The latest inductee into the Engine Builder Hall of Fame is none other than Vic Edelbrock Sr., the man who created an industry, and a brand that may be more recognizable than any other in the performance industry.
The Engine Builder Hall of Fame is meant to recognize and memorialize the individuals that played a significant role in the development of internal combustion engines for competition. From the origins of hot rodding, to all forms of motorized competition, the Engine Builder Hall of Fame enshrines those who innovated, achieved, and advanced the internal combustion engine in competition.
After talking with Lake Speed Jr. recently, about the hall of fame and it’s purpose, we can tell you that this list of inductees is something truly special. All that will be inducted this year, and into the future, will be special but might not include some famous racers, engine builders, and car owners that you might think of as worthy. But here’s why.
These engine builders were not only instrumental in building big power and being innovators, but also for advancing engine building. These are not the guys who kept their methods a secret, or who never taught anyone else to do what they did. No, these are the guys that made sure there were others to carry on the traditions, who would push themselves and the technology in the future, and who made real differences in the growth of the hobby and motorsports in general.
CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED THE OTHER ENGINE BUILDER HALL OF FAME VIDEOS
Vic Edelbrock Sr: Pioneering the Power of Performance
Vic Edelbrock Sr., a name synonymous with automotive performance and innovation, left an indelible mark on the world of hot rodding and aftermarket automotive parts. Born on August 23, 1913, in Chicago, Illinois, Vic Sr. would go on to become a trailblazer in the automotive industry, transforming his passion for speed and power into a legendary legacy.
Early Life: Vic Frederick Edelbrock was raised in a time when the automobile was transitioning from a luxury item to an essential mode of transportation. Growing up in the midst of the Great Depression, young Vic developed an early fascination with cars and their inner workings. His mechanical aptitude became apparent as he started tinkering with engines, learning the intricacies of automotive design, and fostering a passion for making cars faster and more powerful.
The Birth of a company: In 1938, Vic Edelbrock Sr. founded the Edelbrock Corporation in his garage, starting with the aim of producing the best intake manifolds for Ford flathead V8 engines. Lit tle did he know that this modest beginning would evolve into an empire that would shape the high-performanceautomotive aftermarket industry for decades to come. The timing of Edelbrock’s entry into the aftermarket parts business was serendipitous. The popularity of hot rodding was on the rise, and enthusiasts were hungry for ways to extract more horsepower and speed from their engines. Edelbrock’s innovative approach to intake manifold design quickly set him apart from the competition, and the company’s reputation for quality and performance began to grow.
Racing Roots: Vic Edelbrock Sr.’s connection to the racing world was not just about business; it was a personal passion that fueled his drive for innovation. In the 1940s, he became involved in racing himself, competing in a variety of events across Southern California. His firsthand experience on the track allowed him to fine-tune his products, ensuring they met the rigorous demands of high-performance racing.
Expansion and Innovation: As the automotive aftermarket industry continued to grow, so did Edelbrock Corporation. Vic Sr. expanded the company’s product line to include a wide range of performance parts, from carburetors and cylinder heads to camshafts and exhaust systems. Edelbrock’s commitment to innovation was evident in the development of the famous Slingshot intake manifold, a design that became iconic in the hot rodding community.
The company’s dedication to quality and performance earned Edelbrock a loyal customer base. Car enthusiasts, racers, and professional mechanics alike turned to Edelbrock products to enhance the power and efficiency of their vehicles. The Edelbrock name became synonymous with reliability and performance, a reputation that endures to this day.
Vic Edelbrock Sr.’s leadership was characterized by a hands-on approach. He wasn’t just the head of a company; he was actively involved in the design and testing of new products. His ability to stay ahead of industry trends and anticipate the needs of automotive enthusiasts contributed significantly to the company’s success.
Family Business: Edelbrock Corporation remained a family-owned and operated business, with Vic Sr.’s son, Vic Edelbrock Jr., following in his father’s footsteps. The transition of leadership from father to son was seamless, and the family values that Vic Sr. instilled in the company continued to be a driving force. Vic Edelbrock Sr.’s wife, Nancy, also played a crucial role in the success of the business. Her support and involvement in various aspects of the company, including marketing and administration, contributed to Edelbrock Corporation’s development.
Legacy and Recognition: Vic Edelbrock Sr.’s impact on the automotive industry was not only felt during his lifetime but continues to resonate today. The Edelbrock name is synonymous with performance, and the company remains a leader in the aftermarket parts industry.
