VALE Ed Iskenderian

The hot rod, drag racing and performance automotive industry has lost one of its most influential figures in Ed ‘Isky’ Iskenderian. Known as “The Camfather,” Iskenderian passed away on 3 February, aged 104.

Born in rural California in 1921, Iskenderian’s fascination with all things mechanical manifested itself when the family moved to Los Angeles after the failure of their vineyard. After spotting stripped-down Model Ts on the streets of LA, Iskenderian built his own while still a teenager. He attended dry lakes races and sought advice from others, chiefly Ed Winfield, to build his knowledge.

After service in WWII with the USAAF, Iskenderian founded Ed Iskenderian Racing Cams (later Isky Racing Cams) in 1946, grinding his own camshafts for performance applications. Placing an advert in the second issue of Hot Rod magazine in 1948 saw business pick up in line with the growth of hot rodding in the USA.

At this time, Iskenderian’s own V8-powered Model T, with an OHV conversion and other custom parts, served as a mobile billboard for the business, while Isky customers included drag racers Don Garlits and ‘Big John’ Mazmanian. Innovations pioneered by Iskenderian include the ‘five-cycle’ cam and revolutionary roller tappet designs, as well as hardened cam lobes and high-density lifters to suit drag racers running methanol.

Recognised for his technical innovations, Iskenderian was also known for his savvy marketing. From postcards to t-shirts and stickers bearing the company logo, Isky Cams became known throughout the US and globally, even to those who weren’t customers. In 1963, Iskenderian joined others, including Vic Edelbrock and Dean Moon, in forming the Speed Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (‘SEMA’ – now known as the Specialty Equipment Market Association) to promote and support the automotive aftermarket industry. Iskenderian also served as SEMA’s first president.

Running Isky Racing Cams for nearly seven decades before handing the business down to his sons, Iskenderian remained a popular guest at NHRA, hot rod and motorsport events in retirement, and was still an enthusiastic spectator for all things automotive after his 100th birthday in 2021.

Ed Iskenderian is survived by three children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.