Photos by Classic Auto Mall

It’s not every day a surviving, restored dragster from one of the sport’s most legendary builders hits the market.

Classic Auto Mall is selling the historic Don Long-built 1969 “Great Expectations II” dragster (also listed on RacingJunk), a car with a rich legacy in the world of drag racing. This 3,000-horsepower time capsule, which has set several NHRA records and was once displayed at the White House, offers collectors a unique opportunity to own a piece of drag racing history. When built new, the car went through a who’s-who of iconic early dragster masterminds: Don Long built the chassis, Tom Hanna formed the body, and Ed Pink supplied the horsepower.

The dragster was active in competition and public displays from 1969 to 1998, and its restoration between 2004 to 2009 has been meticulously documented. Accompanying this dragster is a comprehensive collection of appraisals, communications, photographs, receipts, contracts, and copies of NHRA record certificates.

Originally owned by Jim and Alison Lee of Virginia, the car competed in the Top Fuel Eliminator division until 1973. The Lees were celebrated as the “Fuel Crew Chiefs of the Year” by Car Craft Magazine in 1971. The book includes a handwritten note from Jim Lee, detailing the car’s specifications, and a fascinating account of how the current owner acquired the vehicle.

The dragster’s notable achievements include setting an NHRA elapsed time record of 6.64 seconds at Atco Dragway in New Jersey on September 13, 1969. The team won the NHRA Division 1 Top Fuel Championship in December 1969. The car appeared in Hot Rod Magazine’s “Racing Gallery” in January 1970. The Lees and driver Tom Raley won multiple NHRA World Championship Series Division Meets and set another NHRA record with a run of 6.63 seconds at Atco and an even quicker 6.53 seconds in Dallas, Texas.

In September 1971, the dragster appeared at the White House, recognized for its contribution to motorsports. It was photographed with President Nixon and Mario Andretti, alongside legends like Jackie Stewart, Don Garlits, and Richard Petty. This moment was featured in Hot Rod Magazine in December 1971.

The sport’s rear engine revolution rendered the car uncompetitive in Top Fuel by 1973, and it was sold to the Top Alcohol team of Cottrell & Speelman. In 2004, it was acquired by former Old Bridge Township Raceway Park writer and photographer Brian Beattie, who had dreamt of owning such a car for more than 30 years. Beattie acquired the car with many original components necessary for the restoration. Despite minor modifications to the roll cage through the ensuing four owner it had after the Lees, the chassis was mostly original Don Long-crafted tubing.

Long, a legendary chassis builder in the formative years of AA/FD racing, crafted the beautiful machine. Known for producing some of the safest and best-handling cars, Long’s creations are synonymous with 1960’s-era nitro racing.

The dragster was brought to Bruce Dyda in Gardena, California in 2004, and over five years, it was restored to its original condition, including aligning and fortifying the chassis, rebuilding the nose and body, and refurbishing the engine and paint. The comprehensive restoration is documented in an accompanying book. Every detail of the car, including the original Tom Hanna-crafted bodywork, was meticulously restored to a like-new 1969 conditon — Beattie and Dada were determined to do it right, or not do it at all. The car was unveiled at the California Hot Rod Reunion in October 2009 and immediately pressed into “Cacklefest” duty.

The 19-foot-long dragster features a striking paint job originally applied by George Cerny and restored by Richard Stannard at Estrus. The vehicle is adorned with period-correct racing decals, a nod to its storied past. The front of the car sports 17-inch wire spoke wheels, while the rear features 16-inch Halibrand aluminum wheels with original race tires. Chrome accents and a small windscreen add to its aesthetic appeal, while Simpson products supply the parachute and harness.

Inside, the dragster retains its original seat and upholstery, restored to original condition. A butterfly steering wheel and Moon pedals emphasize the car’s . Unpainted aluminum panels surround the driver, who sits with legs positioned over the chrome rear differential and axle, reflecting the dragster’s singular focus on performance.

At the heart of the dragster is a 400 cubic inch Chrysler Hemi engine topped with a GMC 6-71 supercharger. The engine boasts a number of period-correct-type components, including a Weiand intake manifold, 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, as well as an Enderle fuel injection system. The engine is finished off with period-correct white zoomie-style exhaust headers. The transmission is a simple in-and-out box featuring Hays 3-disc clutch, Hays flywheels, and Donovan housing and clutch shield. The Ford 9-inch rear axle, coupled with mechanical disc brakes on the rear axle, completes the drivetrain.

The auction presents a rare opportunity for collectors or museums to acquire a fully authenticated and meticulously restored piece of drag racing history. With its rich documentation and racing history, featuring the craftsmanship of one of the sport’s legendary builders, the 1969 “Great Expectations II” dragster is an impressive catch for the right buyer, with $132,000 burning a hole in their pocket.