Drag Racing Gassers - Photo Archive

By: Lou Hart .

One of drag racing’s very popular classes formed was the Gassers. During the ‘50s, Model A and 1932-34 Fords were considered the hot set-up for these gas classes. Using Ford V-8 “flatheads” and later overhead valve engines, Gas Couple and Sedan classes had to maintain stock wheelbases and the engine relocation was limited.

By the mid-60s, it was rare to find an upper classed gasser with any other body make than Willys, Studebaker, Austin or Anglia. They were the stoutest full-bodied cars on strips nationwide. Touring team ran four to six times every week, often travelling several hundred miles day and night to make their next date. This was old school racing!

However, interest waned as fliptop funny cars took over in popularity. The battles in A/GS (later AA/GS) ranks created many heroes and villains who etched their marks into drag racing history. Gassers shared with fans of the quarter mile one of the most thrilling overall race car types, and for an era that was all too short, they were literally the Kings of the Sport.

Enjoy this photo book as it takes you back to that wonderful time.

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