<Li> 1954--Smokin' White Owl, built by George "Ollie" Morris, first purpose - built rear - engined dragster and first car to use a Chevrolet V8 engine . </Li> <Li> 1962--the Greer - Black--Prudhomme digger, with the best win record in NHRA history . </Li> <Li> 1971--Swamp Rat XIV (or Swamp Rat 1 - R), first successful rear - engined dragster, built by Don Garlits; Ed Donovan introduces the 417 Donovan hemi, an aluminum copy of the Chrysler </Li>

Who built the first successful rear engine dragster