Ed Iskenderian: Legendary Camshaft Pioneer and Hot Rod Innovator
In the world of hot rodding, few names carry as much weight as Ed Iskenderian. At 103 years old, the man known simply as “Isky” stands as a living legend in automotive performance history. Born in 1921, Iskenderian transformed his passion for speed into Isky Racing Cams, one of the first and most influential performance companies in the industry.
Iskenderian revolutionized racing by pioneering advanced camshaft designs that helped racers achieve previously impossible performance gains across dragstrips and oval tracks nationwide. His innovations became the beating heart of countless championship-winning engines, with racers trusting his expertise to give them the competitive edge. Even today, mention “Isky cams” to any veteran racer and watch their eyes light up with respect.
Despite his advanced age, Ed remains remarkably resilient. After making headlines when he was assaulted outside his business at 102 years old, he bounced back, continuing to inspire the hot rod community. Recently honored with an induction into the inaugural PRI Hall of Fame, his legacy continues to grow as a new documentary celebrates his extraordinary life and contributions to automotive performance culture.
Early Life and Career
Contents
Ed “Isky” Iskenderian’s journey began in humble surroundings before he transformed into one of hot rodding’s most influential figures. His early experiences shaped his mechanical genius and innovative spirit.
Model T Influence
The Ford Model T played a crucial role in shaping young Ed Iskenderian’s automotive passion. Born in 1921 in Tulare County, California, to an Armenian shoemaker, Isky developed an early fascination with cars. When he was just a teenager, he purchased his first Model T Ford for a mere $25.
This modest investment would change everything. Isky immediately began tinkering with the vehicle, learning its mechanical systems through trial and error. The Model T’s simple design offered the perfect canvas for modification, allowing him to experiment freely.
By high school, his Model T had evolved far beyond its factory specifications. He swapped parts, modified components, and pushed the vehicle to new performance heights—foreshadowing his future as a mechanical innovator.
Southern California Hot Rod Scene
The vibrant Southern California hot rod community of the 1940s provided the perfect environment for Iskenderian’s talents to flourish. After serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II, Isky returned to a landscape hungry for speed and performance.
He quickly integrated into the growing network of speed shops and racers in the region. His 1924 Ford Roadster became his rolling laboratory, where he tested new ideas and techniques. The dry lake beds like El Mirage became his proving grounds.
The pivotal moment came when Ed met cam-grinding pioneer Ed Winfield, who mentored him in the art of grinding camshafts. This knowledge transfer proved invaluable. By 1947, seeing an opportunity in the market’s demand for performance parts, Isky established his own camshaft business.
His timing couldn’t have been better. The Southern California hot rod scene was exploding with innovation, and Iskenderian positioned himself at its center with technical know-how and entrepreneurial spirit.
Iskenderian Racing Cams
Isky Racing Cams revolutionized the hot rod and racing world through innovative camshaft designs that delivered unprecedented performance. Founded by Ed Iskenderian, the company became synonymous with speed and power in the automotive aftermarket.
Formation of Isky
Ed Iskenderian, born in 1921, established Iskenderian Racing Cams in 1947 after World War II. Known affectionately as “Isky” to friends and customers, he started the business when performance parts were scarce and demand was high among returning veterans eager to race.
His first workshop was modest – a small garage in California where he began grinding camshafts on a modified cylindrical grinder. What set Isky apart was his methodical approach and willingness to experiment.
The company’s early success came from Ed’s connections in the Southern California hot rod scene. He was already known for his own racing exploits, which gave credibility to his products.
By the early 1950s, Isky Racing Cams had become a household name among racers. The Camfather nickname eventually stuck due to Ed’s pioneering influence in the industry.
Innovations in Camshaft Design
Isky’s biggest contribution to racing was revolutionizing camshaft design and production. Ed developed the first anti-pump-up hydraulic lifters and the famous “five-cycle” camshafts that dramatically improved engine performance.
His custom cam grinding machine allowed for precision that competitors couldn’t match. This technology enabled Isky Racing Cams to produce performance camshafts with exact specifications for different racing applications.
Ed’s innovations weren’t accidents – they came from careful testing and feedback from racers. His relationship with drag racers helped refine his designs through real-world application.
The company pioneered several groundbreaking designs:
- Polydyne camshaft technology
- Roller camshafts for increased durability
- High-rev valve springs that prevented valve float
These innovations helped engines achieve higher RPMs without failure – crucial for racing applications where every horsepower counted. Even at 102 years old, Ed’s legacy of innovation continues through the company he built.
Contributions to Racing and Performance
Ed Iskenderian’s impact on motorsports extends far beyond his business success, fundamentally changing how engines perform and racers compete. His technological innovations turned high-performance engines into works of mechanical art.
Speed and Performance Enhancement
Isky, as he’s known in racing circles, revolutionized camshaft design when the hot rod movement was just taking off. His custom-ground camshafts could transform an ordinary engine into a powerhouse, giving racers crucial performance advantages on the track.
