1958 Scarab Recreation

In 1958, a new sports racing car was unveiled at an SCCA race in Phoenix, Arizona. Although only allowed to practice that day, it was clear this car was not only competitive, but would change the face of racing moving forward. Named the Scarab, this formidable racer was the culmination of extensive racing knowledge and ample funding via Lance Reventlow, son of wealthy heiress Barbara Hutton.

Frustrated with only being offered outdated models of Europe’s leading race car manufacturers – due to the latest models being reserved for the factory teams – Reventlow decided he could do better. His formula was simple, start with a tubular frame, wrap it in a lightweight aluminum body, insert a small-block Chevrolet engine, and make room on the shelf for trophies. Only three Scarab sports racing cars were built, and in 1958 Scarab won the SCCA National Championship.

The single-owner recreation offered here was built by Scarab Motorsports LLC in 2010 for road use and showed just 3,412 miles at the time of cataloguing. This stunning Scarab is finished in Dark Blue Metallic paint accentuated by ghosted scallops, replicating the seminal design first penned by Von Dutch on the original Scarabs. Underneath the hood, a Chevrolet 383 cid small-block V-8 is fitted with modern Hillborn fuel injection and mated to a Tremec five-speed gearbox. In addition, this example has a Winters quick change rear end, coil-over suspension and ample stopping power provided by Wilwood disc brakes. A file containing build photos as well as correspondence, invoices, and component information is included with the sale.

This beautifully executed homage to one of America’s most sought-after sports racers is likely as close as one will ever come to experiencing the true racing thrills of a legendary icon.