One of the highlights of the inaugural Barrett-Jackson Reno Tahoe auction is the appearance of two of the most iconic NHRA funny cars of all time, the Plymouth ‘Cuda campaigned by Don “The Snake” Prudhomme in 1970 and the Plymouth Duster raced by his longtime friend, rival and teammate Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen.
On display outside of California for the first time in more than four decades, the funny cars and their respective haulers are beginning a national tour prior to being auctioned off as a complete set at the 43rd annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction next January.
The display is timed to the theatrical release of the new movie, Snake and Mongoose, which chronicles the complicated relationship between the two drivers.
Plymouth ‘Cuda campaigned by Don “The Snake” Prudhomme
Prudhomme and McEwen are most famous for signing Hot Wheels as a sponsor of both cars and bringing drag racing to mainstream sports marketing.
After Reno, the Hot Wheels Haulers and Funny Cars will take part in the Detroit Woodward Dream Cruise before heading to Indianapolis and the NHRA U.S. Nationals. They will then be displayed at the 6th Annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, September 26-28, 2013.
Plymouth Duster raced by Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen
The final scheduled stop for these authentic cars and haulers is in Scottsdale, Arizona in January, 2014 where they will be auctioned off during the 43rd annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in front of a worldwide stage.
The package of the two funny cars and their haulers, which Prudhomme owns and is putting up for auction with Barrett-Jackson, is expected to be among the top attractions at Scottsdale.
“The haulers and funny cars from this iconic era were not only childhood treasures but are now being brought to life in a major motion picture,” said Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “Prudhomme and McEwen revolutionized a sport and we’re so proud to be able to be a part of that history by showcasing these vehicles in Reno and Las Vegas, and then ultimately having them cross the block in Scottsdale.”
