As the excitement builds for this weekend’s NHRA U.S. Nationals, car enthusiasts and drag racing fans are in for a special treat. The very first prototype of the 1968 Plymouth HEMI® Barracuda, known as the “Mule,” has been fired up ahead of its role in leading the parade of Sox & Martin HEMI® Challenge cars. This rare and historically significant vehicle is not just a showpiece but a testament to the golden era of American muscle and drag racing.
The Birth of a Legend –
The 1968 Plymouth HEMI® Barracuda B029, often overshadowed by its more famous third-generation HEMI ‘Cuda siblings from the early 1970s, is a unique and incredibly rare machine. Plymouth developed the B029 as a race-ready version of its second-generation Barracuda, specifically for Super Stock drag racing. Unlike the street-legal HEMI ‘Cudas that followed, this car was built with one purpose: to dominate the drag strip.
The B029 Barracuda was assembled by Hurst Performance, a name synonymous with high-performance modifications in the 1960s. The car featured lightweight fiberglass front fenders, thin glass windows, and minimal interior amenities, stripping it down to its bare essentials to shave off weight. The rear seats and sound-deadening materials were removed, further emphasizing its track-focused design.
Under the hood, the B029 housed a race-tuned 7.0-liter (426 cubic-inch) Race HEMI® V8 engine capable of producing around 550 horsepower—significantly more than the 425 horsepower offered by the street version. With this power, the B029 could cover the quarter-mile in under 11 seconds straight from the factory. However, with some tweaking, these cars have been known to run the distance as quickly as 8.9 seconds, reaching speeds of up to 148 mph (238 kph).
The ‘Mule’: A One-of-a-Kind Prototype –
Among the 50 units produced, the “Mule” holds a special place in history. As the first B029 ever built, this prototype was developed directly by Chrysler’s engineering team before the collaboration with Hurst Performance for the production models. The purpose of the Mule was to demonstrate the potential of the 426 HEMI as the ultimate factory-built racing engine, and it certainly delivered on that promise during its testing sessions.
Now meticulously restored to its original specifications, the Mule is under the care of Myron Serbay from Plymouth, Michigan. Serbay has preserved this gem for over 20 years, maintaining its pristine condition and historical integrity. Seeing and hearing the Mule come to life is a rare and thrilling experience, offering a glimpse into the past when these machines were at the forefront of drag racing innovation.
The Sox & Martin HEMI® Challenge –
The Sox & Martin HEMI® Challenge is an annual highlight at the NHRA U.S. Nationals, celebrating the legacy of HEMI-powered Dodge Dart and Plymouth Barracuda factory race cars. Since its inception in 1968, the event has featured intense Super Stock class eliminations, showcasing the raw power and engineering excellence of these vehicles.
This year’s event, scheduled for Friday, August 30, at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, promises to be as thrilling as ever. In addition to the Mule leading the parade, the challenge will see fierce competition from a fleet of Barracudas and Darts, all vying for SS/AH class honors and a generous cash prize. Among the competitors will be Charlie Westcott Jr., a six-time winner of the event, who returns with a team of contenders powered by his expertly crafted engines.
You will be able to watch the HEMI® Challenge LIVE on NHRA.TV.
A Moment in History –
For those who can’t attend the event in person, the chance to hear the Mule fire up before it takes its place at the head of the parade is a rare and unforgettable experience. This iconic vehicle, with its deep ties to the history of drag racing, continues to captivate and inspire, reminding us of an era when raw power and speed ruled the strip.
Source: Corner Muscle Car Hunter
