Very rare Austin A40 Gasser Left Hand Drive Hotrod, Custom

I have spent over five years and £25K recreating this nostalgic all steel “Super Street Gasser” to 1961 NHRA gasser class regulations. The NSRA valuation is £30. 00.

This vehicle was built Left Hand Drive (LHD) for export to Canada after WWII and then imported back from the USA in 2010. Known as “The Checkered Demon” it has been built to a set of rules that not only define it as a nostalgic race car. but also means it can run on the street on unleaded gas.

The NHRA 61 rules dictated that the minimum wheelbase was 92”. the crank centre line could be raised up to 24” above the ground to aid weight transfer and therefore traction. The engine could be set back 10% of the wheelbase and that bucket seats could be used and set back up to 5”. Apart from that everything had to be stock. This was the period in drag race history known as the “Cammer Wars”.

The Checkered Demon is already a local trophy winner and has been designed to run in the NSRA sponsored “Gasser Circus” nostalgic bracket eliminator class. Bracket racing is not about all out power and this means that you don't have to break it every race. so it is a cheap way to go racing in front of very large crowds.

The Checkered Demon has been completely restored over many years with a long list of new and reconditioned parts all professionally fitted. with a view to longevity. reliability and low maintenance.

Originally a four door Devon the all steel body has been bare metalled. completely restored and two-doored by the multi-award winning John Stearman. The inner front fenders have been removed. original 48 small headlights fitted and the hood has been louvered to improve cooling. There is a new fire wall. foot wells. transmission tunnel. laminated screen and Lexan side windows. The rear fenders have been radiused and a new inner lip created. The period colour is simply called “Hot Rod Red”.

The engine currently fitted is a new (not remanufactured) 350CID (5. 00cc) Chevrolet “Goodwrench” 4 bolt main Small Block. with Edelbrock performer manifold and 600cfm carburettor. It has period M/T rocker covers. custom made stainless headers with full muffler system. “V” clamps for easy exhaust removal and custom made solenoid operated electric cut-outs operated from the centre console. This engine is rated at 250hp and has only covered 2000 miles. It would make a great basis for super charging or fuel injection.

The transmission is a built TH350 full manual pattern automatic with B&M HD 2200rpm stall converter and a period Hurst ratchet “slap stick” shift. It also has kick-down. an alloy pan with drain plug and transmission cooler. The drive shaft is a HD custom made item with prop-loop for safety. There is a new “quick release” transmission cradle and also a Line-Lock fitted to the rear brakes.

The front axle is from Thompson's Garage's imported from the states and professionally fitted by Power and Performance. with custom made steering arms etc. It comes with telescopic shocks. ventilated disc brakes and braided lines. The steering connects via a non PAS Land Rover Defender steering box and column with period metal flake “Gasser” steering wheel.

The drum braked 9” Ford rear axle has been totally rebuilt and narrowed to 48” by Bronco LLC of Nebraska. using all new parts with a 3:50 gear and period Detroit Locker (cone and ramp) LSD. It has been professionally fitted by Mike Woods at Mustard City Speed. with braided lines. anti-roll bar. telescopic shocks and custom made emergency brake. The Checkered Demon also has period correct traction bars. which really do work.

A Rally Design 13-gallon foam filled fuel tank is fitted with 100gph electric pump. steel lines and fuel regulator.

The wheels are Rocket Launcher at the front and 15x10 American Racing Wheels to the rear with 31. 5” tyres. The stud pattern is all Ford 5x4. 5” and the wheels have been laser aligned.

A period style custom made roll cage was professionally crafted by Julian Secker (R. I. P. ) of SWS services. who also built a new “chevy” firewall and foot wells. The cage attaches directly to the original chassis to provide increased rigidity. The seats are adjustable light weight JAZ low back items with diamond pleated removable covers. There are four point harnesses attached to special mounts on the cage and the chassis.

The radiator is the original Austin. which has been re-cored. There is a Kenlowe electric fan with thermostatic control and silicone hoses.

The headlights are 5 3/4 RH dip Halogen and the period gauges include a So-Cal 200mph speedo. art deco switches. period Moon half sweep tach and Moon accessory gauges for oil pressure. water temp. volts and fuel. all imported from So-Cal in the states. A modern Air/Fuel Ratio (AFR) gauge and sensor are also fitted to assist with engine tuning.

The Checkered Demon as in period. is a dual Street/Strip machine that has real competition and advertising potential in popular nostalgic drag racing events. If you don't have space for a muscle car. he fits in a very small garage. He has been designed for easy maintenance and parts availability. No MOT is required. insurance with the NSRA (which includes agreed value of £30K unlimited mods and unlimited mileage) is £185 for me and the road fund license is free. The Checkered Demon is always garaged and has covered around 3. 00 miles in my ownership.

The Checkered Demon has not been drag raced in my ownership. All art work has been removed. ready for a new owner. I have a V5 in my name and a heritage certificate. The number plate is non-transferable.

Please be aware. the Checkered Demon is a very old race car. and so I have tried to not over restore some areas. The electrics have been renewed and all work. but the wiring could do with further tidying. The interior is mostly bare to save weight and there is a slight weep from the speedometer drive.

I have tried to be as honest as I can in my description of this vehicle. If you don't understand the details of this advertisement then please do ask for clarification. Buyers purchase at their own risk; there are no returns and no warranty is implied or given. Obviously viewing is strongly recommended. though please do not waste my time. Payment is by Bank Transfer and the vehicle must be fully paid for before release to the new owner will be given. No P/X or swaps.

Thanks for viewing this listing.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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