07/03/2026
The Man behind the Famous" MOON EYES "
Dean Moon developed a passion for automobiles at an early age and began planning his future while still in high school. Unlike many young enthusiasts of his era, Dean did not simply want to build faster cars—he wanted to design, manufacture, and market innovative high-performance automotive parts. Growing up in Whittier, California, during the 1940s placed him at the center of the rapidly expanding Southern California hot rod movement.
Dean's first race car was a 1932 Ford sedan, which he quickly modified to improve both its performance and appearance. He later built a 1927 Ford Model T Roadster powered by a modified flathead V-8 engine, beginning a lifelong career that would make him one of the most influential figures in the performance automotive industry.
Dean's first commercially successful performance product was a multiple-outlet fuel block that simplified the installation of multiple carburetors. Soon afterward, he introduced the famous Moon Foot Pedal, which became one of the company's signature products. From that point on, Dean continuously developed innovative performance components. Among his most iconic creations was the Moon Wheel Disc, designed not only to give vehicles a clean, distinctive appearance but also to improve aerodynamics by reducing air resistance and increasing top speed.
In 1963, Dean became one of the founding members of what is now known as the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), originally established as the Speed Equipment Manufacturing Association. He displayed his products at the very first SEMA Show, held at Dodger Stadium that same year. Dean remained an active leader within the organization while continuing to design and manufacture new products that helped hot rodders build faster, safer, and more reliable vehicles. In addition to his engineering talents, Dean was also an accomplished photographer who contributed his work to numerous automotive publications and organizations.
Another lasting contribution from Dean was the internationally recognized Moon Eyes logo. First introduced during the mid-1950s, the famous cartoon eyes were later refined by artists at the Disney Studios in 1957, creating the instantly recognizable design that remains the company's trademark today.
Although operating the world-famous Moon Equipment Company occupied much of his time, Dean never abandoned racing. In 1961, he commissioned Dragmaster to build a Top Gas dragster chassis, which he equipped with a Chevrolet V-8 engine and named "Moon Eyes." That same year, the car captured the Indianapolis A/FD Championship.
Dean also played a major role in organizing the first United States Drag Team to tour England, parts of Europe, and Australia in 1963, helping introduce American drag racing to international audiences. His Devin-bodied Moonbeam race car became a class record holder at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1964 with a speed of 206 mph.
Among the many remarkable vehicles associated with Dean's legendary "Moon Collection" were a record-setting mini streamliner powered by a 90-cubic-inch Harley-Davidson motorcycle engine, an award-winning 1932 Ford coupe, and an ultra-streamlined sports car. Through his engineering innovations, racing accomplishments, and entrepreneurial vision, Dean Moon left an enduring legacy that continues to influence the high-performance automotive world today.
