About Chilly Willy

Chilly Willy is a 1940 Willys Coupe D/Gasser four speed drag car powered by a small block Chevy. Chilly Willy's fastest pass is 9.87 seconds at 135.54 mph.

Construction of the Chilly Willy replica drag car began in 2002 and was completed in early 2004. There was no time to spare as the newly reborn Chilly Willy had a date with the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. On February 6, 2004, drag racing legend Bert Straus, driver and owner of the original Chilly Willy drag car, was one of the 2003 inductees into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. The Gala event took place at the Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto where Bert and his old race car were reunited and inducted for his drag racing accomplishments.

During Chilly Willy's early drag racing days,1967-1971, the car had three different paint schemes. All had the penguin and the name Chilly Willy and all paint work was done by the artist Kenny Kay. Kenny Kay was asked to paint the new steel bodied Willys, and agreed to do it one more time. What an experience to see. After Chilly Willy's new war paint was laid, clear coat was applied to seal it for life. Not only did we have Bert and Ken involved, but one member of the crew from way back when, Bob Juriedine. Who better to have helping with the rebuild than men who new the car intimately already!

The engine was given over to a very close friend of mine, master engine builder and long time drag racing legend John Rossitter of John Rossitter Motorsports. John actually raced Bert Straus back in 1971 with his 68 E/MP Camaro many times and the two were in the top three along with with Frank Elliot of Drag Supply, battling it out for the most points at the end of the year. The Engine was put to test on the dyno at Beatty and Woods, a very famous name in the days of nostalgia era as well.

The complete steel repair, body prep and assembly took place at Tim Z Hot Rods in Mississauga, Ontario. This guy knows how to build a car. Take Chilly Willy as an example.

The engine, transmission and differential,16 point rollcage, steering, clutch and brake pedals, were fabricated and fitted at Altered Images in Baxter, Ontario by owner Tom Britton and his righthand man Ron Warren.

Thank You to everyone who helped turn a drag racing dream into reality!

Danny Bilyk