Alex Xydias was an influential figure in the early days of the auto racing sport involving hot rods. Xydias served in World War II as radio operator and engineer on a B-17. He flew over Germany, where he was shot down and taken prisoner. In 1946, immediately after Xydias was discharged from the United States Army Air Corps, he opened the So-Cal Speed Shop in Burbank, one of the first hot rod shops in Southern California. In 1950, he drove the first streamliner powered by a Flathead Ford to go over 200 mph. His hot rod was named the "So-cal-Streamliner" and powered by an Edelbrock V-8 60 engine. One secret to his success was a mixture of 40 percent nitromethane and not the grinding of the cam, as was commonly told. He is a member of the board of directors of the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum. 

March 22nd, 1922 in Los Angeles  /  Died:   Aug 24th, 2024 - aged 102