My grandpa passed away last months and I was trying to search up some history of him. In the early 60s he had a 1940 baby blue willy.He use to run A-Gas had a 394 Supercharged Oldsmobile motor in it and raced in Illinois (Cordova dragway, Boondocks Dragway, Havanna Dragway) . I was wondering if anyone had any information about him or has heard anything about his old car or any news articles or anything. His name is Gerald V Lester. If anyone has any information I would greatly appreciate it
I wish that I knew something about it. I cleaned up the picture hopefully someone will recognize it. I believe it is a 1940 with the center grill bar removed.
I don't recognize it or the name, but good luck. It is a 40 grille center section with the bar cut out. Pat
Great picture of the “Willys” ( pronounced Willis ) . I can’t say it looks familiar at this point but I’ll definitely keep my eyes open now . Good luck on the search !
In the mid to late sixties there was a Willy with a blown Olds for power in that ran in this area. (Metairie Louisiana) The racer belonged to the Sieffert and Sons race team. They owned a business office supply shop here. The car was raced at the Laplace Dragway and perhaps Southland Dragway, also. I know nothing of the origins of the car. Nor what may have become of it. There is a veteran Laplace racer group with a website pertaining to Local racers from this area. Not sure of how of the web title. Some reasearch on your part may find you some retired racers with more information regarding the Willy.
Here is a picture that I got with my car. It’s a really light powder blue. The car still has that color under the royal blue that it is now. I have the history from the late 60’s on but not earlier. Your grandfather probably sold it to a gentleman named Joe Gren. I bought it about 3 years ago from his widow Linda.
I figured I would add some more pictures that I have received from the original posters father and some that I found online recently. And one current pic of the car.
Thanks for sharing. I’m glad that you found some more history and documentation on the car. Did you find out anything else that you can share with us? Also those wheels really look great on it.
I was able to trace his grandfathers Obit with Damon’s name as his grandchild. Pretty sure this is him. https://www.h-p-w.com/obituary/MrGeraldJerry-Lester