1995 Joe Amato NHRA Top Fuel Dragster

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Huntsville, Alabama — or “Rocket City,” as we know it — is home to NASA rocket-propulsion research and development. Nothing quite encapsulates the launch and excitement of the region as this out-of-world collection of cars including movie cars and tributes, desirable classics, and a rocket truck itself. 3… 2… 1… These cars are ready for blastoff, and all will be launched to new homes and garages as all lots are presented with NO RESERVE.    *  *  * 

They are the fastest accelerating, most powerful race cars on the planet. Fueled by 90 percent highly explosive nitromethane, an NHRA Top Fuel dragster accelerates from a standstill to 100 mph in less than a second and can exceed 280 mph in just 660 feet, the drivers experiencing the force equivalent to a Navy pilot catapulting from an aircraft carrier.  

One of the legends of Top Fuel is Joe Amato of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. He began drag racing as a teenager and by 1982 had worked his way up to the pinnacle of the sport, Top Fuel. At one point, five championships and 52 victories made him the winningest Top Fuel driver in NHRA history. For the 1995 season Amato again turned to Al Swindahl’s Chassis Components Inc. for a new racer. There was a time every car in the top ten of the class was a Swindahl-built dragster, so it was only natural that chassis 0135 was built in January 1995 for Amato. Having finished fifth in the 1994 championship, the Valvoline sponsored racer sported number “5” and was wrenched by second year crew chief, future legend Jimmy Prock, making chassis 0135 one of the first of the famous “Prock Rockets.”  

Joe Amato’s Top Fuel racer is presented in preserved as-raced condition from the NHRA 1995 season. 

Highlights 

• Offered from The Rocket City Collection 

• Campaigned during 1995 NHRA season by five-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Joe Amato 

• Presented in as-raced condition 

• Fabricated by International Drag Racing Hall of Fame member Al Swindahl 

• One of the first of crew chief Jimmy Prock’s “Prock Rockets” 

• 496 cu-in supercharged forged-aluminum V8 based on 426 Hemi design capable of over 8,000 hp 

• Joe Amato's best performances in 1995 from draglist.com:

  • Best 1995 quarter mile elapsed time of 4.730 seconds at Pomona, California, on 28 October 

  • Best 1995 quarter mile top speed of 312.50 mph at Pomona, California, on 28 October 

• Joe Amato’s NHRA Top Fuel Point Standings: 

  • 1982 – 6th 

  • 1983 – 2nd 

  • 1984 – 1st 

  • 1985 – 2nd 

  • 1986 – 4th 

  • 1987 – 2nd 

  • 1988 – 1st 

  • 1989 – 2nd 

  • 1990 – 1st 

  • 1991 – 1st 

  • 1992 – 1st 

  • 1993 – 7th 

  • 1994 – 5th 

  • 1995 – 10th 

  • 1996 – 6th 

  • 1997 – 3rd 

  • 1998 – 3rd 

  • 1999 – 3rd 

  • 2000 – 4th 

Features 

• LENCO two-speed clutchless transmission 

• Roots-type supercharger 

• 300-inch wheelbase 

• Multi-point, quick release safety restraint harness 

• Twin parachutes 

Known Imperfections 

• Joe Amato’s Top Fuel dragster is presented in as-raced condition, preserved with the imperfections that come from racing at 300 mph. It is unknown if the engine will start or run, or the condition of the driveline components 

Included 

• Display driver mannequin  

Ownership History 

The 1995 Joe Amato NHRA Top Fuel Dragster joined The Rocket City Collection in 2020  

Additional Notes 

Sold on Bill of Sale only 

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.  

Contact: Ramsey Potts Phone: 912.508.4096 email: rpotts@hagerty.com