Swamp Rat XXX

Don Garlits, also known as the King of Drag Racing, was a celebrated drag racer until his retirement from the sport at age 71 in 2003.  Throughout his career and his constant quest for greater thrills and speed, Tampa-born Garlits earned the nickname “Swamp Rat”.  Swamp Rat was also the name given to each one of his own dragster designs.

While Garlits achieved success with many of his Swamp Rat designs, it was the Swamp Rat XXX – developed in 1987 – that went down in history.  The Swamp Rat XXX was inducted into the Smithsonian Insititution in 1987 after becoming the first vehicle in the world to reach speeds of 270 mph.  Interestingly, the Swamp Rat XXX was the only ever streamlined vehicle to earn success as a drag racer.

Swamp Rat XXX Model

Part of the Great American Dream Machines’ Quarter Mile series, this model is one of only 16 available.  It is a 1/43 scale and was manufactured in England.

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