Of the eight 1958 Scarab Mark II racers built, the brain children of 22-year old Lance Reventlow - whose father was a European count, whose mother was heiress to the Woolworth fortune, and whose wife at the time was actress Jill St. John. Four Scarabs were astounding successes and four were spectacular failures.
In a West Los Angeles sports car shop, Reventlow commenced building an American race car to take European long-distance racing by storm. A 301-cubic-inch overbored version of Chevrolet’s 283 V-8 seemed right married to a Corvette four-speed gearbox. This power-train was mounted in a light 127-pound space frame chassis wrapped with an aluminum skin to the configuration you see. The resulting racer was spectacular.
Alas, between the creation of the Scarab concept and reality, the European sports car rules were changed to permit only engines up to 183 cubic inches (3.0 liters). An Offy engine was tried on the 3rd Scarab – this car – but with dismal results. Briggs Cunningham fared no better when he tried the same thing in his C6R Len Mans cars. Both teams went back to the Chevy power in 1958 and began racing in the U.S. No car was more successful in SCCA B-Modified during this period. Scarab sports racers remained competitive well into the 1960s, long after Reventlow retired from the scene.
This car won Best of Show Concours de Sport at the at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance.
Overview
- Production Year: 1958
- Manufacturer: Scarab Engineering, under Lance Reventlow
- Class: Sports racing car
- Body Style: Two-seat open-cockpit sports car
Design and Specifications
- Engine:
- The Scarab Mark II typically featured a 4.9-liter (301 cubic inches) Chevrolet small-block V8 engine.
- It was tuned to produce approximately 350 horsepower, providing robust performance for its time.
- Transmission:
- The car was equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission, allowing for precise control over acceleration and speed.
- Chassis:
- The chassis was constructed using lightweight aluminum and steel tubing, emphasizing strength and rigidity while keeping weight to a minimum.
- Suspension:
- Front suspension typically consisted of independent wishbones with coil springs and shock absorbers.
- Rear suspension often featured a de Dion tube with coil springs and shock absorbers, contributing to balanced handling and stability.
Performance
- Top Speed: The Scarab Mark II could achieve speeds exceeding 150 mph (240 km/h), making it competitive in its class and era.
- Acceleration: With its powerful V8 engine and lightweight construction, the car boasted rapid acceleration, crucial for competitive racing starts and overtaking maneuvers.
- Handling: The Scarab Mark II was known for its excellent handling characteristics, thanks to its advanced suspension design and balanced chassis dynamics.
Design Features
- Bodywork:
- The Scarab Mark II featured a sleek and aerodynamic body design, optimized for high-speed performance on racetracks.
- It had an open-cockpit layout with a minimalist approach to body panels, focusing on reducing weight and maximizing aerodynamic efficiency.
- Interior:
- The cockpit was designed with a single-seat configuration for the driver, featuring essential gauges and controls within easy reach.
- The interior emphasized functionality and driver-focused ergonomics, ensuring optimal performance during intense racing conditions.
- Customization:
- Each Scarab Mark II was hand-built and often customized to meet specific racing requirements and preferences of its owner or team.
- Modifications could include engine tuning, suspension adjustments, and aerodynamic tweaks tailored to different racing circuits and conditions.
Legacy
- Historical Significance:
- The Scarab Mark II holds historical significance as one of the pioneering American sports racing cars of the 1950s, challenging European dominance in motorsport.
- It represented the vision and ambition of Lance Reventlow to establish a successful American racing team and car manufacturer.
- Racing Pedigree:
- Despite a relatively short competitive lifespan, the Scarab Mark II achieved notable success in races such as the Nassau Speed Week and various SCCA events, showcasing its competitiveness against formidable European rivals.
- It influenced subsequent generations of American sports racing cars and contributed to the development of motorsport engineering and design in the United States.
- Collector's Interest:
- Due to its rarity, historical significance, and association with Lance Reventlow and Scarab Engineering, the Scarab Mark II is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
- Well-preserved examples with documented racing histories and original specifications command significant value at auctions and are prized possessions in private collections and museums.
You may purchase a print of the 1958 Scarab Mark II in our dElegance 2014 online gallery.