The introduction of his 5-Cycle and Polydyne Profile 505 Magnum camshafts in the late 1950s represented a quantum leap in engine technology. These weren’t just minor tweaks – they fundamentally changed how engines breathed and performed.
What set Iskenderian apart was his early adoption of computer technology for camshaft design. While others relied on trial-and-error, Ed brought mathematical precision to the art of making engines scream.
His innovations delivered dramatic improvements in both horsepower and reliability – the holy grail for racers who needed their engines to be both powerful and durable enough to finish races.
Support of Drag Racing Culture
Iskenderian wasn’t just building parts – he was building a culture. As drag racing emerged as a legitimate motorsport, Isky became one of its most vocal and influential champions.
His company sponsored countless racers, providing both financial support and technical expertise when the sport was still finding its footing. This patronage helped transform drag racing from underground street races to professional competitions.
Ed’s pivotal contributions earned him recognition from the Performance Racing Industry, which inducted him into their Hall of Fame.
His marketing genius was nearly as impressive as his technical skills. The iconic “Isky Racing Cams” stickers became badges of honor on hot rods across America, creating an instantly recognizable brand that racers aspired to be associated with.
Hot Rod Hero and Custom Camshafts
Iskenderian’s journey to becoming a hot rodding legend began with mentorship from Ed Winfield, widely regarded as the father of performance cam grinds. This apprenticeship gave him technical foundations that he would build upon throughout his career.
What made Isky’s contributions exceptional was his ability to translate racer feedback into mechanical solutions. He didn’t just sell camshafts – he created custom solutions for specific racing problems.
His camshafts became the heart of championship-winning engines across multiple racing disciplines. From dragsters to circle track racers, “Isky cams” became synonymous with victory.
The “Camfather” nickname wasn’t just clever marketing – it recognized his paternal role in developing technology that entire generations of racers relied upon. His influence spans decades of motorsports evolution.
Hot rodders particularly revered Iskenderian for democratizing performance. His innovations weren’t just for factory racing teams with unlimited budgets – they were accessible to grassroots racers building cars in their garages.
Shell reinish
Behind the Big Wheel stories
Innovations and Partnerships
Ed Iskenderian’s impact on racing went far beyond his own company. His collaborative relationships with other industry pioneers helped shape high-performance automotive culture and technology in America.
Collaboration with Edelbrock and Vertex
Isky’s partnership with Vic Edelbrock Sr. transformed hot rodding in the 1940s and 50s. Their technical collaboration led to the development of the Edelbrock triple manifold, which became legendary on Southern California’s dry lakes. This setup helped racers achieve previously impossible speed records.
Isky also worked closely with Vertex, developing specialized magnetos for racing applications. The Vertex mag became the ignition system of choice for serious competitors after Iskenderian demonstrated its reliability under extreme conditions.
These partnerships weren’t just business arrangements. They represented a tight-knit community of innovators who freely shared ideas and pushed each other to create better products.
Involvement with Leong and Other Racing Figures
Ed Iskenderian’s influence extended deeply into drag racing through his work with figures like Roland Leong, the Hawaiian drag racing legend. Their technical collaborations produced camshaft profiles specifically optimized for Leong’s famous “Hawaiian” dragsters.
Isky’s willingness to customize components for specific racers set him apart from competitors. He didn’t just sell parts – he developed solutions for individual racing teams.
The performance car world still benefits from these relationships today. Iskenderian Racing Cams continues to support oval track and drag racing competitors with specialized valvetrain components that build on Ed’s original innovations.
His collaborative approach became a model for the entire aftermarket industry, demonstrating how technical partnerships could advance motorsport performance.
Advancements in Horsepower and Torque
Hot rodders needed more speed, and “The Camfather” delivered through groundbreaking camshaft profiles. Iskenderian’s revolutionary designs unlocked previously untapped potential in stock engines, helping propel famous racers to victory across multiple disciplines.
His technical innovations weren’t just incremental—they were transformative. By precisely controlling valve timing and lift, Isky cams effectively increased engine breathing efficiency. This translated directly to substantial gains in both horsepower and torque output without requiring expensive engine rebuilds.
Consider these performance improvements typical with early Isky cams:
| Engine Type | Stock HP | With Isky Cam | % Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flathead V8 | 85-100 HP | 130-150 HP | 50%+ |
| Early Chevy V8 | 180-220 HP | 275-325 HP | 45%+ |
Iskenderian’s genius was in understanding the relationship between camshaft profile and combustion efficiency—knowledge that changed motorsports forever.
Longevity and Legacy of Iskenderian Name
The Isky Racing Cams brand has demonstrated remarkable staying power in an industry where companies frequently disappear. Founded in 1947, the company continues operating today—a testament to both the quality of its products and Ed’s business acumen.
At 102 years old (as of 2023), Iskenderian himself represents an extraordinary living link to hot rodding’s earliest days. His influence extends beyond mere products to establishing industry standards that competitors still follow.
Ed’s company grew from a single cam grinder to the leading camshaft authority in just ten years. This rapid ascension demonstrates his technical brilliance and marketing savvy.
