Renowned Gasser legend Chuck Finders built this Prefect in the ‘60’s. The English Ford was raced for a time, then put into storage. This gem remained there until A/GS icons JR and Tommy Thompson purchased it in the early ‘80’s. The Thompson’s rebuilt and updated the tiny ex-taxi cab. Tommy did the fabrication. JR installed one of his famous Hemi’s. With Tommy piloting the car, it shocked everyone in the A/GS class. The “Burgundy Bandit” was the first A Gasser to break the 7 second barrier, setting both ends of the record at 7.90, 170 MPH. In addition to A/GS competition, JR and Tommy toured the Match Race circuit with another Gasser superstar, Jack Coonrod in his ’33 Willys. After a successful racing career, the Thompson’s decided to again rebuild the Prefect, this time as a wild street rod.
The “Burgundy Bandit” remains today as it did when JR and Tommy rebuilt it. The trademark burgundy finish was applied by Chino Hills Ford. Chino Hills Ford was well known back in the day for painting many of the legendary Gassers, including Stone, Woods, and Cook. The race engine was replaced with a JR Thompson 462 Cu. In. Hemi specially built by JR. and Tommy. One of JR’s hand massaged 4 port injection systems sits atop a vintage Mooneyham Blower. The “bullet proof” Thompson internals are all in the motor- Crower H beam rods, Billet crank, Venolia pistons, Isky Cam, Vertex Magneto, etc. Approximately 900 horsepower is transferred through a Torque Flite transmission built by another Gasser star, Geno Ciambello of C&O Transmission. The original 4.56 rear gear has been changed to 4.10 for street driving. This is no old drag car with a set of mufflers thrown on it. It has functional head and tail lights, turn signals, full exhaust, speedometer and odometer, etc.
We are proud to have this piece of Gasser Racing history in our collection.

If you are interested in purchasing a complete Hemi, Hemi parts, or memorablia from one of the most famous Gasser aces on the planet, go to www.jrthompsonracing.com or call JR at 562 868 2761.