Every Collection Needs a ’60s Wheelstander, Right?

Why watch wheelstanders when you can own one? Really? Totally for real.

Two icons that need little introduction will cross the Mecum block later this week–but they can use a little background.

The one that ushered in and defined the scene is the Little Red Wagon, Bill “Maverick” Golden’s Dodge A100. The original plan, as the legend goes, was that this was supposed to be a straight-up A/FX drag racer. But the thing wouldn’t keep the front wheels planted.


Photographs Courtesy Mecum Auctions

Golden, a noted Super Stock driver from California, was able to figure out a way to keep the midengined machine up on the rear wheels for a whole quarter mile,” the catalog explains, “and it quickly became the highest-demanded attraction in the entire sport by 1966.”

This is not one of Golden’s actual trucks, however, but rather a tribute built with his involvement. It also served as a centerpiece of “Big Daddy” Don Garlits’ museum. It’s billed as being in “non-running condition for display purposes only” and is expected to fetch $125,000-$150,000.

 

 

The Hurst Hemi Under Glass offered by Mecum, however, is the genuine article, the actual 1967 Plymouth Barracuda driven by Bob Riggle. Next to the Little Red Wagon, this one also defined the wheelstanding scene. 

It eventually disappeared,” the catalog explains, “but in the mid-1990s a young man approached Bob Riggle at an event, claiming to know its whereabouts. Riggle was skeptical, but invited the gentlemen to return with whatever documentation he had. Two months later, he showed up with photographs of the car at its home in Montreal. It had fallen to neglect but there was no doubt about its authenticity.”


Photographs Courtesy Mecum Auctions

It has since been restored by Riggle to original show condition. What’s this one worth? The estimate is $200,000-$300,000.

Long after pulling its first wheelie, Hemi Under Glass continues to make news. In 2016, Riggle and Jay Leno filmed a spot in the 1969 Hemi Under Glass–and, famously, it didn’t end so gracefully. 

 

 

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