The Passing of a Legend: Ed Iskenderian's Enduring Impact on Hot Rods and Racing Ed Iskenderian, affectionately known as "The Camfather," has left an indelible mark on the world of hot rods and racing. As a pioneer in the art of hot rodding and dry lakebed racing, Iskenderian's legacy extends far beyond his impressive list of achievements. His innovative approach to camshaft design, which began with a single cam grinding machine he designed and built himself in 1946, revolutionized the industry and paved the way for modern hot rodding. Iskenderian's journey into hot rodding began in 1939, when he slapped together a T-body Ford roadster with a big flathead V8, utilizing parts from his friends Vic Edelbrock and Stu Hilborn to make it faster every day. However, it was his determination to design and engineer his own camshaft that would ultimately define his career. After serving in the Army Air ...
The Passing of a Legend: Ed Iskenderian’s Enduring Impact on Hot Rods and Racing
Ed Iskenderian, affectionately known as “The Camfather,” has left an indelible mark on the world of hot rods and racing. As a pioneer in the art of hot rodding and dry lakebed racing, Iskenderian’s legacy extends far beyond his impressive list of achievements. His innovative approach to camshaft design, which began with a single cam grinding machine he designed and built himself in 1946, revolutionized the industry and paved the way for modern hot rodding.
Iskenderian’s journey into hot rodding began in 1939, when he slapped together a T-body Ford roadster with a big flathead V8, utilizing parts from his friends Vic Edelbrock and Stu Hilborn to make it faster every day. However, it was his determination to design and engineer his own camshaft that would ultimately define his career. After serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II, Isky returned home with an insatiable lust for speed, and his innovative approach to camshaft design began to yield impressive results.
Iskenderian’s contributions to the hot rod world extend far beyond his impressive racing achievements. He was a pioneer in the art of merchandising, printing thousands of t-shirts with his company logo and giving them away at races. This forward-thinking approach to sponsorship and marketing helped to establish Iskenderian Cams as a household name, and his company would go on to sponsor some of the greatest teams and drivers in NASCAR, Indy, drag racing, off-road, Bonneville, monster trucks, tractor pulls, and boat racing.
Today, Ed Iskenderian’s legacy lives on through his company, Iskenderian Cams, which remains a leading supplier of aftermarket hot rod parts. His innovative approach to camshaft design and his commitment to innovation and excellence have inspired generations of hot rodders and racers. As we remember Ed Iskenderian, we honor not only his remarkable achievements but also his enduring impact on the world of hot rods and racing.
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