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…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at DragzineDragzine…