Rare Chrysler Engineering 1968 Super Stock Hemi Barracuda Prototype to Lead Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge Parade Lap
The original Chrysler Engineering 1968 Super Stock HEMI Barracuda development car will lead the traditional pre-race parade lap at the inaugural Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge during the 70TH annual NHRA U.S. Nationals.
Known simply as the ‘Mule’ among Mopar HEMI enthusiasts, this rare vehicle was used in creating and developing the 1968 Super Stock Plymouth HEMI Barracuda and Dodge HEMI Dart ‘Package Cars.’ Built at Chrysler’s clandestine ‘Woodward Garage’ as a test vehicle to install a 426 Race HEMI into the revised Barracuda and Dart platform, the ‘Mule’ was completed by early 1968 and headed west to Irwindale Raceway to make its media debut. It also served as ‘proof of concept’ for Chrysler’s Race Group engineers to show senior management it could be done and dominate in Super Stock. The HEMI Barracuda Engineering Mule would become the template for a joint venture between Chrysler Corporation and Hurst to build these limited production turnkey race cars. Legendary drivers like Ronnie Sox, Dick Landy, Arlen Vanke, Don Grotheer, Ron Mancini, and many others raced these HEMI powered Barracudas and Darts to numerous Super Stock and Modified Production victories during the late 1960s and early 1970s, and the tradition of these cars competing for over five decades continues today.
“We’re honored to have this rare Barracuda that represents Chrysler’s commitment to Super Stock racing as part of the Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge. It’s truly one of kind and the fact it survived all these decades is amazing,” said Mike McCandless, Founder and CEO of The McCandless Collection “My father (Herb McCandless) was fortunate to race a 1968 HEMI Dart when they first came out and had great success with the car. Now, the heritage continues as the Sox & Martin HEMI Challenge showcases the evolution of the legendary 1968 Super Stock HEMI Barracudas and Darts.”
The 1968 Super Stock HEMI Barracuda Engineering Mule has been in the collection of Myron Serbay for over 20 years. Serbay hails from Plymouth, Michigan, and has been a passionate car enthusiast his whole life. When the HEMI Barracuda Engineering Mule came up for sale, Serbay jumped at the chance and purchased it. Being the caretaker of this rare piece of Chrysler’s illustrious HEMI heritage and drag racing history has been a labor of love for Serbay. His mission for over two decades has been preserving this rare machine for future generations of automotive and racing enthusiasts to enjoy.
This story was originally published on August 27, 2024.
The post Rare Chrysler Engineering 1968 Super Stock Hemi Barracuda Prototype to Lead Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge Parade Lap first appeared on Drag Illustrated.
