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Estate sale find, vintage original Hot Rod Photo Ford Pinto Wagon Project Droop Snoot Alex Xydias Petersen Publishing, circa 1970s.
Alex Xydias (1922-2024) was an American hot rodder, racing driver and land speed racer, active in the early days of auto racing.
Originally built in 1946, So-Cal Speed Shop was one of the first hot rod parts stores to open in Southern California. Founder Alex opened the shop on Olive Avenue in Burbank, California on March 3, 1946, the same day he was discharged from the Army Air Force. Xydias\'s first idea to open the speed shop came while watching a street race in San Fernando Valley during a furlough from the Army Air Forces. Xydias\' shop offered only parts; no mechanical work was done. After his year lease was up, Xydias moved to 1104 South Victory Boulevard.
Numerous cars set records, mostly on the salt flats, flying the So-Cal banner and the shop became synonymous with winners. The first streamliner powered by a Flathead Ford to go over 200 mph (320 km/h) is the Edelbrock-equipped Bachelor-Xydias SoCal Special; it was featured on the cover of the January 1949 issue of Hot Rod magazine. Bill Burke of the So-Cal Speed Shop was the first to attempt to convert a P-51 Mustang belly drop tank to a hot rod roadster. Because of its small size (168 gallons), Burke then switched to the larger 305-gallon belly tank used on a P-38 Lightning.
The item measures approximately 8\" X 10\", approximate shipping weight 4 ounces.
PLEASE SEE DESCRIPTION AND PHOTOS FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS - AS IS - SIGNS OF WEAR - AGE TONING - DISCOLORATION - FADING - SOILING - STAINS - CREASES - SCUFFS - RUBBING - TEARS - CHIPPING - ROUNDED CORNERS - WRITING - The item appears to be in overall Fair to Good Minus used condition, no odors, please see images.
(C2F1-604)
