Stout Scarab: The Futuristic Minivan That the World Wasn’t Ready For

Futuristic Pioneer - When we think about family vehicles today, the minivan usually comes to mind—a practical choice for those who value space, comfort, and togetherness on the road. In many places like Indonesia, where large families are common, these vehicles are part of daily life. Yet long before the minivan became a familiar sight, one man in America had already envisioned something remarkably similar, though his creation arrived decades ahead of its time. That man was William Bushnell Stout, an engineer with a background in both automobiles and aviation, and the car he built was called the Stout Scarab.

The 1936 Stout Scarab on display at the 2012 Concours d’Elegance of Southwest Michigan. (Picture from: Hemmings)

Unveiled in the 1930s, the Scarab looked nothing like the cars of its era. Inspired by the scarab beetle and borrowing elements from aircraft design, it carried a streamlined, futuristic body that seemed almost alien compared to the boxy sedans of the day. Stout worked with John Tjaarda, an aeronautical designer, to shape its lightweight aluminum body and smooth curves, aiming not only for style but also for efficiency. The sleek exterior reduced wind resistance and improved driving performance, making it stand out as one of the earliest attempts at aerodynamic automotive design.

The steering wheel and dashboard view of the 1936 Stout Scarab. (Picture from: ShangralaFamilyFun)

Inside, the Scarab was even more radical. Instead of a traditional layout with the engine up front and a bulky chassis underneath, Stout placed the Ford 221 CID flathead V8 engine at the rear. This clever move freed up space in the cabin, giving passengers a level of comfort that was unheard of in the 1930s. Independent suspension on all four wheels added to the smoothness of the ride, while the flat floor created roominess that made the car feel more like a moving lounge than a conventional automobile. Stout even imagined it serving as a “mobile office,” which explains its long wheelbase and reconfigurable seating.

The 1936 Stout Scarab had a table, moving chairs, and three cigar lighters in its cabin. (Picture from: ShangralaFamilyFun)

The idea was bold, but execution was another story. Unlike giants such as Ford or General Motors, Stout ran a small operation. His company, Stout Motor Car Company, had limited resources, and production was far from the scale needed to make the Scarab a common sight on the road. Although Stout dreamed of building 100 units per year, only around nine cars were actually produced between 1935 and 1936. Priced at about $5,000—a staggering amount at the time—the Scarab was simply out of reach for most buyers. Critics also found its design too unconventional, and what was meant to look visionary instead appeared strange to a public not ready for such a leap.

The 1936 Stout Scarab on display at the Owls Head Transportation Museum (Owls Head, Maine). (Picture from: Hemmings)

Despite its commercial failure, the Stout Scarab holds a special place in automotive history. It has often been called the world’s first minivan, a title that fits when you consider its shape, layout, and purpose. What seemed radical then has since become normal: rear engines, spacious interiors, aerodynamic curves, and flexible seating are all features that define family cars today. While the Scarab never reached mass production, its DNA can be seen in countless vehicles that followed.

Today, the few surviving Scarabs are priceless treasures. What once failed to attract buyers at $5,000 in the 1930s now commands prices estimated around $90,000, reflecting both its rarity and its significance as a pioneering design. It may not have succeeded in its own time, but the Stout Scarab lives on as proof that being ahead of the curve sometimes means waiting for the world to catch up. For a glimpse of a vehicle with a somewhat similar spirit, you can look at the 1941 Ford Western Flyer Motorhome. *** [EKA [20112019][13032022] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SHANGRALA FAMILY FUN | HEMMINGS ]

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