A Wild 1965 Chevy II Nova Looks to Impact The Gasser Class
It takes a different kind of enthusiast to embrace, build or drive a gasser. The restrictions to keep the vehicle period-correct, lack of billet, no nitrous or turbochargers allowed as power-adders, and the nose-high stance or solid front axle conversion all must be checked to fit into the Gasser part of the Gassers vs Hot Rods vs Beetles class.
Rob Leavens does his part to keep the Gasser movement alive, driving his 1965 Chevy II that bears the name “WildFire.”
The classic Chevrolet packs a stroker-version of the standard 350 small block Chevrolet engine, with a Holley tunnel ram intake and fender well headers to complete the Gasser vibe.
It’s backed by a 3-speed Turbo 350 transmission, and has racked up 12-second time slips on Rob’s most-recent Hot Rod Drag Week visit in 2022.
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After participating on last year’s Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive as a spectator, Rob is making the drive from New York to participate in 2023 in the Gasser/B class.
“I hope to make clean runs, break into the 11-second zone, and make the trip,” said Rob, who will bring his brother Tom along for the ride.
“But for a week with Volvo wagons, pro mod Camaros, milk trucks and Caddies ... need I say more?”
Written by Derek Putnam. Photo courtesy of Rob Leavens