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Scarab other 339 c.i. Chevrolet V-8 OHV 1958

General description : 1958 Scarab Mark II Recreation
s/n MBS 001, Engine no. 3731539
Blue and White Meister Brauser Livery

Lance Reventlow, the founder of Reventlow Automobiles Inc, RAI, was arguably one of the most ambitious and respected pioneers of post war American sports car development. A talented entrepreneur born into a wealthy family of seemingly unlimited resources and Hollywood connections, the handsome and wealthy Reventlow was perfectly poised to pursue his racing dreams. RAI was established in Venice, California, allowing Reventlow quick and easy access to capable employees and partners, some of whom would become legendary figures in road racing and sports car construction. Engineer Phil Remington, panel fabricator Emil Deidt, drivers Chuck Daigh and Carroll Shelby, mechanic Warren Olsen, and numerous others worked diligently to construct and test drive the most advanced American sports racer of the period – the Scarab. The resultant car was a vision of beauty, containing the finest in leading technology and performance. Having access to the very best and youngest talent available, Reventlow called upon Chuck Pelly, a young car designer fresh out of Art Center College of Design, to design what would become one of the most stunning sports cars ever built. The results were not only visually captivating, the Scarab proved to be remarkable on the race course as well.

Cleverly using the new and durable small block Chevrolet V8 engine with fuel injection, the Scarab Mark II employed the latest in chassis and suspension design, coupled with lightweight tubular frame and aluminum body construction. The team constructed three cars in total; a left-hand drive Mark 1 and two right-hand drive Mark II chassis. Once completed, Reventlow and his team began campaigning the cars under sponsorship as a factory team. Although initial outings at the track were met with mixed results, the team gained momentum racing the Scarabs throughout the United States in 1958 and 1959 and into the early 60s, earning both the checkered flag and media popularity, winning at Riverside, Laguna Seca, Reno, Montgomery, Thompson, and Nassau. The charming and good looking Reventlow, complete with his movie-star wife and endless stream of family cash, seemed unstoppable. The Scarab team was so dominant in racing that Enzo Ferrari himself was reported to have demanded the 412S be built to battle against the more powerful and reliable Scarabs. Although Reventlow had both the ambition and resources to continue development of the Scarab, his interests moved on to the ambitious F1 arena, pursuing several attempts but meeting with less success. Ultimately the Scarab would prove to be Reventlows lasting legacy when he ended his pursuit of racing in the mid 1960s. Reventlow passed away tragically in 1972, having lived to see the growing success of the Shelby Cobra and other American powered V8 sports racers as they continued to forge the path he and his team had so brilliantly innovated.

In the years since Reventlow and his team developed the Scarab, collectors and enthusiasts have only increased their admiration for these rare and beautiful cars. With only three examples having been built in period, it was inevitable that a dedicated collector and Scarab enthusiast would eventually summon the resources and technical expertise to build an exact recreation of the Mark II. To take on such a task, the collector approached Augie Pabst, owner and driver of the finest original Scarab Mark II, to allow access to his original car. Pabst was so impressed with the methods and meticulous details outlined in the planning for the build, he agreed to allow his car to be documented. Carefully photographing, documenting, and dimensioning every last detail, finish, and cataloging all the components, the Scarab construction team then set about the methodical build, piece by piece, detail by detail, accounting for every aspect of the construction. The process would take over three years to complete.

During the construction, extreme care was given to source exact mechanical and chassis components, but also to achieve the most accurate exterior contours and correct racing livery. Several members of the original Meister Brauser team were consulted throughout the build process to ensure correct visual and mechanical details worked in harmony just as the original. The tubular Chromoly steel spaceframe was expertly TIG welded and the carefully formed aluminum body was hand shaped and fastened to the frame just as the original had been constructed more than 50 years ago. Lexan and aluminum headlight covers were fabricated for the front, while Porsche 550 brake lights were fitted to the rear. The suspension and brakes were carefully constructed and, in the case of the rear finned drum brakes, new casting molds were made specifically to fabricate the inboard rear drums, hubs, and iron liners. The De Dion rear suspension was built with correct coils and tubular shock absorbers, including camber/toe-in adjustability, along with the correct quick-change differential setup, just as it was in period. The Magnesium Alloy Sebring-Style Halibrand kidney bean wheels were fitted to the front, and “Champ” style wheels set to the rear, then finished with the correct vintage gold tone. A set of vintage Dunlop racing tires were sized to the correct front and rear dimensions per the original.

Inside the car, the team worked tirelessly to assemble the most accurate details and finishes using authentic materials and components to match the original. The hand formed aluminum seats were carefully crafted to exact specifications and trimmed with high quality black vinyl. The aluminum dashboard was finished with black wrinkle coating and correct Stewart Warner NOS instruments were installed. The correct wiring panel was recreated on the left of the dash using period correct switches sourced to the same company as those used on the original Scarab. Even the correct Bell steering wheel was sourced and installed. For added safety and protection, a fire suppression system installed and the windscreen and side curtains were fabricated using more durable and scratch resistant Lexan. As a final personal touch to the remarkable attention to detail, the dashboard contains a Saint Christopher medallion (a personal memento given to Lance by his mother to watch over him while racing) carefully replicated using a casting directly from the original.

