Vintage Cars We Love: Introducing the Willys Gasser
In the first half of the 20th century, the automobile industry looked much different than it does today. Most companies were small shops with small production runs like the Willys-Overland Motor Company of Toledo, Ohio. The Willys company was known for creating World War II military jeeps and a series of light, small economy cars with large engines that remain some of the most popular vintage cars for restoration.
The Willys Vintage Cars That Excelled
Between 1933 and 1941, the Willys company released a number of coupes and pickups that would become known as outstanding gassers. Gassers are what enthusiasts called the first style of hot rods that graced dragstrips from the 1950s to the 70s. Gasser is a general name for any vehicle that was stripped of its extra weight and outfitted with a supercharged engine.
The Willys coupes and pickups made for excellent gassers for their lightweight design, small stature, and few extra features.Those who converted Willys gassers took advantage of their short wheelbase and accentuated their high center of gravity to create exaggerated appearances like that of this 1941 Stone Woods & Cook Willys Gasser. This gasser was originally powered by a supercharged Oldsmobile V8 and later upgraded to an insane 392 Chrysler hemi. You can see a bit of how that translated to on the dragstrip by checking out this video. Another 1941 Willys coupe, nicknamed "The Moonlighter, took the hot rod scene by storm when it was specially outfitted and brought back to the track two years ago.
We love working with these race-centric vintage cars here at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice. We currently have a '33 Willys Gasser that we've stripped down for rebuilding. An outfitted version of this same model was a decade-long winner in the NHRA national competition, and is featured in the lead photo on this 1959 U.S. National in Detroit promotion flyer and video. Our team will put the final custom touches on this beast soon so that it can grace hot rod shows and the drag strip once again.
Let's Get Started On Your Vintage Drag Star Today!
Whether you have a Willys coupe or another type of beloved gasser, our team at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice is here to help you turn your vintage vehicle into a modern rock star. Visit our shop to see the '33 Willys Gasser in person, check out our other vintage cars, and learn more about how we can transform your hot rod project into a true drag star!