For Sale: The Legendary "Dirty" Ernie Hamon Real-Steel 1941 Willys Coupe Gasser

Period-Correct 1963 Spec | Blown 392 Hemi | Runs 9s @ 150 MPH

If you know West Coast nostalgia drag racing, you know this car. Built by Southern California drag legend "Dirty" Ernie Hamon, this is not a modern fiberglass replica—it is a highly coveted, real-deal steel '41 Willys coupe.

This finished, fully dialed-in powerhouse was purchased by the current owner for the sole purpose of putting it on display in a museum they were building in the Midwest, serving as a tribute to honor Ernie and the golden era of drag racing. It has been carefully kept and showcased as a premier piece of motorsport history.

When Ernie built this car, he gave himself a strict challenge: Use only parts that were available in 1963 or earlier.

"That's not easy to do," Ernie said of the build. "I had to look, and look, and look for parts. But I knew what I wanted and did it the way I wanted it."

The result is an absolute masterpiece—a turnkey, brutally authentic AA/Gas powerhouse capable of running 9s at 150 MPH.

🚀 Mechanical Specifications (Strictly 1963 & Earlier Spec)

The Powerplant: Blown 392 Chrysler Hemi

• Engine: Vintage First-Gen Chrysler 392 "FirePower" Hemi V8, built to period-correct, high-strength specifications.

• Supercharger: Polished vintage-spec 6-71 Roots-style blower secured with SFI-approved safety straps.

• Induction: Classic Hilborn mechanical fuel injection scoop/hat set up to run methanol.

• Valvetrain & Accessories: Era-authentic ribbed aluminum valve covers, vintage-style magneto ignition, and a heavy-duty front-mount radiator with an electric fan setup.

• Exhaust: Earth-shaking, raw open-header fenderwell headers.

Drivetrain & Chassis

• Transmission: Bulletproof 2-speed automatic racing transmission (Powerglide style with aftermarket case) built with straight-cut gears and a high-stall converter to launch the steel coupe flawlessly.

• Rear End: Braced Ford 9-inch with deep gears and a spool for locked, straight-line traction.

• Suspension: Classic nose-high chrome straight axle riding on parallel leaf springs up front; vintage-style ladder bars in the rear.

• Wheels & Tires: Spindle-mounted lightweight front runners with deep-dish magnesium wheels wrapping tall drag slicks in the rear.

📦 Valuable Extras Included in the Sale

This listing comes with highly sought-after, expensive spare parts to keep you stocked:

• Extra Front Clip: An additional front clip featuring really nice steel fenders (an incredibly rare and hard-to-find spare!).

• Extra Wheel & Tire Setup: A backup set of rear drag slicks mounted on classic Center Line wheels.

🏁 Condition & Interior

• Body: Real-steel 1941 Willys coupe. Immaculate flat orange paint with classic "Dirty Ernie" hand-painted door lettering.

• Cockpit: Fully finished and race-ready, featuring an NHRA-spec roll cage, aluminum racing bucket seat, simple mechanical gauges, and a floor-mounted shifter.

📞 Rare Collector & Racing Opportunity

This is an incredibly rare opportunity to own a finished, highly documented '41 Willys with unmatched drag pedigree. Whether it heads back to the strip or continues to be the crown jewel of a high-end private collection, it stands as a stunning tribute to motorsport history.

• Location: Kansas City, Mo.

• Price: 149

• Contact: Contact Shawn to schedule a viewing or request further details (816) 308-0351.