Chrysler’s HEMI engine has long been a symbol of power and performance, producing some of the most iconic muscle cars to ever hit the road. Introduced in 1951, the HEMI engine’s unique hemispherical combustion chambers offered unparalleled efficiency, transferring combustion energy directly to the pistons. Over the years, Chrysler’s HEMI engines have evolved into some of the most potent powerplants in automotive history, with six of the ten most powerful factory HEMI engines exceeding 500 horsepower. But while the HEMI’s performance on the road is legendary, its impact on the motorsport world reached new heights in the 1960s, thanks to a groundbreaking creation: the HEMI Under Glass.
The Birth of HEMI Under Glass
The HEMI Under Glass story begins in 1964, when Hot Rod Magazine publisher Ray Brock and George Hurst, the man behind Hurst Performance, hatched an ambitious plan. Their goal was to take Chrysler’s powerful HEMI engine and mount it in the rear of a Plymouth Barracuda. But it wasn’t just any engine installation; this HEMI was placed under a clear canopy, giving it the unique name “HEMI Under Glass.” Initially, the car wasn’t built for one of the wild stunts it would become known for, but rather as an experimental FX-class race car.
The car was soon tested by driver Bob Riggle, who, during his first drive, unintentionally popped a wheelie. “Boy, they thought that was exciting,” Riggle recalled in an interview on Jay Leno’s Garage. Hurst quickly realized that they might have something special on their hands, even though the car had initially been designed for traditional racing. Despite the surprising wheelie, Hurst and Brock’s creation was ahead of its time, and the car quickly garnered attention from fans and enthusiasts.
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Watch this exciting video featuring the Hemi Under Glass vs. the Little Red Wagon at Etown in ’97. Don’t miss the high-powered showdown between these two legendary machines!
The Little Red Wagon: The First HEMI-Powered Wheelstander
Before the HEMI Under Glass became a wheelstanding icon, another HEMI-powered vehicle had already earned that distinction—the Little Red Wagon. Built in 1964 by Chrysler engineers Jim Schaeffer and John Collier, the Little Red Wagon was a modified A-100 cabover pickup that housed a 426-cubic-inch HEMI engine and a Torqueflite transmission. To save weight and improve performance, unnecessary components like the heater and front bumper were removed, and steel doors were replaced with fiberglass ones.
The Little Red Wagon wasn’t just a test bed for Chrysler’s powerful HEMI; it was also the birth of wheelstander culture. Sold to Bill “Maverick” Golden, the truck made a name for itself in 1965 when it performed a series of wheelstands during an 11-second quarter-mile run at the American Hot Rod Association event at Lions Drag Strip. But it didn’t stop there—Golden introduced innovations like a hand-controlled Hurst disc brake system on the rear wheels, which allowed him to steer the truck while its front wheels were in the air.
The Rise of Wheelstanders in the 1960s and 1970s
The success of the Little Red Wagon sparked a wave of wheelstanders in the late 1960s and 1970s. Builders across the country began crafting their own versions of these wild machines, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in motorsport. One of the most notable figures in this period was Tommy Stringfield, who created the “Triple Trouble” by installing two additional engines into the back seat of a 1966 Chevy Nova. The result? A record-breaking wheelstand of 4,100 feet at a top speed of 110 miles per hour.
Not to be outdone, other builders like Arnie Frank began dropping fuel-injected 426 HEMI engines into vehicles like the 1966 Ford Mustang, creating even more spectacular wheelstands. The HEMI-powered cars and trucks of this era would go on to become a mainstay in NHRA exhibitions, and the wheelstanding phenomenon grew into one of the longest-running classes in the sport.
Bob Riggle and the Evolution of HEMI Under Glass
By 1966, Bob Riggle had taken the reins of the HEMI Under Glass, building his own version of a HEMI-powered wheelstander. He would later gain even more fame when he was tapped to drive the Batmobile for the 1967 television series Batman. Riggle’s driving skills would become synonymous with the HEMI Under Glass, and over the years, the car would undergo several transformations to increase its power and performance.
The HEMI Under Glass wasn’t just about speed and power—it was about showmanship. Riggle and his team would continue to refine the car, eventually tuning it to a staggering 2,500 horsepower in 2016. But this power came with its own challenges, as Riggle would discover during a terrifying ride at the Irwindale Speedway with Jay Leno’s Garage in 2016. Their high-speed stunt led to a rollover crash that sent the HEMI Under Glass tumbling. Thankfully, both men walked away unharmed, but the accident underscored just how dangerous the HEMI Under Glass could be at full throttle.
The Crash and Restoration: A Wild Ride in 2016
During the 2016 crash, the HEMI Under Glass sustained significant damage, but the engine beneath its iconic clear canopy remained intact. The car was repaired and restored, continuing its legacy as one of the most famous wheelstanders of all time. Riggle’s remarkable career behind the wheel of the HEMI Under Glass spanned decades, with the car remaining a fan favorite at exhibitions and drag races. However, after Riggle’s retirement in 2019, the car changed hands and found a new driver, Mike Mantel, who would carry on the car’s incredible legacy.
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Check out this thrilling video on Jay Leno’s Garage where Jay takes a 2,500 HP machine for a spin on two wheels. Watch to see this jaw-dropping feat of power and skill!
Ownership and Legacy Today
The HEMI Under Glass has continued to be a part of the motorsport and collector car world, owned by various enthusiasts over the years. In its most recent chapter, the car is owned by Joe Spagnoli, a collector of Hurst memorabilia and iconic vehicles. Under Spagnoli’s ownership, the HEMI Under Glass has been fully restored and continues to make appearances at car shows and exhibitions, drawing crowds with its powerful engine and dramatic wheelstands.
The car’s legacy lives on, both in the hearts of collectors and in the memories of the fans who witnessed its wild rides in the 1960s and beyond. Its story is not just about a car or a driver—it’s a symbol of the creativity, innovation, and performance that define the golden age of American motorsport.
Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of HEMI Under Glass
HEMI Under Glass remains one of the most iconic vehicles in the history of motorsport, not just for its performance, but for its ability to capture the imagination of audiences. It represents the spirit of experimentation, where engineers, drivers, and enthusiasts came together to push the boundaries of what was possible. From its humble beginnings as an experimental race car to its status as a beloved wheelstanding legend, the HEMI Under Glass continues to inspire and thrill car lovers to this day.
