Prudhomme to Show Classic Funny Cars at Dana Point Concours

The Dana Point Concours d’Elegance has announced that the 2010 event Honorary Chairman, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme, will be exhibiting four of his classic Funny Cars, as well as his recently restored transporter. Headlining the exhibit will be Prudhomme’s original restoration of the only remaining Mattel Hot Wheels 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Funny Car as made famous during the “Snake vs. Mongoose” match racing promotion, which saw Prudhomme and Tom McEwen square off in match races across the country. The car also made appearances on Plymouth’s popular 1971 Rapid Transit tour.

Many years later, Prudhomme reacquired the car and began an extensive in-house restoration, which was overseen by Prudhomme, with long-time employee Willie Wolter as project manager. The job was completed in 2008. Originally built by Ronnie Scrima at Exhibition Engineering in Van Nuys, CA, the Barracuda features the original 446 cubic-inch motor, original body and original rolling chassis. It also includes an original 671 blower and original Cragar front and Halibrand rear wheels.

Also on display and transporting the Yellow ‘Cuda is Prudhomme’s frame-off and fully restored 1967 Dodge D-700 crew cab Hot Wheels Ramp Truck, which toted his Funny Cars during the 1970’s match racing era. Upon its discovery by Dick Maxwell from Plymouth, the ramp truck was originally purchased by Prudhomme in Greensboro, NC in 1969, with the ramp section customized and installed for his specific racing needs.

The ramp truck then went into service beginning in 1970 as an integral part of the “Snake vs. Mongoose” promotion, with photos of the ramp truck appearing in many magazine articles, news stories, and packaging for Hot Wheels toys, models and track sets. Following the Hot Wheels promotion at the end of the 1972 season, the ramp truck was sold by Prudhomme to a California buyer.

Thirty-five years later, Prudhomme wanted to locate and restore the ramp truck in order to have the complete, original touring package. Using the original VIN number and assistance from local law enforcement, Prudhomme tracked down the vehicle in early 2008. It was still owned by the same buyer and the truck had never left the State of California.

Once delivered to his Vista, CA, racing headquarters, Prudhomme personally oversaw its complete, frame-off restoration which was done largely in-house. Along with the truck will be the original work order for ramp modification, original spare 1966 426-cubic inch stock Hemi cast-iron motor, and Prudhomme’s original driving suit, helmet and uniform.

Prudhomme’s exhibit will also feature the white 1972 Hot Wheels-sponsored Plymouth ‘Cuda funny car, 1974 Army-sponsored Chevrolet Vega funny car and the 1978 Army Plymouth Arrow funny car. The latter proudly carries the “Number 1” to reflect Prudhomme’s fourth consecutive NHRA World Championship season.

The 28th Annual Dana Point Concours d’Elegance will take place on Sunday, June 27, 2010 on the Monarch Beach Golf Links at the prestigious St. Regis resort in Dana Point, CA. General admission tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the event. Children under 12 will receive complimentary admission. To purchase tickets and get more information, please visit the event web site.