The boxy shape with curved edges make the Scout 80 the best looking of the lineage. A pair of round headlights and a rectangular grill opening remained throughout the Scout’s 19 year lifespan. Various forms existed including a pickup truck and Sportop convertible. No matter which model year, the driver can expect a raw and visceral driving experience that can’t be replicated, especially in a time where the combustion engine slowly surrenders to the electric motor.
Possibly the best way to enjoy a classic car is by converting it to a ‘retro-rod’ or ‘resto-mod’ where new and old technologies are grafted together to enhance a classic model. Common upgrades include ditching the carbureted engine for a modern fuel injected model. However, a newer ideology has begun to sprout up where fuel economy and torque are valued over massive horsepower V8 swaps. One such example is the JKScout -created by PTL Off-Road built right here in our new homebase in Pendleton, Oregon.
I recently came across this unique vehicle while heading downtown to the local brewery: The Prodigal Son … great place, I highly recommend it! Despite its rugged exterior, I could tell there was something special about this particular Scout. All of the underpinnings were clearly brand new - even the paint still looked fresh, which is impressive since this rig just completed the 800 mile Cummins Repower Cruise.
Oh, did I mention that this rig is powered by the Cummins R2.8 turbo diesel? This 4 cylinder engine creates 161 hp and 310 lb/ft of torque and averages 20-25 mpg. The body off restoration also included a frame swap from a 2015 Jeep JK, and a set of diff-locked JK Rubicon D44 axles.
There are countless upgrades throughout this build, far more than can be covered in proper detail here. However, it’s now currently for sale! [Edit] The JKScout has sold. Which means serious buyers can bend the ear of the current owner about all the details.
For more info visit www.ptloffroad.com
