This Zodiac Motors Scorpio is a tube-framed, fiberglass and aluminum-bodied special powered by a 1776cc Volkswagen flat-four paired to a 4-speed manual transaxle. The car was built in the 1960s by Beau Hickory, a Bay area inventor, blacksmith, Wild West showman, race car builder, and founder of the California Buggy Association. Reportedly created with the intent of participating in Formula Vee or the period SCCA F/Mod sports racer class, the car is said to have been raced by Hickory at northern California’s Cotati Raceway. The seller met Hickory when purchasing the car five years ago and has since gotten it running and driving with a fresh engine, updated transmission, and fuel cell. The sale includes spare parts, period photos, and a Georgia bill of sale.

The fiberglass body looks smooth overall despite small mars, stress cracks, and minor-looking repairs collected over the years. It is coated in older green primer with some edge chipping. The aluminum belly pan has picked up scars but looks free of meaningful damage, while a removable fiberglass hard top lends an aggressive air when mounted.

Two sets of wheels and tires are included. Porsche-style 15″ five-lugs wear a mix of Pirelli and Firestone radials, while the second set of wide 13″ diameter early VW race wheels are mounted with vintage rubber. A framed windshield is provided but no rear window is currently present. Period VW taillights and signals supplement fresh-looking buggy headlamps.

A sanded-down area has revealed an original painted-on Scorpio logo and Sports Race Car Lab lettering. Zodiac Motors was termed “A Division of Barbary Coast Enterprises” and a sense of humor pervades throughout, including a finely-crafted “Carrozzeria Beau Hickory” script that is included in the sale.

A recently-reupholstered seat is just wide enough for two close acquaintances and sits atop a square-tube framework wrapped in riveted aluminum sheet. No instruments are currently mounted, but the car comes with a period set including the original Sun tach and a 1966 Porsche 120 mph speedometer, along with an oil pressure gauge and ammeter.

The cockpit defines simplicity with controls limited to a simple offset three-spoke wheel, exposed shift lever and floor-hinged pedals. A fuse box has been installed by the seller, though the lights and single windshield wiper have not yet been wired in.

Purchased sans engine, the car is now motivated by a mid-mounted 1776cc air-cooled flat-four built for performance by the seller with an Engle cam, oversized valves, and other modifications. The engine is fed by dual 40mm Webers wearing mismatched air cleaners, while exhaust is via an unmuffled vintage RX 4-1 system with twin stingers. A fuel cell has been added up front by the seller, and the original fiberglass gas tank is also included in good condition.

The rear-mounted VW transaxle as been upgraded to a later-model 4-speed in order to cope with the larger engine, and an updated shifter and CNC clutch slave cylinder have also been installed. The original early split-case transmission is also included, as is an additional Hewland-style racing gearbox case from Webster. Described by the seller as fast and loud, the car is said to run and drive well overall.

The custom-built chassis is comprised of welded square tubing along with pieces and parts from a 1961 Volkswagen. Suspension is via a modified VW torsion bar system in the front and adjustable trailing arms with coilovers in the rear. Running gear wears an older coat of hastily-applied red paint and some areas of superficial corrosion, while some rubber items show their age. The seller has updated the original drum brakes with a new master cylinder, shoes, and wheel cylinders.

Period photos reportedly show Hickory with this car and a several other creations. The sale also includes a variety of additional spares. Intended for use as a racer, the car wears a 1961 Volkswagen chassis plate and is sold with a bill of sale since the state of Georgia will not issue a current title due to its stated age. An older open Florida title is included, but further paperwork is unavailable.