DREAMING OF A SCOUT

My love of the International Scout started with fleeting glimpses in classic films like Empire Records, Desperado, and Deliverance. Owning one was a dream, but in Australia, options were scarce. That didn’t stop me from dreaming. Then, in 1998, fate intervened: I found a neglected International Scout 80 in a suburban backyard, ready to be rescued.

We all have ideas, passions, and creativity. Dads especially. And a lot of us don’t take action. I think that’s why I’ve held onto the Scout since my 20s. It represented a chance to rebuild, to connect with the journey my grandfather and father shared. That was over 20 years ago. When I started a family, I parked the Scout and opted for something safer and more practical.

Now, a father of three, I’ve realised more than ever that you have to take action, to do things, make dreams a reality, and inspire your kids. They need to see accomplishments, not just routines. For me, that has meant riding motorbikes in unusual places around the world, doing aid work, and helping others wherever possible. Sometimes the expeditions and aid work almost feel selfish, as it is so rewarding, and it’s something I want to keep doing as long as I can. Funding such trips nearly led me to part with the Scout, until I realised this project could be a chance to make new memories with my own kids, just like I did with my father and grandfather and help fund my aid work.

Back to the Scout. Now the project hasn’t been without its false starts. Initially, I considered the common route of an LS swap for the rebuild. Then I looked at the Cummins 2.8L crate motor, a great all-in-one package. I even shipped the Scout to a builder with plans for an EV build, only to find that the rabbit hole ran deep. Finding the right company to handle an EV conversion in Australia became a project in itself. Back in 2018, options were extremely limited. The highest-quality work seemed to be happening overseas, particularly in the UK and USA.

I quickly realised I didn’t have the knowledge or the time to manage the entire build alongside work and family commitments, though I learned a lot about what is and isn’t possible in Australia. ADR regulations restrict a lot of what can be done for an EV conversion. I’m incredibly grateful to people like Sean from New Legend 4x4 / Anything Scout, Michael Bream from EV West, Eric Hutchison from Electric GT, and everyone in the Scout and EV conversion communities. Their generosity with time and knowledge is unmatched, and the work they do is world-class birthing a whole new automotive industry.

Fast forward to 2024, and one of the EV conversion startups in Australia has matured and is doing outstanding work. It’s the perfect time to finally bring the EV Scout project to life. Stay tuned for updates.