Two generations of Taylor gearheads joined us to talk about everything from their origins in the automotive industry, to career successes, and discussing the Isky Tribute Roadster.

Dennis is the owner of Hot Rods by Dennis Taylor, a custom shop that operates in Booneville, Arkansas. Growing up, Alex spent most of her time at her dad’s shop. At the age of 15, Alex and her parents began to build her car, and at 16 she became the youngest driver ever to compete in HOT ROD Drag Week, driving her "Badmaro" 1968 Camaro.

Now, Alex runs her own business, Alex Taylor Racing, along with an awesome YouTube page amassing over 100k subscribers.

Over the years, Dennis and Alex have grown close with Ed Iskenderian and the rest of the Isky team, so for the 75th anniversary of Isky Cams they teamed up to create this historic tribute Isky Roadster that will be at SEMA 2023.
 
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Bob Larivee, Sr. was born in 1930 and grew up in the Motor City. His father was a painter and Bob’s interest in the automotive industry started with the Soap Box Derby. He was studying to be a dentist, but his career path took a drastic turn.  

In the early 1950s, he got into cars and racing during the golden age of racing that many only dream about. In November of 1959, he started Promotions Incorporated with his brother and charged $1.25 for entry. Imagine that! The indoor car show was a new idea. There was no car activity in the winter. No professional sports. People were craving activity and Bob delivered. By 1982, they were doing 100 shows a year.  

Bob Larivee, Sr. shares story after story about how he became life-long friends with many industry leaders throughout the years. Listen to hear how it’s been said that he was responsible for naming the “Ridler Award”. Or hear about how he ended up at Disneyland with Ed Roth and his family. Bob chuckles, “...being with Ed you never knew what it was going to be.” He also shares the story of how he got Batman and Robin (Adam West and Burt Ward) to attend one of his car shows and how he almost didn’t open the doors for John Lennon. 

Bob Larivee, Sr. is also a published author, Founder of the Automotive Fine Arts Society, a contributor to the Museum of American Speed, and the magic behind the Museum of American Speed’s new art gallery. You won’t want to miss this one!

Steve Strope had multiple magazine features, lots of media coverage, and a top 10 car all before he had a shop or even a garage. What started out as a humble operation with a Craftsman 3-drawer toolbox out of his apartment parking garage, lead him to unveiling his first car at SEMA with Chrysler.

Steve Strope opened his shop, Pure Vision, in 2001 and has kept that same mentality from the early years. You don’t need a big shop to build award-winning cars. Strope credits his talented, hardworking and loyal team that has helped him continue to win accolade after accolade, including the prestigious manufacturer’s design awards at SEMA.

In this episode, Steve Strope talks about how he approaches builds, his favorite car—Martini Mustang, his current “anti-SEMA” Chevelle, and what’s ahead. Take a listen.