“William B. Stout (1880-1956) is remembered in aviation for his part in the design of the famous Ford Tri-Motor "Tin Goose" and in automotive circles for the Scarab, nine of which were built. His credo "Simplicate. Add lightness" was reflected in the Scarab design by eliminating running boards (allowing a wider body interior), placing the engine in the rear and incorporating a smooth airflow body, based on unit construction (no frame as such). Not only did it have a unit construction body made out of light aluminum, it featured the famous Ford flathead V8 engine placed at the rear driving the rear wheels via a Stout-built three-speed manual transaxle. It has a 135'' wheelbase, 4-wheel independent coil spring suspension,electric door locks, flexible seating, thermostatically-controlled heat, and the most spacious cabin of any American car as the result of no running boards and no drive shaft tube.Scarab car, a people- moving forerunner to the minivan in 1936. Specifications: Ford engine water-cooled V-8; bore 3-1/16 in., stroke 3-3/4 in., displacement 221 cu. in., modified to 100 hp. Suggested price new beginning at $5,000.”
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From Automotive History Online)
