Don Blair, the founder of Blair’s Speed Shop in Pasadena, died September 29th in Southern California just one day shy of his 90th birthday. Blair’s Speed shop, located in Pasadena California, has been a SoCal rodding and racing icon since Don started it back in 1946. He and his brother Bruce were well known on the dry lakes which were the corner stone for all racing in southern California. Don’s legacy will live on as Blair’s is still around in Pasadena, and has been immortalized on decals and shirts around the world. His life story is very interesting, and Rod and Custom Magazine just wrote a cool piece on Don in the October issue that you can read below.
We wish Don’s friends, family, and industry colleagues the very best. Stories about getting your “start” at Blair’s Speed Shop are frequent, but unfortunately they won’t be forever. As an iconic stop in hot rodding history, Blair’s Speed Shop will always be remembered. But for those who knew him, the man behind the counter who helped fuel hot rodding as we know it, Don will always be the true icon.
God Speed my friend.
Don’s full obituary can be found in the Pasadena Star News here.
The Rod and Custom Magazine story on Don Blair’s life can be seen here.
Sad to hear. I used to love swinging by Blair’s back when…unlike the place in Glendale, you didn’t have to be part of their “in” crowd to have a good time there.
Hope Don brings that ’55 to the pearly gates.