RIP Chuck Daigh
 

He passed away two days ago from pneumonia. For those of you who know Scarab cars and boats he was the partner of Larry Smith and Peter Rothchild. One of the boats was called Thunderballs.

He was a wizzard with motors and turbos and a real innovator in the racing world. One of his last projects was a sidewinder watercooled Flathead Ford, Turboed and chain driven to the trans and the rear wheels (streamliner). On one of the shakedown runs at El Mirage it hit 140 mph. On the valve cover he had named it (fnkin flathead). He made the chassis, the engine, the transmission, and the rear end. Everything that could be done was done by him in his shop.

I will try to get some pictures of the liner and boats if I can in the next couple of weeks.

God Speed!:(

pat W

Shown in this gorgeous period image is the number 98 Ford Daytona Bird of Chuck Daigh (seen in the photo on the back with a checkered shirt). The photo was taken during 1957 Daytona Beach Speed Weeks. Incredibly, Daigh recorded during this event with the photographed car a Flying Mile speed of no less then 205 mph (328 km/h)!!

I found some stuff on line.
pat W

http://www.ahraf.com/pioneer.php?pioneer=chuck_daigh

In the backround of the video you can see the liner. I think this is the right boat.

Here is a pic Of thunderballs I found in the classis section.
pat W

Condolences to Chuck Daigh's family and friends on his passing. R.I.P.

R.I.P Chuck, thoughts an prayers to the friends an family

Pat please post what pics you have. Would love to see more of the liner. Thanks