Willys Gasser: The Caboose

I've always liked the old Willys Gassers, and the Caboose is typical of the breed. 1940s era Willys coupe, supercharged Chrysler Hemi, flip-open front clip, small front tires on a straight axle.

Still continuing the photo series from the 1966 Detroit Autorama, I bring you the Caboose. I’ve always liked the old Willys Gassers, and this one is typical of the breed. 1940s era Willys coupe, supercharged Chrysler Hemi, flip-open front clip, small front tires on a straight axle. The classes painted on the roof piller indicate this car ran A/GS (gas, supercharged) or AA/G.

The car has plenty of chrome, but it is obviously a race car. The small lettering on the front fenders reads “Built by Owners.” If the names on the door reflect the owners, Nick Plantus and Mike Maguire built the car.

I can’t tell you who drove or anything about the car’s competition history. Because of it’s appearance at the Detroit show, I assume it must have been from Michigan or Ohio, but who knows? Possibly Canadian?

Can anyone fill in the blanks on the old red Caboose?