Under the hood, the craftsmanship and attention to detail is further evident at every corner. The stunning and iconic 1958 283 ci V8 engine was bored out to 339 ci just as the original and fitted with an original Lehman front drive, powering the water pump, an original Joe Hunt magneto, and the fuel pump. The engine was built with high performance 1958 Corvette heads, a custom crank machined to exacting tolerances and mated to an original T10 Borg Warner transmission with a heavy duty clutch. The entire exhaust system including the headers were hand formed to replicate the original designs exactly. The original fuel tank was also replicated to reflect the design and visual appearance, however, was cleverly built around a modern internal FIA safety cell. According to previously involved parties, when the engine was completed, the car was dyno tested, putting out 446 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 407 ft/lb of torque at 5200 rpm.

Upon completion of the build, the car was presented to a host of original Scarab builders, drivers, mechanics, and designer including Bruce Kessler, Sonny Balcaen, Chuck Pelly, and Henry Heuer, all of whom stated that this car was in fact an exact duplicate of the original Scarab #2 car. The original Meister Brauser team members signed a certificate of authenticity stating this car was an exact replica of the original. As a final testimonial supporting the three-year challenge of technical and artistic accuracy the car was presented along with copious notes and documentation for FIA certification. The car received its Historical Technical Passport, valid until 2027, granting coveted certification for legal racing participation in historic events throughout the world. The unmatched detailing, superlative restoration, stunning condition, and FIA papers make this remarkable sports racer an incredible opportunity to experience one of the most breathtaking cars ever built for competition use.

Today, this Scarab presents in beautiful condition throughout. Every aspect of the car is of exceptional quality and has been beautifully executed. In addition to the remarkable authenticity employed in the build process, the level of craftsmanship and quality of finish is simply superb. The paint has been expertly applied with a deep metallic blue luster and correct white scalloped features, touched off by red perimeter accent stripes. The quintessential Meister Brauser blue and white livery has been properly applied to the handmade alloy coachwork along with expertly applied hand painted dual line pin striping and lettering. The paint is glossy throughout and perfectly captures the fluidity of the iconic undulating fender lines, just as it had for so many years with the original design. The colors, finish, and overall composition are simply breathtaking. The hand formed aluminum body is expertly contoured showing flawless reflections and sinewy fenders that stretch out over the wide, low body. The correct wheels and Dunlop tires make for the perfect combination of power and grace, filling the twin pin striped wheel openings with just the right amount of presence to give the car a powerful but elegant stance. Every view of the car is a visual feast for the eyes, in color, dramatic livery, and form.

Inside the cockpit, the array of original instruments and detailed features continues to amaze even the most detail-oriented viewer. The finishes throughout are expertly applied and show little to no signs of use. The quality of the build and all finishes are reflected in every detail from the seats to the correct Bell steering wheel and perfectly curved Lexan windscreen. Even the exposed shifting linkage, meticulous wire winding, and belt driven alternator, have been beautifully finished to exacting detail.

The engine compartment has been both accurately prepared and once again represents exceptional finishes with no use evident. The engine block, correct Hilborn mechanical injection and intake, side exhaust and headers, and cast components are all excellent both in condition and overall finish. So careful with every detail, the team even included the ball bearing clasp for the hood support bar, exactly as the original. All aluminum inner engine panels are attached with correct period fasteners. In every respect, the engine compartment reflects the original down to the canted trumpet intakes topping the 446 hp engine. The attention to detail continues even as one inspects the underside of the car. Once again, accuracy and craftsmanship of the highest order is evident in all areas. From the inboard rear brakes, the De Dion suspension, to the twin trailing arms and Watts linkage and correct air ducting to the brake drums, every aspect is remarkably well constructed and finished to the highest level. While complete, and of incredible build quality and craftsmanship, this example has yet to be driven in the spirit of the original competition for which it was constructed. We therefore strongly encourage a comprehensive pre-event review with a professional racing preparation shop prior to use.
This stunning Scarab is offered with FIA papers, and is sold on a California title as a 1958 Scarab, and signed letters from those involved in the build process authenticating the exacting specifications.

A masterpiece of automotive design and racing excellence, this wonderfully conceived and exactingly detailed Scarab Mark II is ready to deliver the history and motoring excellence reminiscent of the unrivaled original, just as it won the hearts of American enthusiasts, racers, and world acclaim as intended by the visionary Reventlow team. With recent FIA papers and California title, this expertly crafted Scarab offers all the excitement and excellence in one of the most beloved and winning racecars of the glory days of sports car racing.

https://fantasyjunction.com/inventory/1958-scarab-mk-ii-recreation/overview

1958 Scarab other 339 c.i. Chevrolet V-8 OHV is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Emeryville by Fantasy Junction for $485000.

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