This 1964 International Harvester Scout 80 is a rare Red Carpet Special model pulled from an old warehouse by its 19 year-old seller and his father in 2007. Together with some professional help they restored the truck over a three year period, but are now selling to fund his departure to college. The highly equipped Red Carpet model was a commemorative edition and accounted for a very small portion of production. This particular truck is strong running, good looking and in need of minor finishing work.

All RCS models wore this example’s white over red color combination, and prior to respray in correct Code 12 white all body panels were taken down to bare sheet metal and straightened to what is described as factory new standards. Rust was largely confined to floor panels, all of which was repaired before new paint was applied. Factory chrome bumpers have had all dents removed and then painted flat gray, minimal OEM trim is intact and in good order, and the truck looks good sitting over 15” x 8” American Racing Outlanders.

As seen in the photo gallery, the chassis was also repainted at the time of restoration. Two hardtops are included, a full-length item that was part of the truck’s original equipment package, and another, half cab item in need of restoration. Original steel wheels are included, along with two of the truck’s original RCS specific chrome hubcaps. It’s been estimated that only 500 or so Red Carpet Specials were ever made, and today they are among the most sought-after early models among IH collectors.

The largely bare metal interior also received new paint during restoration, and is said to remain in very good condition save for some wear on the floors where the driver’s and front passenger’s feet rest. Red vinyl seats—including a rare rear bench—were recovered in factory-correct patterns and look very good. The red dash, steering wheel and RCS-only plastic dash pad all remain in good shape, though the OEM AM radio is not currently working. Both front and rear seats are fitted with seat belts.

Areas in need of attention include a missing horn button, passenger side window in need of adjustment, and the need for new weatherstripping along the passenger door and windshield header rail. Original Red Carpet Special-only vinyl door cards are included as patterns for reproductions, but aren’t currently fitted. There were remnants of the original red carpet when purchased in 2007, and a new carpet kit has the interior looking very sharp. OEM vacuum operated windshield wipers do not currently work. A new fuel pump was recently installed.

Included (but not installed) A/C is thought to be original, the truck’s factory Line Setting Ticket (International’s term for a build sheet) specifying “increased cooling”. The trucks’s original 2.5 liter, 85 HP Comanche four cylinder looks tidy but not overly detailed under hood, and is said to run well in spite of a minor oil leak—the seller adding that this was typical even on the showroom floor. The floor-shifted 3-speed manual and 2-speed Spicer transfer case work well, with power sent to the front through a Dana 27 and rearwards through a Dana 33 axle, the former equipped with locking Warn hubs. Rare parts include the driver’s side rear view mirror, badges, and OEM windshield washed bag and spray nozzle. Other options include dual 10 gallon fuel tanks and a front skid plate, while a spares package is equipped with various extra lights, handles, trim pieces and memorabilia.