Gateway Classic Cars is pleased to present a collection of gas
dragsters "Gassers" for sale in our Indianapolis showroom. This
one, "Slimer", is a 1941 Willys coupe fiberglass body on a custom
frame powered by a 355 Chevrolet engine driving through a 400 Turbo
transmission. It is a C/Gas dragster with a 9" Ford Posi rear end
with a 3.83:1 ratio. It has seat belts, leather racing seats, and
Cragar wheels. Since it is a street or strip vehicle, it features
an AM/FM CD player. Here is some history for those who would like
background on this exciting style of dragster. The term "Gasser"
refers to a style of drag race car that was prolific in the late
1950s through the 1960s that ran on gasoline as fuel, as opposed to
race fuel. These cars typically competed in "heads up" drag races
that were classed by engine size and car weight. In the faster
classes the cars used a straight axle front suspension that
produced the intimidating stance that gassers are known for. Easily
recognized by common features like the higher front end stance that
was developed as a means of weight transfer to the rear wheels for
traction, this style became popular later as builders attempted to
achieve a traditional or nostalgic race look. These cars became fan
favorites as the well-known racers began to run "grudge matches"
for higher purses. In no time these matches were the top billing at
many shows due to the crowd entertainment factor. Gassers were the
top drag racing classes in the period that is now referred to as
"the gasser war years," which ranged from 1955 through 1968.In
addition to the straight axle, most gassers also sported Halibrand
wheels, no front bumper, and had a front mounted Moon tank. The
gasser form was dictated by function and most builders looked to
eliminate as much weight as possible. Having their exhaust pipes
exit through the front fender to shorten the length of exhaust
tubing is another common characteristic of gassers. Builders used
1930s through 1950s production coupes or sedans to create these
highly modified racing vehicles. The most common base vehicles were
Willys coupes, Austin and Anglia sedans, and the Chevy Tri-Five
cars. Late model cars were not allowed in the Gas classes until
1967, and the gas classes were totally eliminated by NHRA in 1972.
They run today all over the United States and down under in
Australia and New Zealand in vintage and nostalgia drags. To view
this gas dragster, please visit our site at
www.gatewayclassiccars.com, call 317-688-1100, or email us at
[email protected]. To see this 1941 Willys C/Gas dragster
is person, stop by our showroom located at 4400 West 96th Street,
Carmel, IN 46268.
https://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/NDY/1165/1941-Willys-Coupe
