(Photo: NHRA Archive) – Art Chrisman, one of the greatest hot rodders who ever lived, a man who saw success as a pioneering drag racer, land speed racer, and a hot rod builder of nearly unparalleled skill has died. At 86 years old, Chrisman lived a life full of adventure, innovation, bravery, and fun. His contributions to the world of drag racing came during the important formative years of the sport.
Such a respected and important pillar was he that Wally Parks chose Chrisman to make the first pass of the first NHRA Nationals in 1955. He won the 1959 March Meet and his famed #25 dragster is one of the most iconic machines that the sport has ever known. He followed that car up with the Hustler 1 which he constructed with Frank Cannon. He was the first to run 140 mph in the quarter mile (in the #25) and he was also the first to run 180mph (just don’t ask Don Garlits about that) which he did in the Hustler. He was the fifth member of the Bonneville 200mph club, eventually driving Chet Herbert’s Beast streamliner to 235mph. A coupe of his own construction flirted with 200. All of this was happening more than 60 years ago, mind you.
He was known for his ability to do anything. He could build a car from the ground up. Chassis, engine, sheetmetal, paint, he did it all. It was that level of talent that saw him opening Chrisman Auto Rod Specialties with his son and turning out amazing cars of all shapes and sizes. Chrisman’s driving career effectively ended in 1961 when he took a job with Autolite spark plugs and represented that company in the high performance aftermarket and racing world for a decade.
When we consider the accomplishments of Art along with those of his uncle Jack in the world of hot rodding and racing it is mind boggling to think about. Seldom has a family had this type of impact on a sport, especially in basically the same era.
We could go on but others have done a better job of it than we have. Art Chrisman is a legend who will be missed by many both at the strip and on the salt. Read more about him at the links below:
NHRA’s remembrance of Art Chrisman
Art Chrisman’s #29 entry on the 50 greatest NHRA drag racers of all time list
Real men. Real racers. Real talent.
Today’s guys don’t even come close. Like you said, these guys built the cars from the ground up, drove the tow rig, tuned and drove them.
People today have no idea what it took.
I learnt about Art Chrisman in about 1964 when I started reading Popular Hot Rodding and Hot Rod for the very first time. He and fellow pioneers like Dean Moon, Tommy Ivo. Mickey Thomson and his arch rival Big Daddy all drove these monstrous cars that belched smoke and flames. I could only wonder at what it would be like to watch them as there was no Youtube in those days.
I would lie awake dreaming of building and running cars like this and then carry on scratch building model versions just to keep that dream alive. For those happy memories and your dedication to hot rodding – Art Chrisman I salute you.
My thoughts are with your family.
Well written article / eulogy hybrid. I salute you for that. It isn’t easy.
Isn’t it Fun and Satisfying doing great work ?
Cheers. Another true Pioneer gone.
I coudn’t have said it better, I agree with all of the above about Art Chrisman. Gone but not forgotten.