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