https://santabarbara.craigslist.org/pts/d/santa-barbara-1974-datsun-260z-parts-car/7500420356.html

 

Looks like a project, but decent price.

Pretty rusty! I'm not sure it's a true "Scarab"...

  On 6/24/2022 at 7:43 PM, Patcon said:

Pretty rusty! I'm not sure it's a true "Scarab"...

I think the only thing this Z has in common with a Scarab is a V8 motor.  No Scarab emblems or other identifying markings.

The engine seems to be in the Scarab position.  Jammed against the firewall.

No, that's not a Scarab.  We have a good couple of threads on Scarabs in the archives.  Member 'ZRUSH' had a Scarab.

  On 6/24/2022 at 10:00 PM, 26th-Z said:

No, that's not a Scarab.  We have a good couple of threads on Scarabs in the archives. 

Edit - It might be just a partial conversion.  Just realized that you did not read the CL ad.  If you read it you'll find - "Nice V8 scarab conversion with engine still intact."

 

https://datsunforum.com/the-scarab-legend-the-original-hybrid-datsun-z/

"As time has passed, the number of legitimate Scarab conversions have become cloudy – Some claim less than 200 “factory” Scarabs were ever produced, while others put that number upwards of 270.

Adding to the confusion, many “customer cars” were converted by Scarab – and even more were converted on a DIY basis by owners in other states, as over a thousand conversion kits were sold during the life of the company with an approximate price tag of $1200.

Some customers opted for all of the upgrades, some just wanted the V8 swap..."

Edited June 25, 20222 yr by Zed Head

  On 6/24/2022 at 11:13 PM, Zed Head said:

Edit - It might be just a partial conversion. 

It does have louvers in the hood and battery and M/C lids sort of in the style of a true Scarab.  But, no sign of ever having a rear spoiler or Scarab emblems.

If it is a Scarab, then it is most probably some "do it selfer" bought a kit or partial kit and installed some of the items.

From what I have heard about Scarabs, they can be ordered as a kit where you could build it yourself or you could have Scarab modify your car.

Scarab wasn't mass producing these cars, but they were "custom" made to order and the customer could select mods to suit their our desires. I can remember seeing a post with an ad where you could order a V8 kit from Scarab for a Ford or Chevy V8 iirc and you supplied the engine. That would leave it open to all kinds of engine configurations.

If that is the case, it would be near impossible the difine a Scarab as a particular model and option pack. And a "real" Scarab would only be valid with the original documents stating the options the S30 received.

This one seems to be missing some of the basic scarab details like Scarab engine rocker covers, rear spoiler en the emblems. What it does have is the typical V8 fitted against the firewall and the 6 flutes (Scarab had none, 6 or 15) in the hood.

If someone wants to do a V8 swap, it would make a great parts car.

Apologies for the misleading title. I did not fully look into the ad, I saw scarab in the text, and figured I’ll post it in case someone had a need for it.

Yes, it might be a partial conversion - or - it might be a V8 swap calling itself a Scarab.  It could also be a Scarab without any of the Scarab pieces.  A ghost Scarab perhaps.  Of course, if there was any legitimate value 'as a Scarab', it wouldn't be in that condition now would it?

  On 6/25/2022 at 12:07 PM, 26th-Z said:

Of course, if there was any legitimate value 'as a Scarab', it wouldn't be in that condition now would it?

And let's not forget that it's listed on "anything goes" CraigsList where for the $5 listing fee you could call it a custom bodied Corvette since there's no title.

Interesting how much misinformation still gets circulated on Scarab Engineering, its cars and its founders (Brian Morrow and Keith Bergey). 4 years ago I wrote the definitive book on the company after visiting with both founders and speaking with them extensively. My book, "Resurrecting the Legend - The Real Datsun Scarab Story," can be found for sale on eBay.