New Hemi Under Glass & Little Red Wagon Announced for 2020

Many Mopar and racing fans recall the famed Hurst Hemi Under Glass exhibition wheelstander from the 1960s. A Plymouth Barracuda was the perfect choice for this particular car. A 426 cubic-inch Hemi was installed in the middle of the car and was visible from the rear window, hence the name Hemi Under Glass.

The car was driven by Bob Riggle, and “Wild Bill” Shrewsberry, who also drove one of the four 1966 Batmobiles built by the late car customizer George Barris. Over the years, there were several generations of the Hurst Hemi Under Glass, starting off with a 1965 Barracuda, followed by several other Hurst Hemi Under Glass cars up until 1968.

The original 1965 car was cannibalized, and turned into the second generation of the Hurst Hemi Under Glass. A new build 1969 car emerged, and was later crashed on Jay Leno’s Garage. That car ended up being rebodied. In 2013, four Hurst Hemi Under Glass cars were featured as a single lot at the Mecum Auction in Chicago, Illinois.

Current owner Mike Mantel is planning an all-new build of the Hurst Hemi Under Glass, using a new LX Dodge Challenger as the base. He says that it falls in line directly with the original car from 1968, which he currently owns and races.

“The ’68 Hurst Hemi Under Glass is the most historical”, he said. “It’s been in the US Nationals, and beat the Little Red Wagon at a drag strip in Englishtown, New Jersey.” Mantel plans to continue touring the 1968 car, and bring the new Hurst Hemi Under Glass along with it.

The new Hemi Under Glass will feature the 426cui Hellephant powerplant mounted right behind the driver’s seat. After being invited to the LX Spring Festival in Pomona, California, Mantel was motivated to get this project rolling.

A drawing of the new Hurst Hemi Under Glass features the new car, painted in gold, just like the original. “Everyone who saw it was very excited about the new car,” Mike said. “People are using new Challengers and Chargers as daily drivers. The timing is just right,” he continued.

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