1969 Don Long Dragster 

It's not every day we get to represent an historic race car, but this one has a remarkable track record, (and we mean that in more ways than one!), and well documented backstory.  It's got 3,000 horsepower, has been touched by a U.S. President, and set several NHRA records.

For consignment and gracing our Hallowed Halls, we're proud to offer the 1969 Don Long “Great Expectations II” dragster, which was an active race car from 1969 to 1998 and went through an extensive restoration over the course of 2004 to 2009.  The car comes fully documented with appraisals, communications, photographs, receipts, contracts, and copies of the NHRA record certificates as well as a 2007 Cargo South Inc 22'x7' enclosed trailer to haul this racer to shows.

Exterior
More than 19 feet of pure dragster, the restored car features a wild multi-colored paint job originally applied by George Cerny and restored to its full glory by Estrus.  Lettering and period racing decals, a hallmark of motorsports, have been applied.  The long rail leads to 17-inch wire spoke wheels up front while 16-inch Halibrand aluminum wheels are found out back with authentically raced tires that are original to the car.  That massive engine sits in front of the cockpit with white Zoomie headers facing the sky.  The front axle and linkage is chrome.  A small windscreen deflects air over the driver and a roll cage surrounds the seat.  The parachute and harness are Simpson products.

Interior
The original seat and upholstery are in the car, and restored to original condition.  There is a butterfly steering wheel and the driver would have legs over the massive, chrome rear differential and axle.  Unpainted aluminum panels surround the driver and Moon pedals are large and textured for grip.  There's no radio, no air conditioning, no creature comforts.  This is a purpose built race car with a single goal.

Drivetrain
A 400ci Chrysler Hemi is at the base of the powerplant and is topped by a GMC 6-71 supercharger from Ed Pink on a Weiand intake manifold.  This mill has been fitted with a steel crank, Milodon 4 bolt main caps, Arias pistons, Ed Pink connecting rods, a Chet Herbert 70 camshaft with roller bearing lifters, donovan rockers, pushrods and a Donovan gear drive.  A wet sump engine with stainless steel lines, hoses and fittings keeps things well lubricated, as does the Bruce Dyda oil pan.  Enderle handles the fuel injection with ease and they also provide the fuel pump and massive air intake scoop.  A simple in and out box constitutes the transmission and has been fitted with a Hays 3 disc clutch, Hays flywheels, and Donovan housing and clutch shield.  Turning those vintage M&H rear tires is a Ford 9" rear axle.  Mechanical disc brakes are on the rear axle only.


History
If you're familiar with Top Fuel drag racing and the NHRA, then no doubt you've heard the name Don Long.  He is the legendary chassis builder who not only had an endless list of wins under his belt, but also some of the safest and best handling cars ever to travel the 1320.  In short, he's a legend of the sport.  The engine builder is equally renowned.  Ed Pink was the go to engine builder and his company, which he sold in 2008, is still around producing race engines and is still in Southern California where it all started.  Pink was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2012.  The car was brought to Bruce Dyda in Gardena, California in 2004 by its sixth and current owner.  Over the next five years it was restored to original.  The comprehensive restoration included aligning and fortifying the chassis, rebuild of the nose and body, an engine rebuild, new paint and much more that is documented in the accompanying book.  The original owners were Jim and Alison Lee of Virginia who sponsored the car in the top Fuel Eliminator division until 1973.  They were voted “Top Fuel Crewchiefs” by Car Craft Magazine in 1971.  The book that comes with the cars has, among other things, a handwritten note from Jim Lee indicated an enclosed deposit but containing a hand drawing of the car with his desired specifications noted.  The story of how the current owner obtained the car is included in the book and is fascinating.  It was sheer luck that he had been talking to someone who knew it's whereabouts and after a number of phone calls, the owner struck a deal and took possession, amazed that many of the original parts were still on the car.  He had photographed the car in the '69-'71 period and had always wanted to own, but not race, a Top Fuel dragster.  Through communication with Jim Lee, he was able to obtain the tires that were on the car when it set an E.T. record in 1969 and they are now back on the car.  The original upholstery is also in the car.  By invitation, the car appeared at the White House in September of 1971 for its contribution to motorsports.  It was there that it was photographed with President Nixon and Mario Andretti.  Jackie Stewart, Don Garlits, Richard Petty, and others were there as well, and the car was featured in a Hot Rod Magazine article about the event in December 1971.  This may be one of the better-documented drag cars in history and deserves a caretaker that appreciates the history.  

Accomplishments
September 13, 1969 – Car sets NHRA Elapsed Time record of 6.64 at Atco NJ Dragway
December, 1969 – Team won NHRA Division 1 Top Fuel Championship.
January, 1970 - Photograph of car appears in the “Racing Gallery” of Hot Rod MagazineThe Lees and driver Tom Raley won NHRA World Championship Series Division Meets at: York Dragway, Raceway Park, and Atco Dragway on their way to second straight Division 1 Top Fuel Championship.  The team set another NHRA record with a run of 6.63 at Atco and an even quicker 6.53 at Dallas, TX
1973 – The Lees continued to run “Great Expectations II” at regional events through the year.  However, drag racing's rear engine revolution began in 1971 and by 1973 it was clear the car was no longer competitive in Top Fuel Eliminator.  It was then sold to a Top Alcohol Dragster team. 

Trailer
A 2007 Cargo South trailer is included with the dragster. It's a model 722TA2 which is 7 feet wide and 22 feet long. It's a dual axle trailer with an unmarked, white exterior. ST205/75/15 tires are on the trailer but replacement is recommended. The trailer has leaf spring suspension and electric drum brakes. There are some dents, dings and bruises but nothing catastrophic or particularly unsightly. The rear door as some wrinkled denting at the top and discoloration, but appears to be structurally sound.

Specifications
Overall Length – 235.50”
Weight – 1,290 pounds
400ci Chrysler Hemi
GMC 6-71 Supercharger on a Weiand intake
Enderle fuel pump and fuel injection
Tony Nancy interior  

Here's a rare opportunity for collectors or museums to own a special car.  As noted, documentation comes with the car as it is fully authentic, has racing and record provenance, and is restored to original including the tires and upholstery. 

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

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