Images Courtesy: Barrett-Jackson

Barrett-Jackson’s annual Scottsdale Collector Car Auction kicks off in Arizona today, and one of the highlights of the show will be the iconic Mattel-sponsored Funny Cars of Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and Tom “Mongoose” McEwen, complete with their matching and fully restored ramp trucks used to haul them to events all across the country.

Prudhomme’s machine is a 1967 Dodge D-700 crew cab ramp truck, fully covered in Hot Wheels livery to match Snake’s car. The truck was previously owned by Richard Petty, and was purchased by Prudhomme in 1969. Prior to its in-service schedule, the truck was customized to Prudhomme’s specifications and hit the road in 1970 as part of the Hot Wheels promotion along with Prudhomme’s 1970 Barracuda Funny Car. The truck was available in Hot Wheels form from 1970 to 1972, and once the promotion was over, Prudhomme sold the ramp truck off. It was tracked down in 2008, and amazingly, the original buyer still retained the truck. Prudhomme performed a complete, frame-off restoration, and now the chance to buy it is yours.

McEwen’s truck was purchased from the Sox & Martin race team and put into service during that same 1970 season, covered in the familiar red hue that adorned the flanks of McEwen’s Barracuda. The 1967 Dodge D-700 has also seen a frame-off restoration by Prudhomme and his team and is up for auction.

Not only do you have the chance to buy these two ramp trucks, but you’ll have to cough up the big bucks, because they are part of a lot along with the one remaining Snake I Funny Car. Sadly, none of Mongoose’s machines remain in existence, but Mattel commissioned the build of this restored show car for its 35th Anniversary in 2005, and it’s included in the lot. If you’re a true collector, it’s easy to see how these could become the crown jewel in your collection – if you have the room to house them all.