‘Bold, rugged, and resilient’: Scout Motors to transform 1960s classic cars into EVs

Scout Motors is gearing up to ‘retool’ 1960s ‘bold, rugged, and resilient’ classic cars into a brand-new EV range. 

Back in 1960, the International Harvester Company launched the off-road International Scout. 

Subsequent Scout vehicles followed until production ended for good in 1980. 

However, US-based Scout Motors is on a mission to bring these hardy vehicles back to life as EVs.

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Scout Motors is keen to revive the classic cars

More and more carmakers are including all-electrics in their line-ups – from luxury marques such as Rolls-Royce, which is set to launch its second EV later this year, to muscle-car makers Dodge, which introduced the Charger Daytona EV last year.

Now, new-kid-on-the-block Scout Motors has unveiled its Scout Traveler electric SUV and Scout Terra electric pickup truck. 

Formed in 2022, Scout Motors was named after the International Scout and is set on reviving these iconic classic cars. 

“The traits that made the original an icon never left. Bold, rugged, resilient. Just like those who drove them,” the company says on its website. 

“The Scout Traveler and Terra were forged by that very spirit but retooled with modern ingenuity to keep drivers and passengers comfortable on, and off, the road ahead.”

The EV vehicles come with some ultra-modern features

The marque showcased its Scout Traveler and Terra at CES 2025 in Las Vegas this month. 

And while the original classic cars may have been rough and ready, these 21st-century versions come with some ultra-modern techy features. 

The Scout Community UX interface offers ‘the right mix of tactile experiences and modern technology’, according to the company. 

The vehicles will also come with in-vehicle satellite connectivity, ideal for those who fancy a bit off the grid or rural traveling areas with limited cell service.

“To make a true Scout vehicle meant we had to listen to consumers and design a versatile tool for today,” President and CEO of Scout Motors Scott Keogh said.

“We’re pairing powerful, state-of-the-art software and in-vehicle satellite connectivity with a community-focused user interface to make our customers’ driving and ownership experience enjoyable and convenient.”

The Scout Traveler and Terra have an impressive range

Both models come with an impressive 350 miles (563km) of range, while the range-extended variants offer more than 500 miles (804km) of range through a built-in, gas-powered generator.

Scout Motors says its Traveler is for ‘the daily driver who, come Saturday, isn’t afraid to head off-course’. 

Meanwhile, the Terra is a seriously heavy-duty truck with a 5.5 ft bed, four-wheel drive, and a solid body-on-frame construction.  

The new Scout Motors EV range comes with a very simple premise – to make life better for drivers. 

“A Scout vehicle should always be a helpful companion,” chief design officer Chris Benjamin said in a statement.

“It should always enable the customer to do the things they want to do and make their experience easier, better, faster.”

And who doesn’t want that?

The Traveler has a starting price of $50,000 with available incentives and a retail price of $60,000.

The Terra comes with a $51,500 price tag, including available incentives, and a $60,000 retail price.

Reservations are open now, with initial production slated to start in 2027, so – if all goes to plan – the Traveler and the Terra will be ready for the 2028 model year.