The Isky T Roadster: "La Cucaracha" - Manifesto Maravillado

The Isky T Roadster

The Isky T Roadster, or “La Cucaracha,” is one of the most iconic hot rods in the history of American car culture. Built by Ed Iskenderian, the legendary “Camfather” and innovator in the world of high-performance camshafts, the Isky T stands as a powerful reminder of the early hot rodding era when creativity, ingenuity, and DIY spirit fueled the birth of a cultural movement. Ed Iskenderian, now approaching 100 years old, left an indelible mark on the world of hot rodding, and the T Roadster was his first major statement in that world.

The Beginnings of La Cucaracha

The story of the Isky T began in 1938 when Ed purchased a half-finished, four-cylinder-powered 1924 Ford Model T roadster from his friend John Athan for the astounding price of just $4. Inspired by the rise of V8 power and hot rod culture in Southern California, Iskenderian set out to build something extraordinary with the resources available to him at the time—junkyard parts and mechanical ingenuity.

A hallmark of early hot rodding was improvisation, and Isky’s roadster was no different. He installed frame rails from an Essex to give the T greater structural integrity, and he pulled a 1932 Ford 21-stud V8 from the local salvage yard to serve as the heart of his creation. The modifications didn’t stop at the engine swap—Isky began tuning the V8 with performance parts, pushing it well beyond its stock configuration. The flathead engine received 13:1 compression, a Vertex magneto, and a Winfield camshaft (years before Ed began making his own famous camshafts). He topped the engine with an Edelbrock intake and triple Stromberg 97 carburetors, creating a potent powerplant that would later propel the car to over 120 mph at the El Mirage dry lakebed in 1942.

The Maxi “F” Heads and Signature Modifications

One of the most unique features of the Isky T roadster was its use of Maxi “F” cylinder heads. Originally designed for commercial truck engines, these semi-overhead-valve heads cooled the engine by having overhead exhaust valves that were jacketed with coolant, while the intake valves remained in the block. This combination gave the flathead engine better performance and longevity under high-stress conditions. To further personalize the build, Iskenderian had custom valve covers cast and engraved with his name—an early sign of the branding and innovation that would define his future business.

Isky’s attention to detail extended throughout the car’s drivetrain and chassis. The roadster featured a 1932 Ford front axle, 1937 wishbones, and Plymouth hydraulic brakes for improved stopping power. The rear spring was mounted ahead of a Ford banjo axle, stretching the wheelbase for better high-speed stability. Sixteen-inch Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels wrapped in wide whitewall tires completed the car’s stance, while Houdaille shocks provided a smooth ride at all four corners.

The Look and Feel of a True Hot Rod

The aesthetic and design choices that Isky made were just as important as the car’s mechanical performance. Renowned metalworker Jimmy Summers was brought in to finesse the bodywork, helping give the car a refined yet aggressive appearance. The grille, which became the car’s most distinctive feature, was a custom creation made from two 1934 Pontiac radiator shells. Isky topped it off with a winged-skull ornament that he crafted himself, adding a rebellious and unique touch.

The interior was equally special, featuring maroon leather upholstery stitched by Laddie Jerbec. A 1937 Ford banjo steering wheel and an Auburn gauge panel completed the cockpit, giving the driver a classic yet sporty feel. This blend of mechanical prowess and aesthetic flair made the Isky T roadster a standout among the SoCal hot rod scene in the 1940s.

A Hot Rod Legend – From El Mirage to the Cover of Hot Rod Magazine

Isky’s T roadster quickly became a well-known fixture in Southern California’s burgeoning hot rod community. It wasn’t just a showpiece—it was fast. Topping 120 mph at El Mirage in 1942 was a remarkable achievement, especially for a car that had been built in a garage using mostly scavenged parts.

After serving as a tail-gunner in World War II, Isky returned to the United States and completed the car’s final touches. In 1948, Hot Rod Magazine, the definitive publication for the hot rodding world, placed Isky’s T on the cover of its June issue, cementing the roadster’s place in automotive history.

The Camfather’s Legacy

While Ed Iskenderian went on to become a hot rod icon, launching Iskenderian Cams, the roadster became an extension of his legend. As he built one of the most successful speed part businesses in hot rodding history, the Isky T settled into a corner of his shop, serving as a reminder of his humble beginnings.

By the 1970s, as street rodding began to gain popularity, Isky would bring the T out for special appearances at events like the L.A. Roadsters Father’s Day show, where it caused an uproar when it was initially denied entry for not meeting the club’s aesthetic standards. Once the organizers realized the car’s significance and Isky’s place in hot rodding lore, they quickly reversed their decision.

The Isky T Today

Today, the Isky T roadster is no longer in Iskenderian’s shop—it’s part of the permanent collection at the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska, where it sits alongside other legendary cars from hot rodding history. The roadster’s rough-around-the-edges build style stands in stark contrast to modern street rods, but that raw, unrefined quality is part of what makes it so special. It reflects an era when hot rodding wasn’t about ordering parts from a catalog or following trends; it was about pure innovation, creativity, and a desire to go faster.

Ed Iskenderian’s T roadster isn’t just a car—it’s a testament to the golden era of hot rodding, an era where a young man with a dream and a handful of parts could create something truly extraordinary. As Isky himself said, “We didn’t have any magazines to tell us how to build them.” Yet, his roadster proved that he knew exactly what to do.