Gateway Classic Cars is pleased to present a selection of gas
dragsters "Gassers" for sale in our Indianapolis showroom. This
one, "The Flash!", is a 1946 Ford Anglia fiberglass body on a
custom frame powered by a 355 Chevrolet engine driving through a
Chevrolet 350 transmission. It is a B/Gas dragster with a 9" Ford
Posi rear end with a 3.83:1 ratio. Beautifully finished in a gold
and red PPG metalflake exterior with a contrasting red and gold
interior, it is sure to turn heads on the street or strip. 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 "The Flash!", please visit our site at
www.gatewayclassiccars.com, call 317-688-1100, or email us at
[email protected]. To see this 1946 Ford Anglia B/Gas
dragster in person, stop by our showroom located at 4400 West 96th
Street, Carmel, IN 46268.
https://www.gatewayclassiccars.com/NDY/1166/1946-Ford-Anglia