Grumpy's Toys

Grumpy's Toys: The Authorized History of Grumpy Jenkins' Cars chronicles the career of Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins, a pivotal figure in drag racing from the 1950s through 2012. The book details the development and racing history of 17 competition vehicles that carried the name "Grumpy's Toy." The text follows Jenkins' evolution from his early tune-up service through his partnerships and eventual solo career. Input from Jenkins himself, who wrote the foreword, provides clarity on decades of racing stories and separates truth from legend. The book covers key relationships and vehicles in Jenkins' career, including his partnership with Dave Strickler, the Old Reliable cars, and the Black Arrow Plymouth that brought him his first NHRA Championship. Historical photographs and firsthand accounts from Jenkins and other figures in the racing community support the narrative. This history stands as both a technical record of automotive innovation and a portrait of determination in American motorsports. The book captures a transformative period in drag racing through the lens of one of its most influential participants.

Readers call this book a detailed historical record of Jenkins Competition and the legendary Grumpy's Toy drag racing cars. Multiple reviewers note it fills a gap in drag racing literature by documenting Bill Jenkins' career and technical innovations. Readers liked: - Comprehensive collection of photos and race records - Technical details about engine building and modifications - Year-by-year documentation of car development - Personal stories from people who worked with Jenkins Readers disliked: - Some found the writing dry and technical - A few mention it could use better editing - Price point ($50+) considered high by some Ratings: Amazon: 4.7/5 (48 reviews) Goodreads: 4.4/5 (5 reviews) Notable review quote: "Finally a book that documents Jenkins' contributions to drag racing and engine development. The photos alone are worth the price." - Amazon reviewer

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🏎️ Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins earned his nickname from his no-nonsense attitude and serious demeanor at the race track, where he was known as much for his engineering genius as his driving skills. 🔧 Jenkins revolutionized Pro Stock racing by developing the "Jenkins Shooter" carburetor system and pioneering the use of data acquisition in drag racing during the 1970s. 📈 The most successful of all "Grumpy's Toys" was Toy IV, a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro that won six out of eight NHRA national events in 1972—a record that stood for several years. 🏆 The book reveals that Jenkins' success wasn't just about horsepower; he was one of the first racers to understand the importance of weight distribution and chassis tuning in drag racing. 📸 Many of the photographs featured in the book had never been published before, coming directly from Jenkins' personal collection and archive before his passing in 2012.