1946 Stout Scarab Experimental Sedan

William Stout began his career as aviation editor for the Chicago Tribune and later as Chief Engineer of Packard's Aircraft Division. He is best remembered for his radically designed 1936 Stout Scarab automobile. In 1926, he formed one of the nation's first passenger airlines, Stout Airlines, with regular service between Grand Rapids and Detroit, MI., that later became part of United Airlines. He is also credited with designing the famed Ford Tri-Motor airplane, the workhorse of the emerging aviation industry.

In 1946, William Stout updated his 1936 Scarab design and built this experimental two-door sedan, the first fiberglass-bodied automobile. The car features innovations such as a rear-mounted Ford V-8 engine, four-wheel independent air-ride suspension, and a wrap-around windshield. In 1953, Owens Corning and General Motors produced the first fiberglass-bodied production automobile - the Chevrolet Corvette.

The Ford V-8 engine delivers 90 horsepower, and the wheelbase measures 135 inches. The cost to build this experimental vehicle cost $100,000.