Remarkable Racers: The Ten Best American Race Cars

September 3, 2018

Swamp Rat 14

Debut Year: 1970

Drag racing is a uniquely American discipline. While you can find it in other countries, no other nation does it to the same degree as the US. This dragster, created by Don “Big Daddy” Garlits, was revolutionary at the time of its creation. See, Garlits, as you’re probably aware, is a superstar in the world of drag racing. He is considered the father of the discipline, for heaven’s sake. He was the first to go 200 mph over an eighth of a mile, the first to hit 270 mph, and more. So when he decides something needs to change, the rest of the dragsters follow.

He’d lost some of his right foot thanks to an explosion in his earlier Swamp Rat 13, and while recovering in hospital, decided he’d rather not go through that again. Seems sensible. So he created the Swamp Rat 14, with its engine mounted at the rear. This wasn’t the first dragster to feature this design, but he made it widespread, and as a result, made drag racing safer for everyone.

Battle of the Pony Cars: Camaro vs. Mustang

October 29, 2025

The battle between the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Camaro is the biggest, most lasting rivalry in American car history. These two cars didn’t just…
Read more
The RM32 Ford Fastback Mustang Build Breakdown

October 24, 2025

The Ford Mustang: Historic Start The Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic muscle cars in American history, capturing the imagination of car enthusiasts…
Read more
6 Things to Consider: Keep Your Classic Muscle Car Original or RestoMod it?

October 15, 2025

When tackling the big question that has become a debate on the internet: Is it better to keep your classic muscle car original or turn…
Read more

Show more articles

Become a Car Club Member

Car Club Members Get Entries to Win, Discounts in our Shop, Discounts with our Preferred Partners and more!

Membership benefits

By joining the RestoMods Car Club Today, you will receive amazing perks plus 15 bonus entries into our sweepstakes for every month you are an active member

Auto Discounts:Curated Discounts From Your Favorite Parts Companies
Restomods Monthly:Monthly Magazine With The Latest Industry News
Classified Ads:Get Free Postings seen by 300,000 enthusiasts monthly
Car Show Tickets:Check out the biggest vintage car shows on us.
Exclusive Car Deals:First chance to purchase any prize cars not selected