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THE AUTO BUILDER
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BUTCH
Back in the ’60s, a youthful Barry Wallner was well known in and around Illinois for his modified ’57 sedan delivery. It was a tough competitor at the local dragstrips, but time took its toll, and most of the dragstrips have disappeared, giving way to housing and shopping-center developments and industrial complexes. But this hasn’t stopped Wallner, who was an adept restorer. So, from the late-’60s through the mid-’90s, he has gone on with other ’57 Chevys to win top show awards.
Home-Brewed
Some car guys choose a path to automotive nirvana through the purchase of a car that someone else built or by having a shop build the car of their dreams, but Albert Alvarado is not one of those guys. Like many of us, he doesn’t mind getting grease under his fingernails and overspray in the garage. You see, Alvarado had completed this Bel Air once before. Back in 2004, it was a beautiful red-and-white car, but Alvarado was disappointed by the number of red-and-white Bel Airs he was seeing at all the shows, so he decided to make some drastic changes.
SMOKIN’ SS – Part 3
The Smokin’ SS chassis is about performance. So, rather than tweak on 20-year-old technology, we chose to design a versatile chassis with a multitude of combinations that will allow us to tune the Smokin’ SS for any challenge.
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Remembering Alex Xydias
Honoring the Life and Legacy of A Hot Rodding Icon
The automotive world lost a true legend with the passing of Alex Xydias in 2024. Born in 1922, Xydias was not just a figure in hot rodding; he was a driving force whose innovations and passion forever changed the landscape of the industry. His life was a journey of relentless pursuit—of speed, of innovation, and of community.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography by Stephen K. Anderson
A Passion Born in Los Angeles
Alex Xydias’ love for cars blossomed in the vibrant streets of Los Angeles. His early years were filled with the hum of engines and the thrill of speed, setting the stage for a career that would leave an indelible mark on the automotive world. After serving as a crew member on a B-17 during World War II, Xydias returned home with a renewed dedication to his passion. In 1946, he opened the doors to the So-Cal Speed Shop in Burbank, California, a haven for hot rodders and custom car builders that quickly became synonymous with high performance and groundbreaking designs.
The So-Cal Streamliner: A Testament to Innovation
Among Xydias’ many achievements, the creation of the So-Cal Streamliner stands out as a pinnacle of his career. This sleek, aerodynamic marvel set speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats, capturing the imagination of car enthusiasts everywhere. The Streamliner wasn’t just a vehicle; it was a symbol of Xydias’ ingenuity and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was possible in automotive performance.
A Founding Father of SEMA
Alex Xydias’ influence extended far beyond his work at the So-Cal Speed Shop. As a pivotal figure in the founding of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), he helped shape the future of the automotive aftermarket industry. His efforts in organizing the first High Performance & Custom Equipment Trade Show at Dodger Stadium in 1967 laid the foundation for what would become the annual SEMA Show—an event that remains one of the most significant automotive trade shows in the world. In 1982, his contributions were rightfully recognized with his induction into the SEMA Hall of Fame.
A Mentor and a Voice for Hot Rodding
Throughout his illustrious career, Xydias was more than just a hot rodder; he was a mentor, a guide, and a voice for the community. His work with Petersen Publishing as the publisher of Car Craft and Hot Rod Industry News helped promote and preserve the hot rodding culture, ensuring that its spirit would endure for generations. He shared his vast knowledge and deep passion with countless young enthusiasts, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie that remains at the heart of hot rodding today.
A Lasting Legacy
In the 1990s, the So-Cal brand was revitalized, thanks to the efforts of Xydias and his partner, Pete Chapouris. Xydias also served on the board of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, a testament to his lifelong friendship with Wally Parks and his enduring influence on the motorsports community. The establishment of the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts is perhaps the most fitting tribute to his legacy, providing a place where future generations can learn and be inspired by the same passion that drove Xydias throughout his life.
Remembering a Legend
Alex Xydias lived to the remarkable age of 102, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and shape the world of hot rodding. His contributions to the automotive industry, his mentorship, and his unwavering passion for speed will never be forgotten. As we celebrate his life, we honor the indomitable spirit of a man who dedicated himself to the pursuit of excellence in every facet of his life. Alex Xydias’ memory will forever be a source of inspiration for car enthusiasts around the world, a reminder of the power of passion and the enduring impact of a life well lived.
