D&D electric motor, single speed gearing, mechanical steering, and rear miniature drum brakes. Wheelbase: 128 in.

The electric dragsters we have the pleasure of offering here are recreations of the Top Fuel Dragsters driven by “Big Daddy” Don Garlits and Darrell “The Kid” Gwynn during the 1986 NHRA season. Each one of the pair of DieHard Battery Powered Electric Dragsters were built by Brad Hadman, designed by Mike Gerry, and feature graphics by Eric Reyes, all done under the supervision of Jerry Gwynn. This particular one, which was custom built for Darrell specifically, is fitted with a specially designed custom joystick that allowed Gwynn to accelerate, brake, and steer. Finished in bright red and with an open cockpit, it continues to feature all the expected elements of the proper dragster, including the air intake unit at the rear, as well as the rear wing.

These electric dragsters were conceived and built for the “Garlits vs. Gwynn: Match Races for a Cause” charity racing series. The match race series was created to generate awareness for Mr. Gwynn’s charity and marked the first time in 21 years that Darrell Gwynn raced competitively since his accident in 1990, which left him paralyzed and ended his racing career. The event also marked the final time the two NHRA Hall of Famers and rivals, Garlits and Gwynn, would race against each other in their respective careers.

Perhaps what is most impressive is that these dragsters can be retuned to drive anywhere from 30 to 80 mph, making them suitable as terrific display pieces or for use in an educational setting or training situation to simulate the thrill of a true drag race.

Mr. Staluppi purchased the dragster to further support his friend Darrell Gwynn’s charitable foundation, and we are delighted to be able to represent this outstanding and very special example at auction.