Gregg C. Montgomery on the 7688 Super 70 Prototype Project:
The 7688 Super 70 project occurred just when I had taken over Industrial Design Manager duties at the IH Burr Ridge Engineering Facility. My part of the project involved improving the 2+2 aesthetics to look more like the highly successful 50 series tractor that I had designed a few years earlier.
Also, the marketing group wanted us to design larger model numbers for the 7688 and eventually on all IH agricultural products to make them more prominent and therefore more visible to passersby and in particular, neighboring farmers. This way they could more easily see what brand and model of each product their neighbor might have. The thought was that this could encourage others to buy something similar or perhaps even better than the folks next door.
As always there were functional improvements in the plan, including a proposed increase in horsepower to 260, ergonomic improvements in the controls, displays and seating, and potentially a new transmission that was in the works, plus other minor details. Unfortunately, most of this thinking never made it into production and to my knowledge, only two prototypes were ever built of the 7688 Super 70 design concept. (Quote featured on the replica's unique box).
This tractor is the third offering in the Limited Edition Outback Toys Exclusive Power Series! This incredibly unique replica brings the International 7688 2+2 tractor to life. The 7688 was to succeed the 7288 and 7488 in IH's Super 70 Series of 2+2 tractors. While a limited number of 7288 and 7488 models were produced in the 1980s, the 7688 never made it to final production. But, a few prototypes of this beautiful tractor were made during that time.
This collectible toy replicates those prototypes of IH's never-released 7688. It is made out of die-cast metal and has a chrome stack. It features a 4WD configuration with an articulating body. One of the most unique features about this tractor is its unique model number decal size and placement on the tractor. This replica is truly a must-have for all IH collectors and tractor enthusiasts. According to the manufacturer, this item is recommended for ages 14+ years, meaning it is for display only and not for play.