- Actor and comedian Joel McHale recently showed his custom International Scout 800A to Jay Leno
- The vehicle was built by Brian Corsetti of California’s Corsetti Cruisers
- Corsetti Cruisers has many options for original Scouts, including Hellcat and Hellephant engine swaps
The Volkswagen Group is in the process of launching its own Scout EV brand, drawing inspiration from the iconic International Scout—a beloved nameplate cherished by off-road enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Much like the original Ford Bronco, Chevrolet K5 Blazer, and Jeep Cherokee, the original Scout SUVs and pickup trucks have become highly sought-after classics, including gaining significant traction in the world of restomodding.
One notable fan of the Scout is actor and comedian Joel McHale, who enlisted renowned SUV restomodder Brian Corsetti to bring his vision of an original Scout, in this case a Scout 800A, with classic looks combined with modern performance and dependability. That vision was presented to Jay Leno for the latest episode of “Jay Leno’s Garage.”
Corsetti has previously appeared on episodes of Leno’s popular YouTube series, highlighting restored and restomodded versions of Toyota Land Cruisers, a nameplate which he is more familiar with. The 800A, which McHale actually commissioned for his wife Sarah, is the first Scout build by Corsetti, who runs Corsetti Cruisers based in Gardena, California.
One of the key upgrades was a powertrain transplant, ensuring the Scout can keep pace with modern highway traffic. Corsetti selected a 525-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine from General Motors’ LS3 family, paired with a GM 6-speed automatic transmission and Atlas 3-speed transfer case. A custom firewall was fabricated to accommodate the new components.
Additional modifications included Dana 44 axles at both ends, brakes sourced from a Jeep Wrangler, and a custom roll bar to maintain rigidity when the roof is removed. Modern conveniences like power steering, climate control, an infotainment screen, and a reversing camera were also integrated into the build.
This Scout project served as a prototype build for Corsetti and his team at Corsetti Cruisers. The company is now ready to take on additional Scout projects, offering a range of options—including the installation of supercharged V-8 engines such as Stellantis’ Hellcat and Hellephant (available for Scout II models only).
