Living Legends; most influential people in Hot Rodding

Who are the people, still alive, that have been the most influential people in hot rodding? Some will probably be less known than others, but I would like to compile a list. To start:

- Gene Winfield
- Norm Grabowski
- Tex Smith
- Bill Hines

.... I know there's more. Who are they?

 

Dode Martin/Jim Nelson

 

Alex Xydias

 

Oh, and Ed Iskenderian

 

Don Garlits.

 

So so many ... and lets not forget all the unknow rodders that made all these guys famous by hiring them and buying thier parts.

 

I don't think Navarro is around any more.

 

Pete & Jake and Vern Tardell

 

Andy Brizio,Roy Brizio,Pete & Jake,Vic JR,George Barris,Pete Eastwood,Tommy Ivo,Spencer Murray,Blackie Gejian,Blair speed shop. Pat Ganahl,These are the ones that came to mind without thinking.Thanks Marwyn

 

Phil Remington
Pierson Bros.

 

Tex Smith

 

Don't forget my good friend, Edwin Meyer, Jr. *Bud* and his dad Eddie Meyer were pioneers in the design and manufacture of flathead speed parts! Started in 1938.......

CB

 

He died in August 2007.

 

1). Almquist.

2). My Pops. I know, maybe he didn't influence you or anybody else, but he sure did a lot for me.

 

Robert E. Petersen....he gave voice to everyone listed above through the pages of HOT ROD, CAR CRAFT, ROD & CUSTOM and MOTOR TREND.

 

Stan "the man" Betz!!

 

Without a doubt , and after seeing him at his Christmas party last night, I would have to say ,,Art Chrisman. Not only is he a living legend, but he's still building great engines and some bitchin cars....everyday !!!

 

Dick Bertolucci

 

Fred " living legend " Steele

 

my dad, thanks pop!!

Steve malarchack of HOT ROD FACTORY in norco, ca. my dad got me a job with him after school. i went into his shop that first day and my life changed for ever. thanks Steve!!

Harry Burnett of Burnett restorations who i met later on and worked part time for just to learn. he ended up being like my cool uncle i never had, always had great storys and is always there when i need help.

Larry Watson, i got to hang with him at his shop in norco, ca back in the mid 90's and watch him work and after work he would sit in his office tell all these great stories of how it was back then.Thanks Larry

Paul Braggs his work was always true and great for making you want to be better at what you did.

Bill Hines just because he never took no for a answer and he gets up every day to give it hell, instead of sitting in a rocking chair. you my friend have true grit.

 

Larry and Mike Alexander...The Alexander Brothers.

 

Tom "Stroker McGurk" Medley

 

YES !! Art Chrisman foresure!!! THat was a great christmas party last night. The little cacklefest was awesome!! Art is one cool cat who knows his shit.

 

ED Isky,
Junior Johnson,
Don Garlitz.

 

barris brothers and my old man he worked for them at one time

 

Ron Aguirre - X Sonic 56 Corvette w/hydraulics

 

Ryan Cochran

 

Jon Kosmoski - his original House of Kolors candy paints were state-of-the-art in the 60's and are still that way today.

 

Don Bradley

 

Dean Jeffries, Roy Brizio, Dean Lowe, my friend Bob Austin, who with his late brother Carl, built the most awesome T-roadster I have ever seen to date, and let's not forget Ryan Cochran who gives us this fantastic forum!