ANIMAL ANTICS
TO understand the nose-high, bad-to-the-bone Model A Gasser you see here we must first understand the background of its owner. Russell Long is the consummate “westie” hot rodder: his black T-shirt, long hair and goatie beard leave no question that Russell is from Henderson, West Auckland. The Model A Gasser is the result of Russell’s long history of hot rodding and drag racing where hot rods looked badass and accordingly performed like wild animals in true Gasser style. In an era of political correctness, this car is a refreshing take on what hot rodding was and Russell’s story paints the picture of a “mother’s worry” or a “wife’s headache” as Russell is the ultimate gearhead where fast isn’t fast enough and hot rods and drag cars consume him like a kid in a candy store.
This story is a little different as it’s written from the perspective of the fabricator getting to know the owner and coming to grips with how his past inspired the present. Russell’s Model A Gasser was built at Mac’s Speed Shop by Graeme and Greg, who learnt firsthand how much of a big kid Russell is, and that notion is meant in the best possible way. Whether you build your own car at home or you employ a shop to build your car, the key to the recipe of success is enthusiasm, passion and vision. It’s enthusiasm of achieving the vision and final result
