SCG Aims to Reboot Classic Off-Roader

Motorsports and performance specialist Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus (SCG) LLC is developing an extreme off-road vehicle that it plans to launch in about two years.

The rugged dune buggy-like vehicle is modeled after the 1960s-era Hurst Baja Boot that actor Steve McQueen raced in the precursor to the Baja 1,000. SCG founder James Glickenhaus purchased one of the two original Boots (the other is in a Netherlands museum) in 2010.

The new model’s utilitarian design will include two- and four-door configurations. A three-seat layout is used with the driver centered ahead of dual rear seats. Unlike the open-air Boot, SCG’s off-roader will have an enclosed cabin with air conditioning.

Power will come from a mid-mounted 5.0-liter V-8 engine mated with an automatic transmission. Other goodies include selectable four-wheel drive, 20-inch suspension clearance, roof-mounted spotlights and an external roll cage.

SCG plans to test the vehicle by driving it to the top of the 22,615-ft Ojos del Salado volcano in Atacama, Chile. This would set a world record for altitude driving, topping the previous mark of 21,942 ft in a 1986 Suzuki Samurai.

Pricing is expected to start at about $100,000. SCG aims to sell the new model under the U.S. National Highway Transportation and Safety Admin.’s Low-Volume Vehicle Act, which would limit annual production to 325 units.

SCG launched its first vehicle, the Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina, in 2006. This was followed by the P 4/5 Competizione, SCG 003 and upcoming SCG 004S, all of which sticker for several million dollars.