Letter from Robert Lawson
Machinery – February 2005 – Colorado Central Magazine
Ed,
As an owner of several “Cornbinders” over the years I wanted to comment on your brief write-up of the new Navistar 7300 CXT (December 2004). This vehicle is indeed very big and will no doubt end up being driven by a few athletes and affluent types — strictly as a status symbol. There is a real market for this type of vehicle, for example, those with large fifth-wheel campers and business owners requiring a vehicle with more capability than a 1 ton truck. Ford, GMC, Freightliner (and maybe others) are also offering trucks in roughly this size.
I would also like to offer a brief history of International Harvester’s (IH) history in the truck market. In addition to the well known farm implements, IH produced light, medium, and heavy duty trucks beginning in the very early 1900’s. IH quit production of their light duty (1/2-, 3/4-, and 1-ton) pickups in 1975, mostly due to the lack of resources to maintain market share competing with the Ford, GM, and Dodge. In 1961 IH began production of the revolutionary Scout, followed by the Scout II in 1972. IH had correctly predicted a market potential for a new type of vehicle — the SUV, although the term had yet to be applied to these tough and capable vehicles (in some circles the SUV is itself believed to be summoning the destruction of this planet).
The Scout was not the first vehicle in this market (Jeep Wagoneer, Chevy Suburban, IH Travelall, Land Rover, etc.), but the sales success of this vehicle prompted Ford, GM, and Chrysler to jump into the game. Now it seems every domestic and foreign car maker has one or more SUV’s in their line-up, some of them more resembling cars and minivans. IH ceased production of the Scout II in 1980, again due to lack of corporate investment in the line.
Up to that time it was International’s best-selling model and it’s been reported that there were more Scouts sold in Colorado than in any other state. In 1984 the farm equipment division of IH was sold to Case, including the International Harvester name, the remaining truck division was renamed Navistar International and continues today as the top seller of medium and heavy trucks.
I recall, as a youth, enjoying many hours exploring the Colorado back-country in Broncos, Scouts, and Cherokees and I continue to do so in my trusty 1979 Scout as often as possible.
Best regards,
Robert Lawson
Augusta, Kansas
