Parting Shot: Isky’s Tribute Ford Roadster

Dennis Taylor’s Modern-Day Representation Of Isky’s Ford Roadster At SEMA 2023

By Brian Brennan – Photography By the Author & Courtesy of the Greg Sharp Collection

One thing is for sure, our industry has its share of personalities with each having an endearing character trait that makes them easily and immediately recognizable. Many find themselves familiar with the nickname “Isky,” a stand-in for the moniker Ed Iskenderian of Isky Racing Cams fame. As famous as our centenarian hot rodding friend is, his highboy, a turtledeck 1923 Ford Roadster, often called the original hot rod, may be more famous. But all of us who know Isky and know his famous call out, “Hiya, pal!” will always chuckle a bit.

02 Isky s original 1923 Ford roadster a classic automobile featuring an Essex chassis and a combination of Pontiac and Auburn parts — What can we say? When you are the original you are the bar for the rest. Isky’s original ’23 Ford roadster with its turtledeck, Essex chassis, and compilation of Pontiac and Auburn parts truly is one of a kind.

But I am getting ahead. On these pages, there are appealing photos of the original 1923 Ford Roadster and alongside are the engaging photos of the Isky tribute roadster. The Isky tribute 1923 Ford Roadster came from a conversation between Isky COO Nolan Jamora, Alex Taylor of Hot Rod Garage, and Dennis Taylor of Hot Rods by Dennis Taylor. They were looking for a “canvas” to celebrate the 75^th year of Isky Racing Cams. After giving many potential hot rods the “once over” it was Dennis who came up with the idea to build an Isky tribute Ford Roadster.

03 Vintage photo of Isky with his iconic roadster showcasing his dedication to both his business and passion for classic cars — This photo was taken back in the ’70s and shows Isky with his roadster but also at the helm of a business that was up and running, consuming all his waking hours. The roadster saw little attention or driving after this point.

From this point the build was undertaken by Hot Rods by Dennis Taylor and within eight months the Isky tribute 1923 Ford Roadster was complete and debuted at the SEMA Show 2023 in the Iskenderian booth. It was Dennis having spent time at the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed, where the original Isky roadster currently resides, that he did his homework on what was needed for the build, and at this point the decision was made on just what would be built. Dennis realized that the Isky tribute roadster needed to be a “tribute” and not an exact copy or close recreation.

04 Interior comparison between the original Isky roadster and the new tribute roadster showcasing the unique Auburn gauge panel and banjo steering wheel — While there is an immediate family identity between the original roadster (#4) and the new roadster (#3) interiors, nothing beats the original Auburn gauge panel and gauges coupe with a banjo steering wheel. The tribute roadster features Stewart-Warner gauges with a reproduction Auburn panel featuring engine turning. The replica banjo wheel is from Grant. The tach is column mounted on the original roadster and dash mounted on tribute roadster.

Dennis built the tribute roadster from scratch but made sure to include a few iconic touches, such as the one-of-a-kind script signature valve covers. The covers were made by Nick Taylor at Nickky Bobby Inc., which now rests on the 7.3L Ford Godzilla engine that also features Holley components. Added to the build is an XS Power battery and Pro Glass for the flat windshield. Interestingly Dennis looked to Speedway Motors for both historical information as well as a number of the parts. Added to this, Speedway Motors’ own Joe McCollough added his knowledge and expertise to help. Lastly, it was David Freiburger who ponied up the heretofore unobtanium rear end. Once this was at hand the build began.

No question that at first glance you believe you are looking at the old Isky roadster, perhaps a bit shinier, but quickly you realize this is a modern-day representation with changes one would make today. We like hot rods with history but must also admit we like hot rods that recognize history and pay homage. MR