Ep 17. 1970 International Scout

Wheeler Dealers is a popular television show that features classic cars and bikes restored and sold for profit. In season 14 episode 17, the host Mike Brewer finds a rare 1970 International Scout in Texas. The International Harvester Scout was a popular off-road vehicle/sport utility vehicle (SUV) in the 1960s and 1970s. It was a direct competitor of the Jeep, Bronco, and Land Rover in the United States. The Scout 800 was produced from 1965 to 1970 and was replaced by the Scout II. The 1970 International Scout that the hosts found was in poor condition but it was still mostly original and complete.

Mike Brewer met his mechanic Ant Anstead in Texas to check out the 1970 International Scout. The car had a V8 engine and automatic transmission which was in good condition. The engine was started without any issues, but the car wouldn't move due to a transmission issue. The car also had significant rust issues and the interior had seen better days. Mike and Ant decide to buy the car after negotiating with the owner for $7,000.

Once the car arrives at Ant's workshop in California, the mechanics got to work. The transmission was the first issue that needed to be addressed. Ant pulled the transmission out of the car to get it rebuilt. While that was happening, the team got to work removing rust from various parts of the car. Rust is common in cars from the 1960s and 1970s, especially in the salt-belt states in the US where cars are more exposed to harsh winters. The rust repair meant that the car needed new floor pans, wheel arches, and other parts that were affected by the rust.

After addressing the rust problem, the mechanics got to work restoring the interior. The car's seats were in good condition, but all other parts of the interior needed work. The dashboard was replaced, and all the gauges were restored. The car had no air conditioning, so the team decided to install a new unit which they sourced from a donor car. The team also replaced all the door panels and put some sound insulation in the car to reduce road noise.

Once the mechanical repairs and interior were done, it was time for the bodywork. The car was repainted its original color which was a vibrant green. The new paint made the car look brand new. The team also added new chrome parts like the bumpers, mirrors, and door handles which made the car pop.

After the restoration was complete, Mike and Ant took the 1970 International Scout to a collector's car auction to sell for profit. Mike set a reserve price of $18,000 and the car exceeded expectations when it sold for $23,500. The happy customer got a great deal on a classic Scout that had been lovingly restored.

In conclusion, the season 14 episode 17 of Wheeler Dealers featuring the 1970 International Scout was a great success. The car was in poor condition when purchased, but Mike, Ant, and their team of mechanics were able to restore it to its former glory. The episode showed that the restoration of classic cars is a labor of love that takes a lot of time, effort, and expertise. The show is a must-watch for any car enthusiasts, especially those who appreciate classic American cars.