Guess the gas Maytags should be revivied-I sure the "gas automatic" could be designed to work around the non reversible gas motor.VFD's shouldn't be a problem now-only thing is they won't work with cap start motors with the centrifical switches.The VFD should work with of course 3Ph motors(the VFD can double as the phase convertor)and could be used with cap start-run motors that dont have centrifical switches.You won't have as wide a speed range,though-but probably enough for washer.I also thought Speed Queen made a gas wringer washer that used a vert shaft B&S gas motor mounted on one side.You used clutch levers for shifting to agitate or wring.The vert shaft B&S motor would really be the same as used on most rotary lawn mowers.