SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A South San Francisco hot-rod builder whose handcrafted cars have attracted famous musicians, athletes and collectors from around the world has been selected as San Mateo County's 2026 History Maker.
The San Mateo County Historical Association named Roy Brizio as this year's honoree and will recognize him during its annual History Makers Dinner in Foster City on Sept. 25.
Brizio founded Roy Brizio Street Rods in South San Francisco in 1979 and went on to build a national reputation for custom automobiles, particularly his 1932 Ford Roadsters, according to the Historical Association.
Hot-rodding ran in the family. Brizio is the son of custom car builder Andy "The Rodfather" Brizio and grew up around fabrication, welding and automotive craftsmanship before establishing his own shop.
Over nearly five decades, Brizio's cars have received multiple honors at the Grand National Roadster Show and appeared in HOT ROD Magazine, Robb Report and other automotive publications, according to the Historical Association.
His clients have included musicians Jeff Beck, Neil Young and Eric Clapton, along with Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson. Jackson, a longtime Brizio customer and friend, will serve as master of ceremonies for this year's History Makers Dinner.
The Historical Association credited Brizio with helping elevate hot-rodding from a niche hobby into an internationally recognized form of automotive craftsmanship and design while bringing attention to South San Francisco and the Peninsula.
The annual History Maker designation recognizes people who have made a significant impact on San Mateo County while also influencing developments beyond the county.
Brizio will join a list of previous honorees that includes Willie Mays, longtime U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, broadcaster Jon Miller, chef Martin Yan and Pro Football Hall of Famers Ronnie Lott and Y.A. Tittle.
The History Makers Dinner also serves as a fundraiser for the San Mateo County Historical Association, supporting its museums, archives, exhibits and educational programs.
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