01, 2026 at 12:33 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid
Last updated on Dec 18, 2025 at 4:42 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
A man who is selling his 1969 International Harvester Scout 800A after more than 50 years has left a couple of important notes on the dashboard to help out the new owner.
The owner of the Scout ordered it brand new in 1969, opting for a copper finish with a white hardtop roof.
After racking up an impressive 56 years of ownership, the man has decided it’s time to say goodbye to his beloved truck.
And he’s even been kind enough to include a couple of bits of advice for its new owner.
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The 1969 International Harvester Scout 800A comes with some advice for its new owner
International Harvester introduced the off-road-ready Scout in 1960, as a competitor to the Jeep CJ.
It was produced across two generations until 1980 and was offered in a range of configurations, including a station wagon, half-cab pickup truck, or a soft-top.
There were also several engine options, ranging from the 152-cubic-inch four-cylinder up to the 304-cubic-inch V8.
This 1969 International Harvester Scout 800A has the later powertrain, paired with a manual four-speed transmission, offering an output of around 193 horsepower and 272-lb-ft of torque.
Despite being almost 60 years old, the Scout has held onto its original Copper Polly paintwork and removable hardtop, and sits on 15-inch steel wheels with manually locking front hubs.
Before going up for sale, the Scout had its carburetor repaired, its fuel pump rebuilt and reinstalled, and its starter motor replaced.
Inside, the fairly basic interior features black vinyl seats and a matching carpet.
And on the dashboard, the car’s current owner has left some helpful information for the new owner.
Images shared with the listing show the first note reads: “Turn fuel pump off when eng [engine] off.” And the second adds: “Driver door locks itself if slammed shut.”
We’re sure that’ll all come in very handy for whoever gets their hands on the truck.
The Scout is being sold for a very good cause
The listing explains that it has some chips and dents to the outside, and some signs of wear and tear to the interior.
But overall it looks to be in pretty good shape, which is a testament to how its owner has treated it over the years.
The car was recently listed on Cars & Bids, where it has no reserve, meaning things could get interesting.
And here’s hoping it causes a bit of bidding frenzy, because all for a good cause.
The owner very generously decided to donate the Scout 800 to the Californian charity Polly Klaas Foundation, which is dedicated to the safety of children and helps find missing kids.
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Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.
