In our last showdown, the Volvo C30 shunted its two competitors into the weeds for a commanding 56% of the vote. Today, we’re reducing the number of choices so as not to confound addled pre-vacation brains. Two groovy gassers will go neck-and-neck in the Hooniverse drag strip of public opinion – who will prevail?
I tend to have a habit of creating landslide Showdowns, and I sense this might be another one despite my ardent passion for this ’48 Chevrolet Fleetmaster. Can it stand up to a more traditional ’50s gasser with a lift the size of a monster truck? I think it can – I’ve never seen a Fleetmaster turned into a gasser, and such a classy one as that. Dig the nose flank art – “Strip Teaser” – and the purposeful stance. It doesn’t hurt that this Chevy packs a (as far as I can tell) fully built LT1 350 feeding into a 9″ rear with Detroit Lockers. The dash has nicely integrated, original-looking gauges and a broad swath of chrome, and the interior is as clean as you could want from a used but well-maintained racer. Plus it’s likely to be a good deal cheaper than what the Bel-Air will likely sell for.
Of course, when it comes to stance, this ’53 Bel Air 210 is in its own motley league. Not knowing a ton on gassers, even I can tell that this is an extreme lift. Weight transfer be damned, it looks righteous. The color is probably not for everyone and I’d bet a whole silver dollar that its next owner paints it flat black, but the detail I’m most fond of is the “406 CU. IN.” decal on the side of the intake – that’s pitch-perfect. You could eat off of just about any surface on it, and a pair of Holleys making a claimed 650 HP running through a 10-bolt rear end will mean it’ll run like a politician from a scandal.
For this Hoon, this is a neck-and-neck battle. Let’s see how the underdog does.
[poll id=”23″]
Showdown: Dig These Groovy Gassers!
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Despite the LT1, Fleetmaster it is.
If the HP claims are to be believed, the 10bolt in the Bel Air is maybe good for 1 pass before spewing its 90wt soaked guts all over.-
That sounds inefficient. Disposable diapers are good, disposable rear ends are not.
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I sure like the Fleetmaster but suspect the Bel Air is fleeter.
BTW, tri-5 years are '55-'57. -
$20 in singles?
Every self respecting gentlemen's club patron knows that you bring $2 bills. In the dark they look like twenty's and the entertainment rewards your gracious tipping more.
Or so I've heard…. -
I knew that, dammit! Good catch – I'll edit the post. Lesson learned – coffee BEFORE posting.
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I'm voting Fleetmaster. I like Fleetmasters. Probably because everyone knows a Bel Air when they see one. Drive the Fleety around town and you'll get more looks.
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The Fleetmaster looks likes it wants to party, but the Bel-Air EATS SOULS…
Bel-Air SoulMaster please -
If I have to pick, it's going to be the green one, if only because white is the color choice of imagination-free people. However, I abhor this fake gasser offshoot of the rat rod scene, which I also abhor. So much more "lifestyle accessory" than "fast car."
Sorry to be all negative, but I have to call 'em as I see 'em. -
“406 CU. IN.”
'Nuff said.
I am glad the showdown is "priceless" now. Makes things more interesting. -
Not a fan of either, but I'll go Fleetmaster on this one. I can deal with the nose up stance much better than the monster truck look of the 210. Besided, the pinup on the side just has a cool retro look.
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Is it just me or does the rear three quarter view of the '53 look like a Volvo Amazon?
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You guys done me proud here – so far it's the Fleetmaster by a long ways. Not at all what I thought.
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Hey Han…..It is Hooniverse afterall..we can get the "run of the mill" Gassers all over these tubes. The Fleetmaster offered is definitely the Most Desirable….Thanks for sharing it with us…
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come on. An lt1? That is about as imaginative as a rigid harley or yenko clone. Nice try but ffffffail.
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I LOVE That Bel Air!
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nice groovy, i think its good article. good luck
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