Modified Sport Scarab

[Marc Weller]

   I have always had a thing for hot rodded sports cars. While these are only occasionally seen today in the NHRA context (comp eliminator, super gas, etc.), they once had their own home in the modified sports class and it was not unusual to see MG's, Healeys, Jaguars, and the like sporting big V8's with huffers poking out of the hood. A few months ago my buddy Pryor Passorino surprised me with this kit and I was inspired to build something along these lines. The body is an old Strombecker tool, actually a motorized toy that lacks chassis detail and substitutes a detailed frame and motor with a belly pan that mounts an electric motor and rotating axles. I must say, I was not even slightly tempted to build it out of the box and play with it on my kitchen floor. This is a rare and valuable kit and the collector in me wanted it untouched and on the shelf with the rest of my rarities. But this was a gift from Pryor and his expectaton was that I was going to cut it up and build something cool. The real challenge was finding a chassis that would fit the wheelbase and track width of the Scarab. I really didn't feel like scratchbuilding anything so I settled on the Revell Willys gasser kit as a donor which, after shortening the frame rails and relocating the motor mounts rearward, turned out to be a good choice. Paint is Scale Finishes Nassau Blue topped with House of Color Show Clear. I usually hate working with 2K but, I have to admit, I hate polishing and this stuff is super glossy right out of my Pasche. I pleased with the results and I'll be bringing it to Spirit of Speed on Sunday.

[Kah puts]

That looks killer, old kits should be built not just shelf candy, and you still have the box ?

[Rattlecan Dan]

Very unique! Something a Cobra would have to think about messin with.

[PappyD340]

Really nice!

[Zippi]

That looks pretty kewl.  I haven't heard the term "Huffer" in a long time.  I'm digging it Marc.  

[Vettegasser]

That’s way kewl.