I am Enrico A. Benito from far away Manila, Philippines and I own and restored a 1978 IH Scout II 4x4, 196cid, manual trans. I was looking for other IH Scout lovers and saw your website. The Scouts shown in your website are really nice. I was actually envious with all the Scouts in Germany and nearby European countries. I can't help but imagine wanting to be there and talk with all those Scout owners. Here in Manila I have only actually seen 3 the last 2 years.

I first fell in love with the IH Scout II in the 80s - I was still in highschool. An uncle used to own one. He was able to build 2 vacation homes in the mountains just using his Scout II. Imagine this: the Scout will travel about 500kms one way up the mountains fully loaded with either construction materials or heavy furniture AND it is still towing with ease a big water tank, on a trailer, full to the brim, water tank almost as big as the Scout itself. The Scout made countless trips back and forth doing the same things. To say I was blown away is an understatement! I said to myself as soon as I find work and able to buy one I'll buy one.

I was visiting a family friend in 2004 and I noticed a big SUV covered and dusting away in his garage. I asked what it was and he said it a 78 Scout II. I suddenly became excited. I removed the cover, inspected it (too my surprise it hardly had any rust), and asked if he was selling it. He said the Scout has not run for 5 years as he doesnt have enough funds to maintain it. We agreed on a price and I bought it 2 days after.
I got another surprise when we changed the motor oil, loaded regular unleaded gas, installed new spark plugs, cleaned the air filter, and installed a new battery that the Scout easily came to life again. I brought it to my mechanic and had a top overhaul. The engine inside and out was beautiful, less wear and tear and better than 5 year old engines of Japanese SUVs that my mechanic was currently working on. It took us more than 1 year to restore it, as it was difficult to find parts here - I ordered most of the parts via the internet from rockauto.com and scoutparts.com, but it was all worth it.

I have attached before (dark grey) and after (yellow gold and black) pictures of my Max - my name for the Scout. I hope you and your readers like it. Max is my weekend driver. You wouldn't believe the long envious stares, smiles, thumbs up sign, honking, and conversations with other car owners I get everytime I use or park Max anywhere :)

I am getting married this April 2008 and will be forced, to my great dismay, to sell Max for our housing fund :(
I hope one of you guys can take care of my Max. I am selling him for only Php 350,000.00 (about USD 7,900.00 at current exchange rate).
If you are interested you may email me at richlaw*i-manila.com.ph (please replace the asterisc with an @ in your email client).

Thanks and happy driving to everyone.

Rich