Racing Legend ‘Grumpy’ Jenkins To Be Remembered At Mecum’s Indy Auction
Hall of Fame Racing Legend Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins may be lost, but Mecum Auctions will help keep his legacy alive this May 14-19 at Dana Mecum’s 26th Original Spring Classic auction in Indianapolis with the auctioning of “Grumpy’s Stuff” featuring more than 150 personal artifacts from his estate to be offered Saturday, May 18, all at no reserve.
“Grumpy,” as he was known by most, made a name for himself in the ‘60s drag racing in the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) using cars equipped with engines he had enhanced on his own. Jenkins would often take off down the strip with a lit cigar wedged between his teeth and come out ahead without even breaking a sweat.
More than a champion racer, Jenkins is even better remembered for the numerous mechanical innovations he developed through the years including drag racing’s first kick-out oil pan and Pro Stock’s strut-style front suspension. He was also personally responsible for building 30 vehicles that set national records in various racing venues and that won a total of 61 races including eight championships. “He was a mechanical engineer to a fault,” describes friend and estate executor Dick Williams. “He was lost in his own world; he was like an artist that way. If he was back working on something you might have to remind him to eat.”
Join Mecum this May 18 in immortalizing this revered man by celebrating his life through his most prized possessions including trophies, awards, model cars and competition jackets, just a few of the many things that comprise the collection. Stars of the lineup will be Grumpy’s 2004 Red on Black GTO Coupe (Lot S1) and his personal Snap-On tool box (Lot K175) from the late ‘60s with all the tools and trinkets. There is no better place than at Mecum’s Indy auction to attain a piece of history and pay homage to a man who spent his life behind the wheel and under the hood.
Thirty-two hours of the Indianapolis auction will be broadcast live on Discovery’s Velocity Network with the entire auction streaming live on Mecum’s website at www.mecum.com. Mecum’s Indy auction is open to buyers, sellers and spectators. Gates open at 8 a.m. each day and general admission can be purchased at the door for $20 per person; children 12 and younger will be admitted at no cost. For more information on the auction or to register as a bidder, visit www.mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050.
About Mecum Auctions
Nobody sells more than Mecum. Nobody. The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car and Road Art sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 26 years, now offering more than 15,000 vehicles per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Established by President Dana Mecum in 1988, Mecum Auctions remains a family-run company headquartered in Walworth, Wis. For further information, visit www.mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050. Follow along with Mecum’s social media news and join us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram.
Schedule:
Dana Mecum’s 26th Original Spring Classic auction
Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Admission: $20 per person per day, children 12 and younger admitted free
Preview: Gates open daily at 8 a.m.
Auction: Vehicles start at 10 a.m. each day with Road Art 30 minutes prior
Live TV Schedule: Wednesday-Saturday 1-9 p.m.
(All Times Central)
