SO-CAL Speed Shop

On the day of his discharge, March 3, 1946, using borrowed money, Alex Xydias opened the first SO-CAL Speed Shop on Olive Avenue in Burbank, California. With the war over, there was incredible pent-up demand from all those returning GIs to do something and racing hot rods on the dry lakes was just what the doctor ordered. Alex quickly realized that the way to make an impression on these guys was to go racing. His success on the dry lakes of Southern California and at the Bonneville salt flats in Utah became legendary. It wasn’t long before the cars that bore the SO-CAL logo became known as “America’s No.1 racing team.” They campaigned the first single engine hot rods to run 170, 180, 190, 200 and 210 mph. A few years later drag racing had taken over from the dry lakes as the sport of choice for hot rodders. To be competitive Alex fielded a severely chopped ’34 Ford that the editors of Hot Rod Magazine tagged the “Double-Threat Coupe.”

Pete Chapouris, a well established hot rod builder in his own right had a great relationship going with Alex. One afternoon, with fingers crossed, he suggested Alex entertain the idea of licensing him the SO-CAL name. Alex jumped at the chance and together they hit the road running and have never looked back. What started as a crazy idea in November of '97 spawned a 30,000 square foot facility in Pomona boasting 30 plus employees and 8 retail stores coast to coast. A lot of ground has been covered over the last 10 years but none more exciting than SO-CAL's return to Its Bonneville roots. Pete and the SO-CAL team built 4 land speed cars for GM Performance and in the last 5 seasons, set a half dozen records putting 4 drivers in the 200 MPH Club.

The high standards set in the early days are just as strong today if not stronger. For over 60 years Alex and the SO-CAL Speed Shop crew have built a solid reputation as one of the world’s leading hot rod shops…building, restoring and racing some of the coolest cars around. We are the real deal, a hot rod shop steeped in tradition and authentic to the core.    

Event
Saturday, September 19, 2009

Hamburgers are an American icon, and so are hot rods. These two icons will come together on the Miracle Mile on September 19, 2009. The world renown Petersen Automotive Museum will hold a Grand Opening Celebration for the new Johnny Rockets restaurant located in the Museum right on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. Order food all day on the 19th with 1986 prices! Purchase $20.00 or more worth of food and receive a 2 for 1 discount to the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Legendary oldies radio station K-EARTH 101's own Charlie Tuna will be broadcasting live from the Johnny Rockets patio at the Petersen Automotive Museum from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. during the event. Answer Charlie's trivia questions on site to win great prizes!

NOTE: Due to vehicle maintenance schedules, the lag time in web updates and other circumstances, vehicles represented on this website may not be on exhibit during your visit to the Museum.