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So, you think that Chrysler Corporation came up with the mini-van (MPV) in the late 1970’s? Think again. A design engineer named William B. Stout came up with that very idea first—in 1936. Stout was an automotive journalist and an aviator. He was responsible for designing the famous Ford Tri-Motor airplane, collaborating with Henry Ford on the latter’s entry into the field of aviation. The odd-looking, ground-based, van-type vehicle he designed was based on principles of construction used in aviation. It was built with a unit body, out of aluminum, and was aerodynamic to boot. Instead of trying to come up with a new design for its rear engine layout, Stout used the tried-and-true Ford, flathead V-8. The design is simplicity itself—the engine and transmission is mounted to the differential via a chain coupling, thus eliminating the driveshaft. The radiator is still ahead of the engine and receives cooling air via a duct arrangement. The whole assembly is easily removed for servicing by jacking up the rear of the vehicle, unbolting its subframe, and rolling it out on the rear wheels. Because the vehicle has no running boards, and a 135-inch wheelbase, it has more interior room than any passenger vehicle of its time, save for buses. The Scarab also has a 4-wheel, coil spring, independent suspension—which was very advanced in a day when solid, beam-type axles could be found on the front end of just about every car on the road. Because of its rear-engine configuration, and sloping hood, forward visibility was excellent. And, because the weight was greatest over the rear wheels, traction was optimal and the steering was light and responsive. Stout was proud of the Scarab’s rear-engine layout, and made this statement at the vehicle’s introduction: “We have stuck by the front-engine car partly because our engineers have made the front-engine car workable, but also partly because of the horse-and-buggy tradition.” As unusual as the design is, the interior is its most unusual feature for its time-period. All of the seats, with the exception of the driver’s, could be removed, or moved around as necessary. A card table could also be fitted anywhere in the passenger compartment. It’s generally thought that 9 Scarabs were built between 1934 and 1939. They cost $5,000 each, but Stout never intended to continue to expensively hand-build them, hoping that the concept would be picked up by one of the major automakers. Alas, it was too radical a departure from what was expected in the ‘30s and none took him up on the idea.
This is the second Brooklin 1:43 scale image I've purchased—and for the same reason. It’s of a vehicle I admire, and a 1:24 scale model isn’t currently available. Again, it’s a static image, made from an almost solid, hefty-feeling piece of die cast metal. As seems to be the case with Brooklin, the details are very good for a model in this small scale and price range. The finish is flawless, with correctly scaled metal-flaking in the dark blue-gray paint. Interior detailing is above average for its tiny size. As is customary with Brooklin images, the majority of small, exterior parts are also die cast metal—which is a plus, considering these images are pretty much of a bargain at under $100. This particular image costs $89.95.
I saw a 1936 Scarab at an antique auto show a number of years ago—probably the very one this model is scaled from. I got a chance to look it over, inside and out, and couldn't get over how modern it seemed. When the owner—who spent a small fortune restoring it—started it up to put it in its trailer, all that could be heard was the familiar clatter of that flathead V-8. The owner said the Scarab could cruise along at highway speeds without a problem and was very quiet because of its aerodynamic design. He had to stop driving it, however, because people would nearly sideswipe him trying to find out what it was! These days, automakers tout their advanced features and design, and potential customers have no idea that most of these so-called “new and improved” features have been thought of decades ago.
(09/08/2005)
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