The Volkswagen Group is preparing to introduce its own Scout EV brand, taking cues from the legendary International Scout—a name revered by off-road aficionados and collectors.
Similar to the original Ford Bronco, Chevrolet K5 Blazer, and Jeep Cherokee, the early Scout SUVs and pickup trucks have emerged as coveted classics, gaining considerable popularity in the restomod market.
A prominent admirer of the Scout is actor and comedian Joel McHale, who recruited the skilled SUV restomodder Brian Corsetti to realize his vision of a classic Scout, specifically the Scout 800A, blending vintage aesthetics with contemporary performance and reliability. This vision was shared with Jay Leno on a recent episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage.”
Corsetti has made previous appearances on Leno’s acclaimed YouTube series, featuring restored and modified Toyota Land Cruisers, a model he knows quite well. The 800A, commissioned by McHale for his wife Sarah, marks Corsetti’s inaugural Scout build, run through Corsetti Cruisers located in Gardena, California.
A significant enhancement involved a powertrain upgrade, enabling the Scout to match the pace of modern interstate traffic. Corsetti opted for a 525-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine from General Motors’ LS3 lineup, mated with a GM 6-speed automatic transmission and an Atlas 3-speed transfer case. A custom firewall was engineered to accommodate these new components.
Other modifications encompassed Dana 44 axles at both the front and rear, brakes taken from a Jeep Wrangler, and a bespoke roll bar designed for structural integrity when the roof is removed. The build also incorporated contemporary features such as power steering, climate control, an infotainment system, and a rearview camera.
This Scout endeavor acted as a prototype for Corsetti and his team at Corsetti Cruisers, who are now equipped to undertake additional Scout projects. They offer an array of choices—including the option for supercharged V-8 engines like Stellantis’ Hellcat and Hellephant (available exclusively for Scout II models).
Image Source: Jay Leno’s Garage @ YouTube
