Gassers were based on closed-body production models built during the 1930s to mid-1960s and raced from the 1950s until the 1970s. Non-essential items would be stripped away, reducing overall weight, and then fitted with a beam axle or tubular axle to help with weight distribution during acceleration. A raised stock front suspension was often a common setup. In the early-to-mid-1930s Willys were popular gassers.
by Dan Vaughan
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Hart Automotive began as a small garage business located in Mickey Hart's parent's garage. The self-taught mechanic became very successful in building race engines. After winning AA/SR class at the U.S. Nationals in 1967, Mickey Hart decided to build an AA/GS Willys. With the help of Chuck Finders, the Willys debuted on the match race circuit. It was an immediate contender. After the death of his good friend 'Wild' Bill Levic, Mickey decided racing was no longer fun and the Willys was sold in 1972. It passed through several owners and was finally purchased by the current owner in 2009. Many original parts were used in its reconstruction along with the addition of a new supercharged big block engine.
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Machinist George Montgomery began racing in 1953 and in 1958 he purchased an old Willys and built it into a dragster. After earning success, promoters started paying him to run at drag strips nationwide. In 1966, he became one of the first full-time professional drag racers.
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The Cates Speed Shop Willys Gasser is a former NHRA World Championship race car. It is presented in its original form, exactly as it last ran in 1965 when it was awarded the World Champion Trophy.
This Willys was driven by well-known and highly respected driver Virgil 'The Flying Junkman' Cates. He was known for removing the fiberglass nose of the Willys and running in the Altered Class at many events in order to try and double up on the prize money being offered.
This original World Championship 1933 Willys is a vivid and accurate look at exactly what racing in days gone by looked like.
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This is an original AA/GS race car built in 1965 by the legendary chassis builder Chuck Finders. Originally powered by a small block Chevy engine, Finders sold it to Ron Bizio in 1966. Bizio completely rebuilt the Willys and installed a 392 Chrysler Hemi. He then prepared it for the AA/GS wars that were being waged on the West Coast. It campaigned until 1970.
It would change hands several times over the next decade until being purchased by Tom Wolford in the 1980s. Over time it was brought back to its period correct condition.
The current owners acquired the car in 2003. In its present condition, the Ron Bizio Willys has run the quarter mile in 8.04 seconds at 167 miles per hour. It is one of the few original AA/GS that are still racing today.