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This vintage print captures one of the more unusual moments in drag racing history — “Big Daddy” Don Garlits and Swamp Rat 16 aboard the USS Lexington in 1972.
The dramatic carrier-deck photograph brings together two very different worlds: NHRA Top Fuel drag racing and U.S. Navy aviation. With Garlits’ front-engine dragster positioned on the flight deck alongside a Navy jet, the image became a memorable piece of period motorsports photography.
An outstanding piece for Don Garlits fans, NHRA collectors, Navy veterans, or anyone who remembers the golden era of Top Fuel drag racing.
→ Driver: “Big Daddy” Don Garlits
→ Dragster: Swamp Rat 16
→ Year: 1972
→ Location: USS Lexington aircraft carrier
→ Print Type: Original vintage magazine print
→ Print Size: Approx. 10" x 13"
→ Mounting: Permanently dry mounted on 3/16" acid-free foam board
→ Mat: White mat
→ Condition: Very good; light age-related character consistent with original vintage material
Print Only
The original vintage print comes professionally dry mounted on acid-free foam board and finished with a clean white mat, ready to place in your own frame.
Framed
The mounted and matted print is finished in our satin black wood frame with clear glazing, dust cover, and hanging hardware. Overall framed size is approximately 12" x 15" and arrives ready to display.
This isn’t just a flimsy magazine page tossed in a frame. Each original vintage print is professionally dry mounted for a smooth, lasting presentation. Combined with a clean white mat and optional satin black wood frame, these original pieces of automotive history are prepared for years of display.
This Don Garlits Swamp Rat 16 print makes a distinctive gift for drag racing fans, NHRA collectors, Navy veterans, automotive history enthusiasts, or anyone who remembers when “Big Daddy” was helping define the sport of Top Fuel racing.
Craftsmanship Matters.
At Vintage Art Garage, we’re preserving a little automotive history one print at a time.
All pieces are authentic vintage advertisements and automotive memorabilia.
Items are carefully sourced and inspected for quality.
The condition of each piece is clearly described before purchase.
Vintage prints are professionally mounted to help preserve their condition.
Framed pieces use quality materials for a clean, finished look.
Each framed piece is protected and ready to display.
Orders over $50 qualify for free U.S. shipping.
Smaller orders have a flat-rate shipping fee.
Returns are accepted within 30 days, subject to the return conditions.
Discover more vintage ads, framed art, brochures, and collector pieces selected for you.
See Why Collectors Trust Vintage Art Garage For Authentic Finds And Careful Presentation.
STUNNING! Looks exactly as shown and even more beautiful in person. Was packaged very well, I would definitely buy again
I absolutely love it. Wrapped and packaged super well. Wasn't nothing getting through that! Probably one of the top items that I've bought online. Hard to choose sometimes since you can't visualize it in real time.
Great print. Love the colors. Will fit in an ongoing remodel of family room. Excellent print/product. Arrived in fine shape. Thank you. Looks even better displayed in person. Perfect addition to our family room.
The artwork exceeded my expectations. The colors are rich, the frame feels substantial, and everything arrived ready to hang.
Beautiful piece of automotive history. It was packed with real care and looks fantastic in my garage collection.
Exactly as described and even better in person. The presentation is excellent and shipping was quick and secure.
Answers to common questions about products, framing, shipping, and returns.
Vintage Art Garage specializes inrestored and upcycled vintage automotive advertisements, new nostalgic prints featuring classic cars and trucks, vintage racing prints, and retro wall décor such as reproduction signs and thermometers. The company says its connection to classic cars comes from more than 40 years in the automotive repair industry.
They offer:
Yes. Their vintage advertisements are collected from old magazines, brochures, posters, estate sales, and flea markets, with material dating back to the 1920s. The Barracuda item you linked, for example, is specifically described as an original vintage magazine advertisement.
No. The signs and thermometers are high-quality reproductions of classic/vintage designs. They are made to capture the appearance and nostalgia of the originals rather than being original vintage pieces.
The original ads are professionally dry-mounted onto acid-free foam board. They are then finished with a white conservation mat to enhance the colors and provide a standard framing size. The Barracuda ad you linked uses this process and is paired with a white mat and satin-black wood frame.
