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Drag racers loved them. The street rarely saw them. A legend was built around them. In 1968, Chrysler contracted to have Hurst Industries assemble a small run of Plymouth Barracudas and Dodge Darts for timed acceleration events only. Powered by the 426 Race Hemi engine and lacking most amenities, the Hurst Hemi cars were not even street-legal (you signed a disclaimer with the company stating so to buy one new), but would rewrite racing history with wins and championships in those days.

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This Hemi Dart tribute from John Wickey’s collection is unique in many ways. It was originally owned by pro wrestler Bill Goldberg, created not as a drag-strip terror but as a street-suitable driver. For power, legendary Race Hemi engine-builder Ray Barton put together a cross-ram-topped 472 CI Hemi engine built specifically for this project. Coated Hooker headers feeding into 3-inch pipes and Flowmaster mufflers help quiet it for the neighbors, but the dyno test proved its worth at 713 horsepower. The rest of the driveline is a reworked A833 4-speed with Passon overdrive, and a Strange S60 3.73:1-geared differential supported with MP Super Stock leaf springs.

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Noted builder Time Machines was selected to bring the 1968 Dart body to 21st-century specs. This included an AlterKtion front suspension with rack-and-pinion steering, Baer disc brakes, the Glasstech front end, and other upgrades. Gary Ball replicated an interior quite similar to the 1968 race design, augmented by a hidden Sony Xplod stereo system. Halibrand and Stockton wheels help give this car ‘the look’ and its final appearance of Black-on-Black is almost sinister. The dash was signed by the late Dick Landy prior to his passing in 2007.

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This machine may look familiar, as it has been selected for display at SEMA, Chryslers at Carlisle and other major events, plus several print appearances. Get prepared though, because today’s Super Stock Hemi Darts race in NHRA’s SS/AH class, run the quarter-mile in approximately 8.2 seconds at 160 MPH, and a Dart with a Ray Barton racing engine holds the current record.

Photo:Mecum

Photo:Mecum

HIGHLIGHTS

– Previously owned by Professional Wrestler, Bill Goldberg
– Bodywork and custom fabrication by Time Machines
– Gary Ball contracted to achieve correct Super Stock cockpit
– Ray Barton 472/713 HP Hemi engine
– Coated Hooker headers
– 3 inch exhaust and Flowmaster mufflers
– 833 Hemi 4-speed with Passion overdrive
– 3.73 Strange S-60 rear axle
– Mopar Performance Super Stock leaf springs
– Rack and pinion steering system
– Baer disc brakes
– AlterKtion tubular K-member
– Glasstech fiberglass front cap
– Halibrand and Stockton wheels
– Black with Black interior
– Hidden Sony Xplod stereo system
– Displayed at SEMA and Chryslers at Carlisle
– Featured in various publications including “Hemi: The Ultimate American V-8” and “Dream Garages”

Photo:Mecum