According to a new report from Autoweek, hot rod legend Alex Xydias passed away on Aug. 24. He was 102. Xydias was a legend within the automotive and aftermarket communities, born in Southern California and drafted into the Air Force during WWII. Following his time in the Air Force, Xydias returned to southern California, where he founded the legendary So-Cal Speed Shop.
Throughout his life, Xydias was instrumental in many aspects of American racing culture, from driving a belly tanker, running in the first Bonneville, acting as the publisher of Hot Rod Industry News, helping found the SEMA organization, and filming races at Indianapolis, Pikes Peak and Sebring.
Xydias was named as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People within the high-performance industry and leaves a long legacy through countless aspects of American Car building culture.
Read the full report from Autoweek here.
