Drag racing in the 1960s was a thrilling spectacle, and the Gasser class cars were at the heart of it. While ’48 Fords might not be the first car that comes to mind when thinking about Gassers, these vehicles did make their mark in drag racing history. Inspired by this era, I built a ’48 Ford Gasser model around twelve years ago, shortly after Revell released their chopped ’48 Ford Custom kit. This project became a journey into the world of Gasser Car Parts and period-correct modifications.
This model wasn’t just about assembling a kit; it was about capturing the essence of a 1960s Gasser. To achieve this, I went beyond the basic kit, focusing on incorporating key gasser car parts. The engine is a dual quad ram manifold 289 Ford V8, representing the powerful heart of many Gassers. The front and rear suspensions were kitbashed to achieve that signature Gasser stance, crucial for replicating the look of these drag racing machines. Inside, the interior was modified with a racing theme, reflecting the functional and stripped-down nature of Gasser cockpits.
One of the details I’m most proud of is the inclusion of era-correct mags, finished to simulate the tarnished magnesium look they would have had after racing. This is a subtle nod to the authenticity sought by model builders aiming for a true period representation of gasser car parts. For the windows, I used simulated yellow tint Plexi from old Revell Gasser kits, another detail common in 1960s drag racing. The hood scoop, reminiscent of the Ford SuperDuty style, came from a Monogram 1939 Chevy Coupe kit and adds to the aggressive appearance, hinting at the powerful gasser car parts underneath.
The stance of the model is also important. It reflects the shift in Gasser style during the mid-1960s and later, where the dramatically raised front end started to give way to a more level or slightly raked body. This subtle change in stance is another detail that enthusiasts of gasser car parts and drag racing history will appreciate.
While the decals, sourced from Slixx, might be a minor deviation from perfect period correctness, they contribute to the overall visual appeal of the model. This ’48 Ford Gasser build has been quite popular among fellow modelers, and I wanted to share it here as well. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of Gassers and the fascinating world of gasser car parts.
This project was a fun exploration into recreating a piece of drag racing history in miniature, with a focus on accurately representing the gasser car parts that made these cars so iconic.
