Snake/Mongoose cars to be auctioned

In anticipation of the nationwide US cinematic release on September 6, Barrett-Jackson auctions recently announced that the original Prudhomme and McEwen drag cars, and their tow vehicles, recently restored, will be the major feature of their Scottsdale, Arizona auction this coming January.

Unveiled at their 'Hot August Nights' auction event in Reno, Nevada in August, the two cars and haulers, which became popular Hot Wheels toys, are set to tour the USA ahead of the film's wider release (limited release started on August 9) before being displayed ahead of the 6th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction in January, 2014.

The four vehicles consist of a pair of 1967 Dodge pickups convert to carry the two race cars: McEwen's 1970 Plymouth Duster and Prudhomme's 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda funny cars. Both dual cab Dodge trucks have been restored by Don Prudhomme himself, who has a number of is former race cars, and finally agreed to let the famous 'Hot Wheels' cars go to auction.

"We've wanted these iconic haulers and cars to be a part of Barrett-Jackson for many years. The historical significance they had during that era and continue to have is unparalleled and has made an impact on a sport that has lasted a lifetime," said Barrett-Jackson President, Steve Davis.

"This is unlike anything we've ever revealed at Barrett-Jackson, so when Don Prudhomme finally agreed to let us auction them off, we could not have been more thrilled and we knew Reno was the perfect place to showcase them!"

In conjunction with the Hot August Nights Auction Presented by Barrett-Jackson, on August 8th Hot August Nights, Barrett-Jackson and Snake and Mongoose will present a concert with Capitol Records' Jack Dempsey, whose music is featured in the upcoming feature film. The producers of Snake and Mongoose will also host a star-studded, red carpet premiere of the monumental movie on August 9th at the Century Parklane in Reno.

After appearing in Reno, the Hot Wheels Haulers and Funny Cars will head for Detroit, then across to Indianapolis, before coming back to Las Vegas, so they can be displayed at the 6th Annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, September 26-28, 2013.

The final scheduled stop for these authentic cars and haulers (Note: One source indicates that while the trucks and Prudhomme's 'Cuda are the originals, the McEwen Duster is a replica) is in Scottsdale, Arizona in January, 2014 where they will be auctioned off during the 43rd annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction in front of a worldwide stage.

"The haulers and funny cars from this iconic era were not only childhood treasures but are now being brought to life in a major motion picture," said Craig Jackson, Chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. "Prudhomme and McEwen revolutionized a sport and we're so proud to be able to be a part of that history by showcasing these vehicles in Reno and Las Vegas, and then ultimately having them cross the block in Scottsdale."

"Don Prudhomme has painstakingly restored both the haulers and the fantastic funny cars that go along with them and we were fortunate to be able to feature them prominently in our film. Now, as we promote the film around the country, we are so pleased that The Snake has allowed the Hot Wheels Haulers and Funny Cars to go on a mini tour of their own. The haulers have not been seen outside of California in 43 years," said Snake and Mongoose Producer, Robin Broidy.

For more information, visit www.barrett-jackson.com