When you think of drag racing, chances are you think of Top Fuel dragsters, Funny Cars and vehicles that fall in the Pro Mod category. But drag racing takes a different turn when you match a quarter mile drag strip with a nostalgic car unlike any drag car you’ve ever seen. This week on Big Muscle, Mike Musto takes a look at such a car- the most documented 1929 Ford Model A dragster to ever have existed, to be exact. Owned now by Ron and Dave Cecaci, this car is sure to change your view of what a true drag car is.

It may not seem like any kind of drag car you've seen on the track recently, but back in the late 60s and early 70s, this 1929 Ford Model A dragster was the car to beat in NHRA nostalgic racing.

This 1929 Ford Model A dragster was used in the late 1960s and early 70s as a nostalgic racer under the C&W Motor Parts banner. Back then, this legendary car boasted a 540ci D-stroke big-block and very little as far as plumbing, safety and modern technology were concerned. But that didn’t stop the car from being a national record holder, throwing down amazing track times to the tune of 10.4-second quarters at 129mph. Not bad considering we’re talking about a car riding on what is now an 83-year-old chassis.

Although no longer a track car (it would require a complete rebuild to meet safety standards for nostalgic drag racing these days), the dragster still maintains its ominous presence with nothing more than a roll bar and a lap belt keeping you from falling out if an unfortunate turn over were to occur and 33×10.5-inch hand-cut drag radials in the rear matched with 15-inch skinnies up front keeping the car somewhat firmly planted on the pavement.

Adding to the car’s odd but undeniable appeal is the fact that it’s one of the most documented racers of its time. Featured in magazines like Hot Rod and American Rodding, this 1929 Ford was a superstar on the track and many publications took note. The Cecaci’s hold copies of the publications that the dragster was in prior to their ownership, as well as a few pictures from the original owners.

Unfortunately, the dragster didn’t retain its racing big block engine through the present, but instead makes use of a 383ci Chevy small block good for about 400hp and 400 ft-lbs of torque. This, along with a solid live axle frontend and a rearend from a ‘57 Pontiac with 3.43:1 cogs out back make this car one unlikely street car. None the less, the Cecaci’s enjoy every minute of owning the car, planning to some day replace the small-block Chevy with a more fitting, big-block between the rod’s fender walls.

This 1929 Ford Model A dragster is certainly not the most popular vision of a drag car but has no trouble redefining that image. And yes, all you modern 10-second quarter mile pursuers should take note because with just a big block, minor safety considerations, drag radials and a bit of skill from the driver, this car made history and didn’t need any modern technology to do so. Chalk one up for vintage racers.