Hot Rods The Ultimate Willys Gasser Thread

Grist Brothers Willys Coupe vs unknown Willys Coupe Lions Dragstrip 1959







The only non black and white photo we’ve seen shows Ralph (far right) and Floyd with “parts-washer and coffee-maker” Eddy Grist, who toured the SoCal strips with his uncle and father, respectively. More than half a century later, Eddy’s tribute Web site (GristBrosRacing.com) shares many great shots of the world’s quickest and fastest unblown gasser.
little Eddie Grist at age 9 from the Grist Family Collection

Hello,

We met the Grist Family in the pits at Lion’s Dragstrip. We were impressed with their chopped Willys Coupe that seemed to win almost every race in the A/Gas class. They lined up in front of us in the staging area and made their run in A/Gas. Then it was our final race of the eliminations in the C/Gas class. So we lined up ready to go. When the Grist Bros. Willys Coupe was off of the dragstrip, we got the go ahead to approach the starting line.

It was our first final and my brother was amped. He had been winning races all day and by large margins. Our motor was running smoothly and I had replaced the final set of spark plugs in the pits. So, both cars lined up. My brother knew that he had to get a good start and take the lead immediately. When the noise started, our Willys had a perfect start and my brother guided it out in front by at least a car length and half. By the orange tower, his lead was now two car lengths in front.

Atts Ono and I were standing in the staging area and were happy with the results so far. Our Willys was headed for our first record trophy run in C/Gas. Our Willys was definitely in front approaching the final timing lights.

It was a surprise to see flames coming out of the cab, the door and down below when it happened after my brother got such a great start. But, we were at the starting line watching. Eddie Grist was about 9 and his family of dad/uncle were in the tow vehicle when they saw our Willys take off, get the big lead and then right in front of where they were coming back down the return road, the big explosion and ball of fire happened in an instant.

Jnaki


In talking with Eddie Grist several years back, He told me that it was a memory that will not be forgotten, ever. He had never seen an explosion and fire in a race car. Plus, it happened right in front of the whole Grist Family on the return road.

Eddie Grist said his family estimated our Willys was going about 60. The Grist Brothers chopped A/Gas Willys was on the exact spot on the return road where my brother jumped out. But, those metal cannisters were clipped in place as per the rules at the time. 1960 Fire extinguishers were in place, but, for a big fire, virtually useless. We used several tall red cans on the resulting fire, as did several other racers and spectators.

That chopped Willys Coupe will forever be a part of our drag racing history, in the association we had in the Lion's Dragstrip pits and from conversations… thanks, Grist Brothers and Eddie…

 

'High Street, Avoca' (cropped) October 29, 1948; Victorian Railways photo; State Library of Victoria (Oz)