In 1972, the National Hot Rod Association eliminated gassers. Young fans of that era embraced factory hot rods (i.e., muscle cars) and the emerging Funny Car show stoppers. But take one look at the 1940 Willys Americar recently for sale on eBay, and you’ll see why gassers are making a big comeback.
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The ’40 Willys - opens in new window or tab. was one of the most famous drag stars during the Gasser Wars of 1955-1968. The slogan, “Run what ya Brung,” conveyed the spirit of competition, producing some of the sport’s most outrageous racers.
eBay currently offers nearly two dozen gassers for sale. According to the seller, the 1940 Willys gasser, with a Buy-It-Now price of $195,000, is the “cleanest and most complete Willys build you will find.”
Two Exhaust Systems: For Street and Strip
This hot rod packs a 528ci Mopar Hemi iron block with Indy Cylinder ported aluminum heads, Blower Shop Hi-Helix Billet Blower 14-71, and Indy Intake. When the owner put it on the dyno, it registered a whopping 1,031 horsepower and 900 pound-feet of torque.
This ’40 Willys has two separate exhaust systems. The zoomies have inserts to bring down the decibles on the street.
Dual Holley 800cfm double pumpers - opens in new window or tab. provide the go juice. And, of course, no blown vehicle can show off without a Vintage BDS Scoop (with dual K&N filters) sticking through the hood. An Aeromotive 1000G/hr fuel pump gets the gas up to those Holleys via braided lines, which run from rear tank to front.
Street or strip, this classic fiberglass-bodied gasser is ready. It features two exhaust systems. Easy access to the engine makes switching between these exhausts a piece of cake.
- Dump-Style: A street exhaust with 5-inch wheel well dumps connected through four-inch pipes thru mufflers to the rear.
- Zoomie-Style: A race exhaust in iconic zoomie style using 2-1/8 custom ceramic coated pipes. It can access either of two inserts, if you dare to drive it on the street. As the owner notes, “It’s loud!”
The vehicle platform has to handle all that power. So, its cross-braced chassis is boxed steel attached to an 8-point cage (properly TIG welded and painted). The 9” Detroit Locker has Wilwood brakes - opens in new window or tab., a Billet Center 3:50 gear set spinning 35 spine axles. Other details include:
- The chromed straight/drop front axle also uses Wilwood brakes.
- A 4-link, fully adjustable compression/rebound damping coilover - opens in new window or tab. suspension.
- The requisite 727 Torqueflite transfers its energy to a 4330 Driveshaft with matching yoke and u-joints.
- That is supported by M300 input/output shafts, manual valve body, 4200 9” ATI stall converter, and a composite scatter shield with a billet cage for safety.
Race in Style
The 1940 Willys Americar sports a custom Candy Blue paint—accented by real gold leaf lettering and hand-painted pinstriping. The lettering reads "Stoddard Speed Shop," giving credit to the handiwork of its builder, Lu Stoddard. The hood is emblazoned with "Isky Race Cams," the namesake company of Ed "Isky" Iskenderian. He started a small hot rod business after the Second World War and gained fame as a leading camshaft builder.
Hidden-hinge suicide doors - opens in new window or tab. open a full 90 degrees, revealing a splendid interior:
- White tuck-and-roll bucket seat interior with a custom console
- B & M Reverse Gate Shifter
- Wireless connected power windows and locks
- Moon gauges - opens in new window or tab. and steering wheel
- Custom billet pedals
- Race-ready 5-point Simpson Harnesses
The final touches include vintage ET 15 x 6 polished gasser wheels and classic white walls - opens in new window or tab. all around.
Gassers Are Back
While gassers disappeared from the drag racing community for a few years, the gasser craze has come back with a vengeance. Online communities, such as Gasser Nation - opens in new window or tab., are breathing new life into the hot rod style. The community views gassers as more than race cars. They are a way of life.
And when gasser fans want to know just how powerful and beautiful a gasser can be, they can gaze upon the extraordinary 1940 Willys Americar Gasser that was offered on eBay.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.