The American custom car scene is a vibrant shade woven from diverse threads, each strand representing a unique style and passion. At the heart of this automotive artistry lies the gasser, a high-octane fusion of hot rod and drag racing.
Born from the unassuming shells of production cars, gassers undergo a dramatic metamorphosis into purpose-built speed demons. Their unmistakable profile, marked by a raised front end and colossal tires, is a testament to their singular focus on quarter-mile domination.
Under the hood, potent engines roar to life, propelling these machines down the track with exhilarating force. This 1937 Chevrolet, rescued from obscurity, embodies this transformation, trading its ordinary past for a thrilling future as a drag racing contender.
A relic of drag racing’s golden age, the “Old Master” Chevy is a time capsule of raw power and unbridled speed. Once piloted by the legendary Ken Silvestri, this nearly 90-year-old Chevy has been shrouded in slumber since its 1975 retirement.
The car’s imposing 114-inch wheelbase is stretched over a classic Chevy body, now bearing the scars of modifications made to accommodate its once-fearsome powertrain. The car’s blue exterior is a canvas adorned with the iconic AA/GS markings, the driver’s name, and the names of those who contributed to its creation.
Beneath the weathered skin lies a heart-pounding 472ci engine, supercharged and blown to deliver an otherworldly surge of power. An automatic transmission harnesses this brute force, once propelling the “Old Master” to the pinnacle of drag racing.
Inside, a spartan black interior, equipped with a safety harness, reflects the uncompromising focus on speed that defined this era. Despite its aged appearance, the car exudes an aura of untapped potential.
Its current owner is betting on a resurgence of this legendary machine, as the “Old Master” prepares to cross the auction block at the upcoming Monterey event, inviting enthusiasts and collectors to reignite its fiery spirit.
