Andy Brizio Death – Northern California Hot Rod Legend, Andy Brizio, passed away on Tuesday, August 1st, 2023, at the age of 91. He was announced dead by the National Street Rod Association in a social media publication made on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2023, that says “The National Street Rod Association is saddened to hear of the recent passing of Hot Rod Legend Andy Brizio! “The Rod Father” Our sincere sympathy to the Brizio family and Andy’s friends and fans during this time.”
In his high school days, Andy drove a remarkable 1949 Chevy convertible, an impressive achievement for a young kid who worked hard at a series of part-time jobs to make ends meet. Following a three-year tenure in the Coast Guard, he got his hands on a Model B five-window coupe, which led him to become a regular participant at the Half Moon Bay drag strip. His friendship with Jim McLennan, the owner/operator, secured him a part-time job at Jim’s Champion Speed Shop.
As the 1950s neared its end, drag racing expenses began to rise, forcing Andy out of the game. Undeterred, he ventured into various small enterprises, including tee-shirt making, selling hot rod decals, and becoming a distributor for Dragmaster, managing to stay afloat through his determination and resourcefulness. It was in 1964 that Andy’s fame surged with the creation of the Instant Tee, though financial success remained elusive.
About Andy Brizio
During the 1970s, Andy joined forces with Cub Barnett, co-owning Champion Speed Shop. However, it was the annual picnic they organized that garnered considerable attention and put Andy in the headlines. His dedication to hot rodding, along with his ability to infuse fun into everything and his insistence on driving his hot rod everywhere, cemented his status as a true Hot Rod Pioneer.
His Instant-T won America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Award in 1970. Throughout his journey, Andy shared his life with his wife Sue, raising five daughters and a son named Roy. Andy’s passion for hot rodding and his joyful spirit will continue to inspire and leave a lasting legacy in the automotive community.
