Folks Of Interest Victor Leon - Hot Rod Pioneer - Still Going Strong In Apple Valley, California

Victor Leon ...

Most Hot Rodders have never heard
his name mentioned before ...

With his son Mark Leon ...



Mark Leon shares his Dad's story ...



Jim

 

I met Victor Leon when his son
Mark Leon recommended me
to transport one of the last
handmade hot rod chassis's
his Dad had made ...

It was mid afternoon when I
arrived to pick up in Apple Valley.

I loaded up the chassis.



Victor was so fascinating that
I stayed until early evening ...

Jim

 

Pictures help tell the story ...











Jim

 

Victor & his wife just celebrated
their 60th wedding anniversary.

I tried to get him to come to Famoso
for The Spring Bakersfield Swap Meet
but family health issues wouldn't allow
it this year ...

Mark Leon with his parents.




Jim

 

Jim

 

Vic has more than earned his retirement
but he still can be found working in
the shop ...





I try to keep in touch with Vic & Mark.

If Vic is up to it, and if my schedule allows, I will stop in Apple Valley to sit and interview him on video about his fascinating life ...

Folks like Victor Leon built the
Hot Rod Hobby and it is important
that they get to share their stories
while there is still time ...


Jim

Transporting To Travel
Traveling To Tell
Stories From The Road

 

Wow - Thanks for sharing

 

Thanks for starting this thread @trulyvintage , us older hot rodders remember Vic from articles in Street Rodder, Rod Action and other magazines he was mentioned in. Vic started Super Bell with Jim Ewing, RIP, and was instrumental in helping build the Super Bell coupe.

 

Thank you Mr Vintage, for bringing your unique view of the auto world.
When I grow up, I want to be just like you

 

Tomorrow I will be at Famoso Dragstrip
to begin social media coverage of
The Inaugural Bakersfield
Prewar Swap Meet.

I don't know what will drive up in the way of a story just like I don't know what I will drive up to when I arrive to pick up a vehicle or drop one off that I am transporting.

Everything is an adventure, depending on your perspective of life - you just have to
appreciate the opportunities you are given.

Jim

 

Thanks for sharing a little about this man. Hopefully, you're able to have him tell us "the rest of the story"!!

 

Very interesting post, thank you for it. How many other amazing talents like him are out there?

 

Great story on a hot rod pioneer. Thanks for sharing it!

 

Victor's Dad - Paul Leon
was also a pioneer ...

This is three generations of history.

I am looking forward to learning
about all of it ...

To be continued ...




Jim

 

My friend Vic, another Vic, and I always stop and visit Vic Leon at the LARS. He has a swap space and sells his hairpins and assorted parts made in his shop. Truly a talented man and fun to talk too. We look forward to our annual visit at the upcoming LARS.

 

I think you mean his son
Mark Leon - Vic rarely leaves
his place in Apple Valley, CA
but Mark is selling NOS product
and other parts he and his Dad
are still making.

Jim

 

Jim, I've known Victor Leon since the Super Bell days, hard to mistake him for his son. My friend Vic bought a set of old school hairpins from Victor at one of the LARS events and keeps in touch with him at his Apple Valley home. Not too long ago Victor sold a early roadster windshield for me at a LARS swap and sent me a check when it sold. I wish him the very best, truly a great man.