Gateway Classic Cars is pleased to present a selection of gas
dragsters Gassers 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
