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You may know the story of the incredible Scarab race cars produced by Lance Reventlow as he decimated the competition in the late 1950’s. Ferrari, Maserati, Jaguar, it didn’t matter; the Scarabs were untouchable. While the few original examples are tightly held by some of the wealthiest collectors, this Mk1 replica is available now and presents a very high quality reproduction of these legendary race cars.
This example was produced by the Scarab Motorsports of Overland Park, KS. They have been the gold standard of Scarab replicas since they started production in 2004. Their cars are of impeccable quality; be sure to see all the pictures in the gallery to appreciate what they do. To be sure, this is not some formed fiberglass body on a basic ladder frame with a bunch of donor parts. Rather, this is old world craftsmanship with a hand-formed aluminum body atop a Chromoly tubular space frame with all-new components. This does not come cheap nor does it happen quickly.
This particular example was completed in 2009 and has seen only 34 miles, half of which were put on here as we completed our inspection and testing. The aforementioned frame and body are beautiful throughout with excellent welds, paint work, and panel gaps. Note how even the Dzus fasteners are carefully aligned with one another. The underside has a one-piece aluminum belly pan which is removed for many of the underside pictures to fully demonstrate the car’s construction. You will also find Halibrand-style knockoff wheels with Dunlop Racing 6.00-16 tires.
The original Scarabs used small block Chevy power and this one is no different in that regard, though it is more powerful. It uses a 383 cubic inch stroker from Smeding Performance rated at 448 hp and 488 ft-lb of torque which makes for quite an experience in such a light car. Motor plates are used front and rear so there is no wasted motion. Note the gorgeous Barry Grant Triple-D induction setup which runs perfectly without any hesitation. Other eye candy includes the custom aluminum air cleaner housings and valve covers along with Jet-Hot coated headers and side pipes.
The crankshaft connects to a race-inspired Ram aluminum flywheel and twin disc clutch for lower rotating mass and faster response. This is encased by a QuickTime scattershield and feeds a Tremec TKO-600 5-speed manual transmission with hydraulic clutch. An aluminum driveshaft transfers the power to the Winters quick change rear end which presently holds 3.84 gears.
Steering uses a manual rack and pinion setup. The brake system comprises dual CNC master cylinders with a balance bar for bias adjustment along with Wilwood calipers throughout. Note the inboard rear setup and line lock parking brake. The suspension uses tubular control arms and dual adjustable Vari-Shock coilovers all around along with a de Dion setup in back for reduced unspring weight and fixed wheel camber.
The interior reflects that of a race car but with improved fit and finish. There are two aluminum seats with black leather padding and 5-point Simpson harnesses. Safety features include a collapsible steering shaft and a beautiful chrome plated roll hoop with Petty bar for additional rigidity. The interior also has black carpet sections along with a quick-release steering wheel and Safecraft fire extinguisher. Stewart-Warner gauges are used throughout.
There are so many other details; Scarab emblems, headlight covers, ARP stainless fasteners, MSD ignition, and more. But it all culminates in the highest quality Scarab replica produced. These cars are typically built to order and have approached $300k at auction. Why spend more money or wait in line when you can have this one today?
