Stout Scarab (1936)

1936 Stout Scarab. Made in Detroit Michigan.

William Bushnell Stout was a pioneer in aviation. He founded Stout Air service which later became United Airlines.

In the early 1930’s, William Stout began designing the Scarab. He wanted the car to be light weight with a streamlined design which would allow the car to be faster and more economical. The Scarab was designed to provide the driver with optimum visibility in all directions (except towards the rear of the vehicle). The design of the vehicle and the extended wheel base allowed for a more spacious interior when compared to the traditional cars of the time. Mounting the motor at the rear of the vehicle allowed for a low, flat floor. The direction of seats (with the exception of the driver's seat) could be re-positioned into several different configurations. The interior even included a small table. The Stout Scarab was capable of holding six passengers and has been considered to be the first mini-van. Passengers entered the vehicle through a common door.

The unorthodox shape of the car combined with the high price of $5000 ($89000 in today's dollars) led to the car's failure. A standard Ford sedan of that era cost only $635. The fact that the Scarab was introduced during the Great Depression did not help matters. The Scarab did not attract any customers and William Stout was unable to sell any his cars. The Stout Motor Car Company went out of business in 1942. The history on the Scarab is sort of sketchy. Either six or nine Scarabs were built. Only five Scarabs remain.

The Stout Scarab had a 221 cubic inch, Ford Flathead V-8 which was located over the rear wheels. The motor provided 90HP and the car had an estimated top speed of 80 MPH.