The fiberglass body is a replica of the '57 Scarab, and it is bolted to the frame in several places. The frame is a tubular steel BRE chassis with a wheelbase of 94 inches. This dedicated platform is similar to the original but much stronger. A Ford 9-inch rear and ring-and-pinion ratio of 4.11:1 are standard for BRE's Scarab. A Flaming River steering box, Morrison steering column, Tilton master cylinder and pedal assembly, Griffin radiator, and Lone Star A-arms are standard in the kit, as are 7x16-inch wheels up front and 8x16s behind, to accommodate Goodyear GA 215R60/16 tires in front and 235s behind.
The Scarab you see here is powered by a '97 Chevy LT1 V-8 engine. The 350ci mill is all stock and puts out a standard 275 hp, but there is certainly room for mods and more power. Feikema built this one with a stock '97 GMZ28 transmission and Lone Star headers
The interior is accented by Stewart-Warner gauges, BRE dash, Grant 714 steering wheel, and aluminum (that's the color) upholstery and carpet, all made to look as close as possible to the original Reventlow No. 16 Scarab. The paintjob is faithful, as well. PPG True Blue Pearl over a basecoat was carefully painted by Joe Grasky of Sarasota, Florida.
Feikema said, "Reventlow built the car to beat the foreign cars, and he did it with style and speed. We think this is American auto know-how at its best, and it's time the public got a chance to live Reventlow's dream."
To those readers who chose the Scarab as their dream kit, here's the chance to live that dream.