Ed 'Isky' Iskenderian, Hot Rod Legend, Dies at 104

The pioneering camshaft designer and SEMA founder was a driving force in the golden age of hot rodding.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Ed "Isky" Iskenderian, a legendary figure in the hot rod and racing worlds, passed away at the age of 104. Known as the "Camfather," Iskenderian revolutionized the performance camshaft industry and was a founding member and first president of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). Despite his advanced age, Iskenderian remained active in his business and the automotive community until the end.

Why it matters

Iskenderian's innovations and contributions were instrumental in the growth of the hot rod and performance car industries. As one of the last surviving pioneers of the golden age of hot rodding, his passing marks the end of an era. Iskenderian's legacy lives on through the continued success of the company he founded and the countless racers and enthusiasts whose careers and projects were shaped by his iconic products.

The details

Iskenderian's story is intertwined with the history of the American automotive industry. Born before the Great Depression, he lost his family's vineyard in California and moved to Los Angeles, where he built the famous black Model T Ford roadster that defined the hot rod aesthetic. After serving in World War II, Iskenderian recognized the need for high-performance camshafts and started his own company, revolutionizing the industry with innovative designs like the 5-Cycle cams and High-Density Chilled Iron lifters. Iskenderian also pioneered marketing strategies, sponsoring racers like Don Prudhomme and Don Garlits, and was a founding member and first president of SEMA.

  • Iskenderian was born before the Great Depression.
  • Iskenderian built his famous black Model T Ford roadster while in high school in Los Angeles.
  • Iskenderian served in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
  • Iskenderian started his camshaft company after the war, recognizing the need for high-performance parts.
  • Iskenderian passed away in 2026 at the age of 104.

The players

Ed "Isky" Iskenderian

A pioneering camshaft designer and founder of Iskenderian Racing Cams, known as the "Camfather" of the hot rod and racing industries.

Don Prudhomme

A legendary drag racer who was sponsored by Iskenderian early in his career.

Don Garlits

A renowned drag racer who was also sponsored by Iskenderian.

Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

The automotive aftermarket trade association that Iskenderian helped found and served as its first president.

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What they’re saying

“How do you put together 100 years of life and history and be that sharp and that fabulous still today? And as curious as he still is about how things work and how things get done. And I mean, that mind, there's a supercomputer buried in there somewhere.”

— Matt Stone, Journalist (Petersen Automotive Museum)

“It kind of snuck up on me.”

— Ed "Isky" Iskenderian (Petersen Automotive Museum)

What’s next

There are no clear next steps related to this story, as it is reporting on the passing of a legendary figure in the automotive industry.

The takeaway

Ed "Isky" Iskenderian's life and work were integral to the golden age of hot rodding and the growth of the performance car industry. His innovative products, marketing savvy, and pioneering spirit left an indelible mark that will continue to inspire generations of automotive enthusiasts.