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.
Print Details
→ 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
Choose Your Display Option
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.
What Sets Our Prints Apart
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.
A Great Gift for the Racing Fan
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.
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