Recently, my father-in-law discovered a Matchbox MOONEYES Special diecast car at our local Target. It was an extraordinary find. Over the years, MOONEYES and Hot Wheels/Matchbox have created many highly collectible diecast cars. While it might just be a cool diecast car to many people, it’s very meaningful to us. It pays homage to the gorgeous 1932 Ford coupe built by Willie Masayoshi Dorsey and Tim Cunha that inspired Chico Kodama, the President of MOONEYES USA, to build his own race car and start land speed racing. Willie let Chico drive the race car at the epic Bonneville Salt Flats, and Chico was instantly hooked. Tom Malloy, who now owns the race car, graciously allowed us to film this work of art. One of our favorite details is a memorable quote above the dash by Fred Larsen, a skilled Moon Equipment Company machinist, a legendary land speed racer, and Chico’s beloved mentor: “Put your foot in it!” This and all of the beautiful race car lettering was done by Hiro “Wildman” Ishii, MOONEYES’ resident artist and pinstriper. My father-in-law gave his lottery win to his grandson. It’s not just a fun toy but an incredible piece of history.
“Craft of Speed” will be celebrating its U.S. Premiere, presented by MOONEYES and Humanist Films. A live screening will take place at the beautiful Lions Automobilia Museum in Rancho Dominguez, California on Saturday, 7/20/2024 and then a virtual screening for the U.S. will be held from Saturday, 7/27/2024 to Saturday, 8/3/2024.
To buy tickets to the “Craft of Speed” U.S. Premiere:
craftofspeed.eventive.org
To learn more about “Craft of Speed”:
craftofspeed.com