This 1953 Henry J is not an “original” gasser, instead it is a modern build that plays the part of an old school racer. We think it rules and it would be on the strip seconds after we paid for it. We were seduced by the flip nose and the beam front axle complete with a chrome suicide spring. Cornering is overrated.
Some things that are a definite deviation from “old school” especially the well detailed and painted frame and rear end. We dig the details but the true “old school” cars were mostly gas welded together and if someone has suggested painting the frame they likely would have been kicked out of the car club they were in. Racers were rough and tumble back then!
The motor sports a traditional 10 percent setback, the brakes on the front are 1968 Camaro pieces, and the 355 SBC motor is a snorting 12.5:1 compression mill according to the seller. Back in the day, that 355 would have been non-existent, so the car probably would have had a 292 or 301ci Chevy. In that trim it would have been a solid B/ or C/Gas machine.
We love the flat paint, and lettering, but most of all the trimmed rear wheel wells stuffed full of tire have us weak in the knees!
Source — RacingJunk.com — 1953 Henry J Gasser
