There were five hand-built Scout prototypes, all completed early in 1960. Each had a prototype number stenciled on the windshields and on the body.  Four numbers have been verified in period images, E-922, E-923, E-924 and E-926. Presumably, there was also an E-925. According to period documents, three were 4x2s and two were 4x4s but E-925 has not been confirmed in an image, though there is a "likely suspect." This is E-924 and it's one of the 4x4s. At least two of the prototypes were powered by 91 ci A-55 BMC engines and E-924 was one of them. The A-55 powered Scout can be determined visually by a small diameter exhaust pipe that exits at the left rear of the vehicle. Before the IH slant-fours were conceived, the 51 hp A-55 was one of the possible engine candidates. Underpowered, it was rejected with prejudice once the much more powerful 152 ci slat-four (93 hp) was up and running. Note the lack of badging on the tailgate and lack of a rear bumper. E-924 was known to have been shipped to International's Arizona proving grounds for hot weather and off-road testing. In the earliest shots, none of the five prototypes are wearing the IH grille badge, either by design or because it wasn't ready yet. Later shots of the Scouts show some with the badges affixed. The fates of the five prototypes are unknown.

This post is one of a series of bits that were discovered during the research for International Scout Encyclopedia by Jim Allen and John Glancy. Author and historian Jim Allen is sharing his extra bits--stay tuned, we have some great ones for y'all!