Zrush

California didn't like the fact that Brian was ripping the smog control Z engines out and putting 65-70's vette engines back in the cars. He had to sell Scarab #1 (his personal car) to defend himself in the first go-around in court. He won that battle by claiming the cars where for "off road use only". California continued to keep an eye on Scarab Performance and I'm sure buyers had to sign a waiver stating that the cars are not street legal. Brians solution and hope to keep his business alive was to build a 425 hp turbo version of the Scarab or "Super Scarab" as it was known to many back then. I've read the stats on that car and it was a true Street Beast. But a price tag of $35,000 was likely a bit much for people back in the early 80's. This pricing and the constant eye in the sky from the pollution police was most likely the demise of his company. Until the gag order is lifted and the true story is told, we'll never really know what happened to one of the most elusive hybrid automobiles ever made. Vicky

I've heard many rumors about him and I really don't know which one to believe. I've heard that after the state of California shut him down, he just disappeared. Heard he was suffering from some sort of degenerative (sp?) disease. The one that's most likely is the gag order that I read about in some performance magazine. I think the gag order was for 20 years and imposed in 1985 so that means if he is still around, this would be the time for him to speak out about how he was railroaded by the air-pollution/emissions board in California. Many Scarab owners are hoping he pops up somewhere to tell his story. I know I would be interested. Vicky

I think the wide tires look good if they're tucked up under the back, like the drag cars. On a street car it looks awesome. From the front you look like a regular Joe but from behind you car means business. All that monster tire tucked nice and neat within the lines of the Z. Very intimidating look I think. Vicky

Red, Yellow, Blue or Silver. I'd have to say the worst color for a Z IMO would be the violet. I know Nissan offered that color for the Z car, has anyone actually ever seen it? Oh and no stickers or decals, at least in Cali, 'cause your car will be way to fast and you'll be arrested :paranoid: Vicky

Ace and Gary, that's all I can think of when I see "Strange Superhero Duos" You know, Ace and Gary the ambiguously gay duo from Saturday Nite Live. Way to funny. I cannot make my post Z related, sorry Vicky

Congratulations Ed, you've done a fantastic job. Have fun at the convention and don't forget to take a picture of your 1st place trophy too. Vicky

Wish we could make it up there with all the "Florida Gurus". Sounds like it's going to be a blast. I know when we went in 2003 it was great. The northeast Z car guys and gals are a fantastic bunch. John, watch out for those Florida boyz, if the temp drops below 75, they'll be frisky so don't leave the keys to any Z's in the ignition Have fun everybody and take lots of pictures. Vicky

My first car was a 1973 Mustang Mach 1. Bright yellow, tan interior, built 351 Cleveland, C6 tranny with a shift kit, 4:11 rear end and a few other goodies that were popular for 70's cars. Prevelent to rust in the same areas as our Z cars. This was my Friday nite bracket racer at Sunshine Dragstrip. 2nd car was a 1978 Trans Am. OK car. Sold the T/A in 1983 for a 1978 280Z that I was the second owner of. I've had a Z in my life ever since. Vicky

Yes, guilty as charged. The car runs better the faster you go and I must swerve through traffic to losen up the steering No stickers on Zrush 'casue they're all on the car hauler. Dam trailer is sooooo fast now with that MSD decal. Vicky

Look at Indian Larry, the famous bike builder who was recently killed while horsing around on a bike. Such a shame. Vicky

All I can read is blah, blah, blah and more blah. After reading his ad I find myself to tired to do anything. Vicky

I hope I didn't insult you Chris, I didn't even think of you when I was typing away. Just stating my view from dealing with cars, car collectors, car sales and car shows. (And not just Z cars) Most of us can pretty much say that you are the only guy we know with consecutive LOW vins's. How cool is that! Still friends?? :nervous: Vicky

Depends how you swing. Some people on this site buy low VIN # Z's and pay what they need to get the car, even if it's in need of a heavy resto. I could really care less about VIN#'s and would perfer to start with a car that been well maintained for my resto project. Terrible truth of the matter is that only certain rare automobiles really matter when it comes to VIN's and numbers matching. You will get many opinions on this I'm sure. Hard to determine a fair price without any photos. FWIW Vicky

Can you get new ones and then have them clear coated? That should help keep them looking fresh and new. Just a thought Vicky

I'd think you'd have that "I smell clutch" and know you're doing something wrong before that much damage could happen. Yikes.

Was there a "Testarossa" in the 60's? Vicky

The Scarab has a sunroof made by "Z-Lid". Remember that company. The literature is so cool, wicked 70's stuff. I'll have to take a picture of the plaque that's installed infront of the Z-Lid inside. It has far out 70's writing and design. Vicky

I wonder how cars like that are insured. I know most classic car carriers won't cover your vehicle if it's raced in any form. But you'd think those guys have some type of coverage. Very sad indeed. Vicky

............and the semi-ricey green car in the background just sits there and smerks Quite a painful view. Vicky