Do not be misled by Beachman’s website URL. The Toronto-based maker of retro-style, hand-built electric motorcycles and high-performance e-bikes also does electric-mod (electric restomod). Its latest work of art was commissioned by Steam Whistle Brewing: the Beachman x Steam Whistle Scout 800A.
The donor is a 1970 International Harvester Scout 800A that Steam Whistle co-founder and CEO Greg Taylor discovered sitting on a horse farm northeast of Newmarket, Ontario, in 2010. Sixteen years later, Beachman—founded by his son, Ben Taylor—spent five months turning it into an electric beer-delivery machine without stripping away what made the old 4×4 interesting.
Instead of replacing the gearbox with the usual single-speed reduction drive, Beachman machined an adapter and retained the Scout’s original four-speed manual transmission. Its low range, selectable four-wheel drive, transfer case, axles, and driveshafts also remain. You still have to choose the right gear; you just no longer receive an engine soundtrack confirming your decision.
Power comes from a 2019 Nissan Leaf’s 110 kW motor and 40 kWh battery, producing 147 hp and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque. Driving range is estimated at 150–200 km (93–124 miles), while a full charge takes around eight hours using a standard Level 2 charger.
Keeping the old-school driving experience required more than installing batteries. Since an electric motor does not idle and generate vacuum, Beachman added a dedicated pump for the brake booster. The steering and dashboard were also reworked, while rust was removed from the driver’s floor, the seats were reupholstered, and the original white steel wheels were restored.
The finished Scout now spends warmer months silently delivering beer around Toronto as part of Steam Whistle’s vintage fleet. Beachman is also accepting classic-car conversions from Canadian and American owners, with prices starting at CAD$30,000 (about US$21,450) and a 12-month workmanship warranty. Beachman does not appear to have a dedicated website for four-wheel projects, so you will need to get in touch with them directly if you want a classic-car conversion done.
Fun Fact: Long before the Ford Bronco or Chevy Blazer hit the road, the modern 4×4 SUV was actually pioneered by an agricultural tractor company. International Harvester launched the Scout in 1960, wrapping rugged farm-equipment durability into an everyday utility vehicle that helped invent the recreational SUV segment.
Images: Beachman.
