Johnny Lopers Maverick Gasser

Discussion in 'Drag Racing' started by lbr, Apr 3, 2009.

  1. lbr

    lbr Member

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    I was told years ago that Johnny Loper built a Maverick Gasser after the Lil Hoss Anglia. The car was ill handling and might have crashed if I remember right. Anyway enjoy! Rocky
    [​IMG]
     
    NitrousTuner331 likes this.
  2. don graham

    don graham MCG State Rep

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    Nice Comet. I've raced at Bakersfield a few times. :)
     
  3. mavmike72

    mavmike72 Member

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    yes i like that comet too...........love the stance
     
  4. bradleygt

    bradleygt Member

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    did every one miss the A/GAS maverick on this post :huh:

    but yes your comet is real sweet:thumbs2:

    brad
     
  5. lbr

    lbr Member

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    Thanks guys! Rocky
     
  6. ford84stepside

    ford84stepside Lone Wolf

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    I think most of the gassers were ill handling, but I bet they were fun! They don't make race cars like that anymore!
     
  7. Bryant

    Bryant forgot more than learned

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    is that a inline 6?
     
  8. Dave B

    Dave B I like Mavericks!

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    Considering the width alone, or compared to a Topolino :D
     
  9. gasserman

    gasserman Member

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    Not all gassers are ill handling. Some drive better than they did stock . We got quite a few I race with out of Oklahoma. Check out Central State Gasser Assn. There is plenty of pictures of them running . Here a newer picture of my Falcon gasser. Hope to get finished up soon. Gasserman
     

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  10. Wilbur Green

    Wilbur Green Member

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    That is one cool looking Falcon.(y)
     
  11. rcrmonte3

    rcrmonte3 New Member

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    Johnny Loper's Maverick Gasser

    Thanks for the pic of the Maverick. I've been looking for one for years.
    I was a volunteer member of Johnny's pit crew the night he crashed the Maverick at Beeline, riding in the chase truck. It was big block Chevy powered. I think it was during an IHRA event, but am not sure. Partied with Prudhomme, McKewen, etc. after the prelims on Sat nite. Don't know if he ever rebuilt the Maverick, as I moved out of the Phoenix area shortly after.
     
  12. 1971460Maverick

    1971460Maverick Member

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    Gasser

    Here is a picture of another Maverick Gasser I came across on the net.
     

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  13. lbr

    lbr Member

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    Your welcome, I'll bet those were the days! Rocky
     
  14. don graham

    don graham MCG State Rep

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    Not sure if anyone knows this or not, but Johnny Loper passed away last year. His sons now have Lopers Speed Shop.
     
  15. NitrousTuner331

    NitrousTuner331 Member

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    Comet.... HOW SAD!!!
    This was a Maverick that John bought brand new 6 blocks from his speed shop. Many 0G's considered John the Godfather of Pro Stock due to This build.
    The young kid that sold him the Maverick was so nervous selling him the car he had forgotten to give him the warranty card. The next day his boss told the salesman to go to Lopers Speed Shop & give John his warranty card & apologize... The kid came in the sales floor & asked for John. They said he's out in the shop & pointed him the way.
    Kid walks in the shop & John has a torch cutting up the floor pan of the car. He stops & yelled "can I help you?"
    "Yes, Mr Loper I'm here to deliver your warranty card for the Maverick I sold ya yesterday."
    John laughed & pointed up to the corner ceiling where the Maverick was hanging with a chain going through the door glass holding the body up. And told him "Thanks son but I Don't think it will need a warranty anymore."
    The kid fell on the floor & was baffled. John ran over to him & he was mumbling "WOW GOD WOW WOULD SOMEONE SPEND $2000 & CUT THE CAR UP"
    It was 1 of the First IF NOT THE FIRST brand New door car cut apart. Tube chassis, Big block set way back, & a clutch... And Yes he wrecked the car on it's 4th or 5th time out @ BeeLine.
    Had a rear tire go out on the big end. I have John's original pictures of the wrecked car I'll upload soon. But I was Sad to see sooo many sooooo confused to call 1 of THE BADDEST Mavericks ever built a Comet.
    #ripjohnloper
     

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