Gorgeous Classic Dodge Race Hauler Setup Available Online
Dodge C-500 Hauler comes with a big block-powered 1965 Plymouth Barracuda drag car.
The modern NHRA competitors who race Dodge products generally arrive to the track in a state-of-the-art tractor trailer setup complete with a huge enclosed area for the cars and a sprawling living space. Back in the early years of the NHRA, the biggest names in the sport didn’t show up with big rigs pulling enclosed trailers. They had custom heavy duty roll-back work trucks that carried the race car out in the open for everyone to see.
These classic race hauler setups were made popular by the Snake and Mongoose racing team, which helped the Hot Wheels brand get off the ground in the 1960s. However, Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen weren’t the only ones who rocked these cool piggyback hauler setups. There were many other teams that used a similar hauler setup and one of them is currently available for purchase via the online-only RM Sotheby’s Palm Beach Auction.
This particular setup features a 1965 Dodge C-500 Hauler and a 1966 Plymouth Barracuda drag car. They are being sold as a unit and the expected selling price range is $75,000 to $100,000. That is no small chunk of change, but for someone looking to score a classic race hauler combo, this is a rare chance to get a great pair of vehicles.
Dodge C-500 Hauler
First up, we have the real attraction of this combo, the 1965 Dodge C-500. The information on this truck is limited, but we know that it is powered by a 318-cubic inch V8 that is mated to a 4-speed manual transmission and a 2-speed rear differential. In addition to the ramp area, complete with a winch for easy loading, there are many storage compartments around the exterior of the custom cargo box for storing tools and racing supplies.
There is even a small area off of the passenger’s compartment that can be used for a sleeping space, although it is better suited to serve as a storage unit as well.
While the information on this truck is short in the RM Sotheby’s listing, there are many pictures and they tell the story. This truck has to have been restored somewhat recently, as it appears to be in amazing condition inside and out. The seats, carpeting, dash and interior trim all look perfect and while there are some signs of wear around the outside, this Dodge C-500 is show-ready.
As for the Barracuda that comes with it, not so much.
The Barracuda Drag Car
The drag car included with this classic Dodge C-500 hauler is a 1966 Plymouth Barracuda. It is powered by a 383-cubic inch big block V8, topped by an Offenhauser high rise intake manifold and two four-barrel carburetors. It has an automatic transmission, a roll cage, a fuel cell and all of the other items needed to convert it to a classic race car.
The only problem is that this Barracuda appears to have been built in the 1960s and since then, there hasn’t been much upkeep performed. Perhaps the idea was to maintain the original look and patina, but next to the gorgeous classic truck, this Plymouth race car looks rough.
The paint is very bad inside, outside and under the hood. The welding work where the cage is fixed to the floor of the trunk appears to be the type that would be mocked on welding groups on social media.
Frankly, while there are pictures of the Barracuda running down the track, we would be concerned about it passing tech inspection, even at a nostalgia event.
However, it appears to be a great basis for a restoration process and when this Plymouth looks as good as the classic Dodge hauler that carries it around, this will be a combo that will turn heads at any show.
If you have an extra hundred-grand laying around to buy this package, click here for a closer look on the RM Sotheby’s website.
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