Cover of Historic So-Cal Speed Shops 2008 Open House

Yeah, believe it or not, I did fit into this beater truck. Once you're in, it's not a bad fit. It's getting in and out that can present a problem for the horizontally challenged like myself.

Yeah, believe it or not, I did fit into this beater truck. Once you're in, it's not a bad

The LA Roadster Show was gearing up this June weekend and So-Cal Speed Shops held its annual open house. Hot Rodders of all types, makes, models, engines and displacements clogged the local Pomona city streets on their way to So-Cal. Free In-N-Out Burgers and tons of American iron to gawk at. What's not to love about that?

My neighbor, who lives on the other side of the block, came over in his trusty rusty Rat Rod and we were on our way. Open headers were belching and bellowing as we made the four-mile trip to So-Cal. If the distance were any further, I might need to see a proctologist after rough-riding in the Rat Rod.

Neighbor Greg Smith behind the wheel. Notice the giant windshield. Kind of like a tank, isn't it?

Neighbor Greg Smith behind the wheel. Notice the giant windshield. Kind of like a tank, is

I love bare bones hot rods and custom-type lead sleds. My first sled was a '59 Buick with a 364 Nailhead, and it did have lead in the body, because I put it there. One of these days, I'll get around to building my 1920 Dodge touring body. I already have the touring body of course, I traded a '27T roadster body for it. And I have the all-important 331 Chrysler Hemi, as well as a few other miscellaneous parts. But that's a story for another day and a project for another year. Enough of me yakking, dig the photos, man!

Here is the man that started it all. In 1946, immediately after his discharge from the Army Air Corps where he served as a B-17 engineer, Alex Xydias opened the So-Cal Speed Shop in Burbank, one of the first hot rod shops in Southern California. In 1950, he was the first person to break the 200 mph barrier with a hot rod called the "So-Cal Streamliner," which was powered by an Edelbrock V-8 60 engine. And he's still active in hot rodding. I had the opportunity to sit with Alex a few years back at Bonneville, sharing a few Newcastle Brown Ales with him and talking cars.
Here is the man that started it all. In 1946, immediately after his discharge from the Arm
Nostalgic hot rods, does it get any better?
Check out this rough as a cobb '56 gasser.

Now dig this super slick '56 gasser--same year, two different owners and two completely different styles of builds. All types of cars were on hand at So-Cal.
Now dig this super slick '56 gasser--same year, two different owners and two completely di
In my entire magazine career, I have never seen an LS1 look this good! Check out the Hilborn injection set up. Look for a full feature of this Chevy in our Tri-Five special.
In my entire magazine career, I have never seen an LS1 look this good! Check out the Hilbo
Could this be the ultimate hot rod? A super lightweight roadster body with an LS2 hiding under the hood. I'm willing to bet this vehicle gets nearly 40 mpg. I'll take this any day over one of those hideous smart cars or hybrids.
Could this be the ultimate hot rod? A super lightweight roadster body with an LS2 hiding u

All I can say is WOW. Look at this. It was on display in one of So-Cal's assembly rooms.
Dig this '54 Chevy. I love the extra teeth in the grille.
I can't even guess the year on this sled. I'm gonna say it's a '52-'53 Chevy. Either way, the amount of work this owner has done is way too cool. I love the tail dragger look.
I can't even guess the year on this sled. I'm gonna say it's a '52-'53 Chevy. Either way,

Even a Camaro managed to cruise right on in with the rest of the pre-war hot rods. Everybody was welcome at this show.
Even a Camaro managed to cruise right on in with the rest of the pre-war hot rods. Everybo
"Oh my gawd, oh help me please!" I almost soiled myself when I saw this Corvette.
Hmmm, two very extreme Chevrolets. A 4X4 Vette and a serious pan dragging '54.