Remembering Vic Edelbrock Jr.: A Legacy of Speed and Innovation

Vic Edelbrock Jr. inherited the Edelbrock performance parts company after the untimely death of his father, Vic Edelbrock Sr., in 1962. At just 26 years old, Vic Jr. was thrust into the role of leader, with a company of 10 employees and $200,000 in the bank. Despite the challenges, he not only kept the company afloat but transformed it into one of the largest and most respected performance parts entities in the world.

The Edelbrock story began in 1933, when Vic Sr. opened an automotive repair shop on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. Over the years, Edelbrock cars became synonymous with speed, racing on the circle tracks and dry lakes of Southern California during the golden age of hot rodding. In 1938, Vic Sr. bought a '32 Ford and used it to test new speed parts, pioneering the concept of the project car, which would later become a cornerstone of the industry. The Slingshot manifold, one of the first products to bear the Edelbrock name, was a game-changer, helping Vic Sr. clock a prewar time of 121.42 mph on the dry lakes.

Vic Edelbrock Jr. was born in 1936 and began working in his father's shop at the age of 12. He recalled earning $2 a day, a small sum that fueled his passion for cars and mechanics. After attending the University of Southern California on a football scholarship and earning a degree in business, Vic Jr. joined the family business full-time. Just three years later, his father was diagnosed with inoperable cancer, leaving Vic Jr. to take the helm.

Many doubted that a young man in his position could successfully run the business, but Vic Jr. proved them wrong. One of the most significant moments in the company's history came in 1965, when a close friend of Vic Sr., Bob Joehnck, suggested that Vic Jr. develop a manifold for the small-block Chevy. Despite initial hesitation, Vic Jr. took the advice, and the resulting product became a cornerstone of the Edelbrock brand. This small-block Chevy manifold laid the foundation for a partnership with Holley and led to a series of legendary products that solidified Edelbrock's reputation in the performance parts industry.

Throughout the years, Vic Jr. continued to innovate and expand the company's product line. His own 1967 SS 396 Chevelle, equipped with Edelbrock parts, exemplified the Total Performance Package philosophy, showcasing the power and precision that Edelbrock products could bring to any vehicle. With an impressive 540 hp and 539 lb-ft of torque, the Chevelle was a testament to the engineering prowess of the Edelbrock team.

But Vic Jr.'s contributions to the automotive world extended beyond the products he developed. Under his leadership, Edelbrock became a symbol of quality and performance, with a loyal customer base that spanned generations. He also played a crucial role in the broader industry, serving as the President of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) from 1971 to 1974, where he advocated for the performance parts industry and helped shape its future.

As we remember Vic Edelbrock Jr., we honor not just the man, but the legacy he left behind. His impact on the automotive world is immeasurable, from the innovative products he developed to the countless enthusiasts who found joy in driving cars powered by Edelbrock parts. Today, the Edelbrock name remains synonymous with speed, performance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the art of automotive engineering.