Few men have impacted the sport of drag racing like Bill Grumpy
Jenkins. His storied history at the drag strip began in the late 1950s,
and continues today. Throughout his career, both innovation and success
have followed him closely, and this book documents the long and colorful
history of the competition cars that proudly bear the name Grumpy's Toy.
Grumpy's Toys stands as a full and complete history of
Jenkins' career to date as told through his cars, and has been heartily
authorized by the man himself (Jenkins wrote the book's foreword.)
Author Doug Boyce has been following Jenkins throughout his racing
career, and amassed an impressive collection of vintage photography that
is shared on the pages. Through his own knowledge, extensive research,
and by working with Grumpy himself, Grumpy's Toys offers readers an
unparalleled look behind the man and his machines.
This book boasts the largest collection of Jenkinscentered
vintage photography ever assembled. Input from Grumpy punctuates the
tales behind the now-legendary cars, and author Boyce's fan-friendly
writing style entertains. Many myths about both Jenkins and his
formidable racing cars have grown over the decades, and this book
separates the fact from the fiction. This book is essential for the true
drag racing fan.
Very few men have been able to make a successful career in
racing street-based drag cars, especially when compared to the
stars of Funny Car and Top Fuel racing. One of the rare exceptions is
Bill Grumpy Jenkins.
While he's been mentioned in many books covering the history
of drag racing, and his engine building books have remained indemand,
there's never been a complete history of Bill Grumpy Jenkins' cars
compiled until now.
The book takes you through the Dodge Boys cars, the break up of
Strickler and Jenkins and also looks at the Black Arrow Plymouth that
followed. The Black Arrow would bring Bill his first NHRA Championship,
his only non Chevrolet national event win. Read how Bill had hoped to
obtain a Chrysler deal of his own and why the attempt failed. The Black
Arrow controversy is finally put to rest with the help of reclusive Doc
Burgess. The Chevy II's, the factory supplied Camaro's, Vega's and
Monza's are all discussed in proceeding chapters.
The book does get into factory ties and Bill's relationship with the
likes of Vince Piggins, Paul Prior and Ron Sperry. Chevrolets supply of
cars and parts would start in 1966 when Vince Piggins came knocking on
the door.
About the Author
Doug Boyce turned his first wrench at age
8 and attended his first drag race at age 10. By age 14, he was working
on restoring cars and swapping engines. Now 49, Doug has worked on many
drag cars and has written several articles for automotive magazines. He
spent 15 years as an automotive technician and still enjoys turning
wrenches for fun. He's been a fan of Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins since age 12,
and first met Jenkins at a West Coast match race in 1975. He's followed
Grumpy's career ever since.
