For those of you not savvy with the term “gasser,” it is a type of drag car from the golden years of racing. The 50s through late 60s saw an influx of guys at the drag strip who wanted nothing more than to beat the dude next to him. You can always spot a gasser because of the jacked up front end.

The reason the front end was jacked up so far with those itty bitty wheels, was to aid in the transfer of weight distribution. They didn’t have the fancy suspension components we do today. The main goal, other than looking awesome, was to help push the rear tires down to the ground to get better traction.

Of course, better traction means a faster launch, which means a faster time at the end of the quarter mile.

Photo Credit: Gasser Madness

With new regulations and a stricter NHRA, these cars went the way of the dodo bird. However, gassers are now becoming a prominent part of the restomod scene.

The guys who (as kids) would go to the strip and watch their favorite cars make 1,320 foot passes are now old enough to actually buy a car and turn it into their favorite memory. And, with TV shows such as Discovery’s Fast and Loud bringing these awesome cars back into the spot light, more people are looking to restore them.

Photo Credit: Pinterest (via Gas Monkey Garage)

Just about any type of car can be used as a gasser, but it should be from of the era when these cars were popular. I’ve seen many different types, to include: VW bugs, Chevy 210s, 60s era muscle cars, model A Fords, 40s Willys and the list goes on.

Most of these cars can be customized however the restorer wants it done. However, a few things should happen in order for it to qualify as a gasser. First, obviously you need the front suspension done right. Otherwise, it’s just another hot rod.

Second, you need to name the car. Nothing irks me more than seeing an otherwise awesome car that doesn’t have its name plastered on the side with some over the top decals. That’s how they rolled back in the 60s, and to be period correct, that’s how we need to roll today.

Photo Credit: Crankshaft Coalition

One more thing, wimpy engines are not allowed. Most of these cars were modified to the max. While you could drive them to go get a gallon of milk, the main idea was to get there as fast as possible.

The term gasser means that these cars only ran on gasoline. They weren’t allowed to use forced induction (or other fuel source) of any kind. So, once again, there’s no replacement for displacement.

Most of these guys would go buy the lightest car they could find, shove a 426 Hemi in it and call it a day. That is, until the guy sitting next to him would go and do the same thing. Then, all of a sudden, there were cam swaps and other more serious modifications.

The gasser cars of yesteryear are on their way back to nostalgic popularity. Most times, they are cruising cars that barely make it to the drag strip. Not everyone likes them, or even understands them. But you really can’t argue against their coolness.