While similar in concept to the Ford based Edwardian range, the Raceabout was much more sporty that the other models in the range……… 

  According to the 1970 advertisement in Cars and Car Conversions of 1970, the Siva Raceabout "attracts more attention than a pink Lamborghini!"  The Raceabout follows the style of the sporting cars of the early 1900s and is based on an un-shortened VW Beetle chassis.  "A really wild street machine with Volkswagon reliability."  Full weather equipment was available and the kit comprised of a body, seats, hubcaps, bonnet, dummy fuel tank and a set of brackets to hold it all together.  Aluminium cast 18" artillery wheels were available as an option and these could in theory, be fitted to the Ford based cars (with suitable adaptor washers).

The construction was similar to the San Remo in that the body "tub" was bolted to an unshortened VW Beetle chassis (1200 to 1500 swing axle models) utilising the standard braking and steering.  As with the San Remo, the rear engine was covered with a false cover and presumably the fuel tank was fitted under the shapely nose.   

"Hot Car" magazine referred to the Raceabout as the "world's only veteran beach buggy!"  The magazine went on to give the following verdict, "It's a great fun-car to drive - quick and safe handling - and comfortable!  It'll probably do everything that a beach buggy will do - and more."  What they didn’t say was that the total lack of ballast over the front axle allowed a certain amount of “float” on undulating B roads.  No doubt this would lead to a certain amount of “pilot uncertainty” to say the least.

 In 2005, one could have said that there were very few survivors but two have turned up recently through the Ebay auction house - one in running order and one a restoration project.  Another discarded project is shown on a car enthusiast’s website.  Two others have since made themselves known to this website.  Exactly how many are left is difficult to check but in the region of 5 or 6 is likely.  More importantly, are there any in roadworthy condition?