Russo and Steele Offers World Record Holding Mopar Drag Racer at No Reserve

Legendary Driver "Akron Arlen" Vanke to Drive Historic 1968 Crossram Hemi ‘Cuda Across Scottsdale Auction Block

Scottsdale, AZ. (Nov 30, 2005) -- Drag racing legend "Akron" Arlen Vanke will be on hand at Russo and Steele’s "Sports and Muscle in Scottsdale" collector automobile auction on January 20th and 21st to drive his 1968 Hemi ‘Cuda Super Stock championship-winning drag racer across the auction block. The car will be sold at NO RESERVE. This incredibly rare restored Hemi is expected to break the $1 million mark. The car, a 1968 Super Stock Hemi Barracuda –factory race model B029- is one of very few remaining examples sold in 1968 by Mopar All were race-only versions, and competition finish work was done by Hurst. Most have been destroyed of cannibalized. This example, chassis # 013, remains in original, survivor form, including the tires it was last raced with by Vanke. Arlen Vanke drove this car to many significant drag racing titles. It has recently undergone a no- expense spared two-year restoration, and features the increadibly-rare426 Crossram Hemi engine. It was the fastest and most famous of all of the Hemi SS/B ‘Cudas.

"Akron Arlen" is one of the all-time legends in drag racing. He is known as one of the "Hemi Heros" of his day, and personally restored many of the mechanicals on this car. He will be on- hand at Russo and Steele, and will drive the car across the auction block.

"That car had an 80-percent win ratio," recalls Vanke of his old mount. "We won the National Dragster Open in Columbus in ’68, and a bunch of other NHRA races. It also held the Super Stock world record for two years (10.61). My car and the Sox & Martin car were the two foremost cars in the country. It was way ahead of its time, and the best car that any factory ever produced."

The car is still titled to Vanke, and Arlen recalls paying $4,170 for it when new. Russo and Steele will also offer several other significant Mopar vehicles, at their two-night auction, including a 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda, a 1970 Plymouth Hemi Superbird, a ’70 Dodge Challenger convertible, and a dozen other desirable Mopars.

Russo and Steele is passionate about offering the finest in European Sports and American Muscle, Hot Rods and Customs in an intimate setting. This boutique, collector car auction has built an extraordinary reputation on quality, integrity, professional discretion and camaraderie amongst enthusiasts.

For detailed information or additional images, please visit www.russoandsteele.com, or contact Bradley Gray at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .



For more information, contact:
Stephanie Quinn
Phone: (602) 252-2697
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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