Revitalizing the International Harvester Scout 800A
In the world of automotive restoration, few things are as satisfying as a rescue mission. The latest project from the Toronto-based team at Beachman is a prime example, turning a decaying 1970 International Harvester Scout 800A—which had been sitting neglected in a field for years—into a vibrant, fully electric urban runabout. Beachman, a company historically focused on electric bicycles, has launched its new Special Vehicles Division to bring affordable, accessible EV conversions to the masses, moving away from the exorbitant six-figure price tags often associated with the restomod industry.
The transformation process was comprehensive yet respectful of the vehicle’s heritage. Beyond the mechanical overhaul, the Scout underwent a light restoration to address the inevitable wear and tear of time. This included cutting out rusted sections of the driver’s floor pan, refreshing the iconic white steel wheels, fully reupholstering the interior seating, and performing a meticulous rebuild of the dashboard to accommodate modern instrumentation. The result is a vehicle that retains its rugged, vintage charm while functioning as a clean-energy machine.
Mechanical Synergy: Combining Vintage Feel with Modern Tech
Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of this build is how Beachman handled the powertrain. Rather than stripping the chassis, the team opted to retain the original four-speed manual transmission. A 147-horsepower (110-kilowatt) electric motor, salvaged from a 2019 Nissan Leaf, was coupled to the vintage gearbox via a bespoke adapter plate. This setup allows the driver to retain the tactile engagement of a traditional clutch pedal and gear stick, while still offering the immediate torque characteristics of a modern EV.
Power for the system comes from a 40-kilowatt-hour battery pack, also sourced from the 2019 Leaf. This configuration delivers an estimated range of 93 to 124 miles on a single charge—more than enough for the owner’s specific use case of short-range, urban beer deliveries. While the conversion is a technical success, it required clever engineering to adapt to older automotive standards. For instance, because the electric motor does not generate the same vacuum as a gas engine, the team installed an independent electric brake pump to maintain stopping power, ensuring the vehicle meets modern safety expectations without sacrificing its classic driving dynamics.
The Future of Affordable Conversions
Beachman is positioning itself as an accessible entry point for owners looking to electrify their fleet. By utilizing proven, off-the-shelf components from mass-produced electric vehicles, they are able to keep maintenance simple and costs manageable for the long term. Their pricing structure reflects this, with EV conversion services for manual transmission vehicles starting at $25,000, while motorcycle conversions begin as low as $7,000.
This strategy addresses a significant gap in the market. While high-end boutique firms continue to create hyper-expensive, high-performance electric classic cars, Beachman is focused on the practical, enthusiast-driven side of the hobby. By opting for reliable, salvaged hardware rather than bespoke systems, they provide a path to sustainable, classic car ownership that is both environmentally conscious and remarkably functional for daily tasks.
