A Glimpse into the Golden Era of Willys Gassers
Many seasoned car enthusiasts will recall the iconic Willys A/Gas coupes that dominated dragstrips across the United States in the 1960s. These high-performance machines, driven by visionaries like “Big John” Mazmanian and the Stone, Woods, and Cook team, were known for their explosive power and sheer speed. With monstrous blown Chrysler V8 engines, these cars would roar to life, shaking the ground with their thunderous sound before disappearing in a cloud of smoke, often reaching speeds over 150 miles per hour. The era was all about achieving the perfect power-to-weight ratio. Backyard engineers would take the lightest Willys models they could find, install the largest Chrysler Hemi V8 possible, and top it off with a GMC truck blower, creating true automotive weapons.
While top fuel dragsters were faster, the spectacle of watching a humble Willys coupe outperform its competitors was unmatched. It wasn’t uncommon to see your elementary school crossing guard’s old Willys coupe leave other vehicles in the dust.
These amateur-built gassers were not only dangerous to drive but also incredibly exciting to watch. Their popularity has endured, leading to the continued production of fiberglass bodies for these classic cars, as original models have long since disappeared. In fact, many of these small Willys economy cars were already rare even before the racers of the 1960s discovered them.
I remember seeing older Willys models occasionally during my childhood, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I became curious about what a stock Willys was like to drive. My curiosity led me to Rick Lorenzen, who owned Price Transfer, a major national trucking company in Southern California. He had one of the most extensive collections of Willys gassers and originals in the country. He took me on a tour of his collection and even let me take a spin in one of his meticulously restored original 1941 Willys Americar coupes.
The experience was surprising—despite its small size, the car was surprisingly roomy, comfortable, and peppy. It was powered by a modest Willys Go Devil four-cylinder flathead engine, which later became the powerplant for the American Jeeps used in World War II. The car could easily cruise at 50 mph and reach a top speed of 65 mph, which was more than sufficient for its time. Keep in mind that Highway 66 was only fully paved to Santa Monica in 1939.
The Willys Overland automobile company had been around since 1912, experiencing both highs and lows throughout its history. The company rebounded through the 1930s and was saved during World War II by the Army Jeep, which is still recognized today. However, the last Willys passenger car, the Aero, was built in 1954.
After my test drive, Rick and I joined his friends for lunch and a bit of conversation. Our discussion soon turned to our experiences at the famous Lions dragstrip in the 1960s. We reminisced about Saturday nights there during its peak years. The local Lions Club had built the track in 1955 to provide a safe place for rodders to race. It remained operational until 1972 when it was closed to make way for an expansion of the port of Long Beach.
At that moment, we realized the need for a museum or monument near the dragstrip site to honor its legacy as a hub for Southern California car culture. Rick, with the help of his friends, made this dream a reality. The result is the Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum in Rancho Dominguez, California. Spanning 100,000 square feet, the museum houses Rick’s extensive Willys collection, along with famous movie cars, land speed record setters, and classic vehicles from various eras.
Tragically, Rick passed away recently, but his collection, along with memorabilia, a restoration shop, and a period-style coffee shop, continues to be open for visitors. The museum is currently open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays, managed by dedicated volunteers. Clubs and groups can arrange special tours.
A few weeks ago, I took my sons to the museum, and I was nearly moved to tears recalling the excitement of those weekend races and the friends and girlfriends from that time. Rick’s beautifully restored Willys gassers, along with his stock models and stunning wall murals, transported me back to a time and place I wish still existed. Visitors from as far as New Zealand and Germany were there at the time.
If you’re an enthusiast like me or simply curious, I highly recommend visiting the Lions Museum if you find yourself in Southern California. It serves as a microcosm of the golden age of car culture in the region. For more information, visit hmn.com/lionsmuseum or contact the Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum at 2790 E Del Amo Blvd., Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221; 310-223-3470; lionsautomobilia.org.
