Mooneyes Dragster

In 1963 the Mooneyes Dragster was shipped to UK.

The dragster in UK.

The famous Mooneyes Dragster on display at Nordiska Kompaniet in Stockholm in 1961. Built on a Dragmaster kit chassis and powered by a Chevrolet small-block engine with a Potvin front-mounted supercharger, the car had previously run an 8.97 ET in the United States before going on a European tour sponsored by Revell and Wentzels Hobby. The appearance of the Mooneyes Dragster in Sweden left a deep impression on local hot rodders such as Hans Broberg and Kjell Gustad, inspiring them to build their own dragster shortly after. Photo from The Broberg Family Collection, courtesy of Lisa Broberg.

Photo from The Broberg Family Collection, courtesy of Lisa Broberg.

Photo from The Broberg Family Collection, courtesy of Lisa Broberg.

Photo from The Broberg Family Collection, courtesy of Lisa Broberg.

Photo from The Broberg Family Collection, courtesy of Lisa Broberg.

Photo from The Broberg Family Collection, courtesy of Lisa Broberg.

Photo from The Broberg Family Collection, courtesy of Lisa Broberg.

Photo from The Broberg Family Collection, courtesy of Lisa Broberg.

The Mooneyes Dragster is a dragster owned, built and raced by Dean Moon. In 1961 Dean gained national attention when he built the famous Mooneyes Dragster. Built from a Dragmaster Chassis Kit, the dragster was built as a test-bench and promotional tool. It was initially powered by a Potvin blown Chevy, and at its first outing in 1961 it went 147 mph at 10.29 seconds. In 1962 the dragster was changed to a top mounted blower. Gary Cagle drove it 153.06 mph at 9.52 seconds, and won the Middle Eliminator at the Winternationals.

In 1961 Sydney Allard built the first US inspired dragster of the UK. After completing The Allard Chrysler Dragster, Sydney invited Dean and the Mooneyes Dragster to come to the UK to race.