
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured

A Farewell to the ‘Camfather’
Ed “Isky” Iskenderian—engine builder, innovator, mentor, philanthropist, and founding father of the modern aftermarket—passed away on February 4, 2026, at the age of 104. Known around the globe as The Camfather, Isky leaves behind a legacy so deeply woven into hot rodding and motorsports that it is impossible to imagine the industry without his fingerprints on it.

Remembering Angelo Giampetroni: The Bridge Between Detroit Speed Shops and Ford Motorsport
The automotive and motorsports world has lost one of its most influential figures with the passing of Angelo “Junior” Giampetroni. A pioneer, promoter, and passionate builder, Angelo helped shape the hot rodding and drag racing scenes from the postwar boom through the modern era. His impact can be felt not just in Detroit, but across the globe—from gritty speed shops to high-level factory performance programs. Angelo wasn’t just part of the culture—he connected it all together.

BACK TO BASICS
Simplicity is the key here, as this ’55 Chevy perfectly embodies the sleeper theme with a no-frills look and monster power. It doesn’t even feature all the stainless Bel Air or 210 trim you normally find on most tri-5 models; but even though this is a plain-Jane 150 devoid of trim, Ernie Lankford’s all-black ’55 certainly doesn’t get overlooked.
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Light at the End of the Camaro
The End Seems Brighter With Marquez Taillights
Author
Carrie Fesler
Photography courtesy of Fesler Productions
During its search for what would make for an interesting and much sought-after early Camaro, H&H decided to transform its project Camaro into something you would be proud to own. Previously, we walked you through the suspension fabrication and installation. We went from the stock, well-used suspension to an upgraded Air Ride Technologies air system that enabled a set of 20-inch wheels to neatly tuck under the well-proportioned wheel wells. We then covered the bodywork steps and the paint in another article. A fitting combination, considering that the execution of this Camaro illustrates what can be done to a well-worn car with some careful planning and a lot of straightforward work. So, if you are not the lucky one to win this car, know that you can duplicate it by following the steps that H&H decided would make a great-looking and well-running classic Camaro.
Now we are enticing you with a simple technical install that includes a set of new aftermarket taillights. When you think of Camaro taillights, you don’t generally think of custom approaches or out-of-this-world modifications, as the stock Camaro lights are still quite popular. Let’s face it, if the original lights are there and can be refurbished, they either work or they don’t, and good working rear lights will prove useful when avoiding a rearend mishap. In this context, they are necessary—modified or stock. However, the ’69 taillights can be fine-tuned, and for this upgrade, H&H selected a set of billet rim rings from Marquez Design & Fabrication.
These billet rings replace the stockers and add just the right amount of bling to this ’60s-era muscle car. Read along and follow the 16 simple steps that it takes to give the rear of your ’69 Camaro a “face” lift.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Marquez Design & Fabrication
14190 Sargent Ave.
Galt, CA 95632
209/744-9917