The Iskenderian name has become synonymous with quality performance parts—a brand that continues to inspire respect among engine builders and racers worldwide, even as newer technologies have emerged.
Personal Life and Health
Ed Iskenderian’s life outside of the racing industry has been marked by both remarkable longevity and recent challenges that tested his resilience. His personal story extends well beyond his professional achievements in the hot rod world.
Notable Life Events
Born on July 10, 1921, Ed “Isky” Iskenderian has lived through more than a century of American history. His early life began in the rural setting of Tulare County, California, where he was initially destined to become a winemaker before his mechanical curiosity led him elsewhere.
Iskenderian’s personal life has been deeply intertwined with the evolution of American hot rod culture. As he aged, he became not just an industry leader but a living legend whose life story parallels the classic American success story.
In 2024, at 102 years old, Iskenderian faced a frightening incident when he was assaulted outside his Southern California home by a robber. This shocking event brought nationwide attention to the vulnerability of even our most revered industry icons.
Health and Well-being
Despite being born in 1921, Iskenderian has demonstrated remarkable longevity, reaching the extraordinary age of 103 as of 2025. His continued presence in the hot rod community has defied expectations for someone of his generation.
Following the 2024 assault incident, Iskenderian was taken to the emergency room for treatment. Thankfully, after medical evaluation, he received a relatively clean bill of health considering the circumstances and his advanced age.
His resilience through this ordeal became yet another chapter in his remarkable life story. The hot rod community rallied around him after the assault, showing the deep respect he’s earned through decades of innovation and leadership.
Iskenderian’s health journey represents an inspiring example of longevity in an industry where many of his contemporaries have long since passed away.
Cultural Impact and Recognition
Ed Iskenderian’s influence extends far beyond the mechanical innovations he pioneered. His larger-than-life personality and business acumen helped shape automotive culture in America, earning him numerous accolades and ensuring his legacy would be preserved in prestigious automotive museums.
SEMA and Hot Rodding Community
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) owes much of its early success to “Isky,” who served as its first president. His leadership helped transform what began as a small group of performance parts manufacturers into the industry-defining organization it is today.
Known affectionately as “The Camfather,” Iskenderian’s impact on hot rodding culture is immeasurable. His company’s distinctive skull-and-camshaft logo became one of the most recognized symbols in racing circles.
In 2025, at 103 years old, Iskenderian received the prestigious “Car Guy of the Century” honor at Conejo Valley Cars & Coffee, recognizing his 74+ years in the industry. This award joins his many others, including induction into the Engine Builder Hall of Fame and the Performance Racing Industry Hall of Fame.
Lions Automobile Museum and Petersen Automotive Museum
The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles features several exhibits highlighting Iskenderian’s contributions to racing history. His original camshaft grinding equipment and early advertising materials showcase how a small Southern California speed shop grew into a global racing powerhouse.
Vintage Iskenderian Racing Cams displays at the museum demonstrate how his innovations progressed from the 1940s through the 1970s, capturing the evolution of performance technology during hot rodding’s golden era.
The Lions Automobile Museum preserves Iskenderian’s connection to drag racing history, particularly his involvement with Lions Drag Strip in Long Beach. Photos and memorabilia document his presence at countless race events, where he supported teams and developed new cam profiles based on real-world testing.
Both museums feature video interviews with Iskenderian, preserving his colorful storytelling and firsthand accounts of hot rodding’s formative years in Southern California.
Centennial Celebrations and Legacy
Ed “Isky” Iskenderian’s impact on hot rodding and the automotive world reached a pinnacle when he achieved the remarkable milestone of turning 100 years old. His centennial celebration became a testament to his enduring influence on American automotive culture.
100th Birthday Festivities
When Ed Iskenderian turned 100 on July 10, 2021, the automotive world came out in force to celebrate the man known as “The Camfather.” Large gatherings across Southern California featured vintage hot rods, racing legends, and industry pioneers who assembled to honor his contributions.
The Petersen Automotive Museum hosted a special exhibition showcasing Isky’s famous Model T Ford roadster alongside rare memorabilia from his seven-decade career. Attendees included multiple generations of racers whose engines had been powered by Iskenderian cams.
Prior to his birthday, the Conejo Valley Cars & Coffee organization presented Iskenderian with the “Car Guy of the Century” award at a special ceremony in Thousand Oaks. This prestigious recognition celebrated both his longevity and his tremendous impact on automotive performance.
Legacy in the American Century
Iskenderian’s legacy transcends mere business success. He fundamentally shaped American hot rod culture during the defining decades of the 20th century. His innovative camshaft designs helped transform backyard hot rodding into a legitimate motorsport and multibillion-dollar industry.
The iconic “La Cucaracha” T-bucket roadster remains one of the most recognizable hot rods in history. It appears in museums and historical exhibitions as a symbol of American ingenuity and speed culture. This modified Model T represents the spirit of post-war optimism and mechanical creativity that defined an era.
Even at 100, Iskenderian’s company continued operations, marking an astonishing 74 years in business. Few automotive pioneers have witnessed such dramatic evolution in their industry. They also maintained relevance through continuous innovation.
