Hot Wheels Match Race Haulers
Back in the early 1970s Drag Racing was really catching on and star Match Races were a big draw. Every kid, like many today, wanted Hot Wheels. What better way to promote a product than to blend the real with the toy?
This 1967 D-700 has a remarkable place in racing history. It first began service as the stock car hauler for the King, Richard Petty. It carried his Petty blue Plymouth all over the NASCAR circuit from 1967 through 1969. It was then turned into the Plymouth dealer in Greensboro, NC. In September of 1969 Don Prudhomme purchased the hauler and hired Nash Equipment to prepare it to haul a funny car.
From 1970 through 1972 Don “The Shake” and Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen match raced their Plymouth Funny Cars all over the US. These Hot Wheel Match Races were a major draw though out the Country. This Mongoose Hauler was on display at the 2013 Hot Rod Magazine Cover Car Show in Pomona CA. It was a favorite of many in attendance and always drew a crowd.
Prudhomme sold his truck in 1973 to a gentleman in CA. In 2008 he decided he wanted it back and began a VIN search which led him back to the very person he sold it to in 1973!
Once it was back in his hands The Snake began a 16 month frame off nuts and bolts restoration of the old 1967 D-700 Dodge hauler. Both haulers now have their original restored Funny Cars back in a familiar location. Could just one more match race be far behind?
