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1958 Scarab MkII Sports Racer

MkII Sports Racer image

The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.

The Scarab MkII Sports Racer is an iconic racing car from the late 1950s that was designed to deliver exceptional performance and handling on both road and track. This car was produced between 1957 and 1959 by the Scarab Racing team, which was founded by Lance Reventlow, the son of Woolworth department store heiress Barbara Hutton.

The Scarab MkII is a two-seater sports car that was built on a lightweight ladder frame chassis made of aircraft-grade steel tubing. The car was powered by a mid-mounted 357-cubic-inch Chevrolet V8 engine, which was capable of producing 355 horsepower at 6000 rpm. The engine was coupled to a four-speed Borg Warner T-10 manual transmission that delivered power to the rear wheels of the car.

The Scarab MkII featured a unique suspension system that was designed to provide excellent handling and stability at high speeds. The car had independent suspension on all four wheels, with a transverse leaf spring at the front and a torsion bar at the rear. The suspension was further enhanced by adjustable shock absorbers and anti-sway bars.

The Scarab MkII was also fitted with disc brakes all-round, which was a first for a sports car at the time. The front disc brakes were designed and built by Scarab Racing, while the rear disc brakes were sourced from a Jaguar D-Type racing car. The car was fitted with lightweight alloy wheels that were shod with Goodyear racing tires.

The body of the Scarab MkII was made of high-quality aluminum that was formed into streamlined curves and shapes that gave the car a distinctive and sleek appearance. The car had a low-slung profile with a pointed nose, a long hood, and a short rear deck. The car also featured a large front grille, a wrap-around windscreen, and aerodynamic side mirrors.

Overall, the Scarab MkII Sports Racer was a true work of art that was ahead of its time in terms of engineering, design, and performance. This car was a true racing legend that will always be remembered as one of the greatest sports cars of all time.

Milestones

- 1958: The Scarab MkII Sports Racer was introduced as the follow-up to the Scarab MkI, with a similar front-engine layout but a more streamlined body design. - January 1958: The Scarab MkII made its public debut at the Riverside International Raceway in California, with driver Chuck Daigh at the wheel. - February 1958: The Scarab MkII earned its first victory in the United States, when Daigh won the Pomona Fairgrounds Grand Prix in California. - August 1958: The Scarab MkII made its international debut at the RAC Tourist Trophy race at Goodwood in the UK, with drivers Daigh and Jim Jeffords. They finished sixth overall and first in their class. - September 1958: Daigh and Jeffords drove the Scarab MkII to victory in the Sussex Trophy race at Goodwood, beating out some of the best sports car racers in the world. - October 1958: Daigh and Jeffords finished second overall and first in their class at the TT Celebration race at Goodwood, another prestigious international event. - November 1958: The Scarab MkII competed in its final race of the season, the Nassau Trophy race in the Bahamas, where Daigh finished third overall and first in his class. - 1959: The Scarab MkII continued to compete in various races in the US and around the world, earning additional victories and podium finishes. However, financial difficulties and engine reliability issues led to the team's eventual dissolution at the end of the year.


Technical

- Manufacturer: A.F.N. Ltd (UK) - Model: Scarab MkII Sports Racer - Production Year: 1958 - Chassis: Space-frame construction - Bodywork: Hand-formed aluminum body - Engine: 4.4-liter (268ci) Offenhauser 4-cylinder engine - Power output: 270 horsepower (200 kW) - Transmission: 4-speed manual with a rigid rear axle - Suspension: Independent front suspension and rear transverse leaf spring - Brakes: Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes - Wheels and tires: Halibrand magnesium wheels with Dunlop racing tires - Weight: 1,120 kg (2,472 lb) - Top speed: Approximately 260 km/h (160 mph) - Racing history: Competed in various sports car races in the US, driven by the likes of Chuck Daigh and Jim Jeffords. Notable wins include the Riverside Grand Prix and the Pacific Grand Prix.

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