The hot rodding world has lost a legend with the passing of Alex Xydias, who died on August 24, 2024, at the age of 102. Xydias, a true pioneer of the automotive industry, is best known for founding the iconic So-Cal Speed Shop in 1946, one of the first shops dedicated to hot rods and custom car culture. His contributions to the sport spanned decades, from setting early speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats to co-founding major organizations like SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association)[【source】](https://www.webhealth247.com/2024/08/28/unexpected-death-the-nhra-mourns-the-loss-of-legendary-driver/ “Unexpected Death: The NHRA mourns the loss of legendary driver”)[【source】](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Xydias “Alex Xydias – Wikipedia”). Born in Los Angeles in 1922, Xydias grew up during the Great Depression, developing an early passion for cars. After serving in World War II as a flight engineer and gunner, he returned to civilian life and poured his energy into hot rodding. His So-Cal Speed Shop became an iconic hub for automotive innovation, and Xydias was instrumental in the early days of land-speed racing, breaking multiple records with his streamlined belly tank racers[【source】](https://www.nhra.com/news/2024/alex-xydias-1922-2024 “Alex Xydias (1922 – 2024) | NHRA”)[【source】](https://www.newsbreak.com/newsbreak/3573624061980-alex-xydias-hot-rod-hero-wwii-vet-filmmaker-has-died-at-102 “Alex Xydias—Hot-Rod Hero, WWII Vet, Filmmaker—Has Died at 102”). Beyond his mechanical achievements, Xydias was also a filmmaker and promoter. He documented key racing events like the Indianapolis 500 and Sebring, helping spread the excitement of motorsports to a wider audience. He continued his legacy in education as a founder of the Alex Xydias & Pete Chapouris Center for the Automotive Arts, nurturing the next generation of car enthusiasts[【source】](https://www.nhra.com/news/2024/alex-xydias-1922-2024 “Alex Xydias (1922 – 2024) | NHRA”)[【source】](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Xydias “Alex Xydias – Wikipedia”). His death marks the end of an era, but his influence will continue to be felt in both the hot rod community and the broader automotive world for years to come.
