He was preceded in death his by parents, Sam and Rosina Sanfilippo; daughter, Katherine Denise Sanfilippo; 3 brothers and 2 sisters. It first opened as a repair shop in 1944 by brothers Rocco and Cheater Sanfilippo. And we hope to see you again, SOON! A segment of The History Channel show "American Pickers" was filmed there, for an episode that first aired on June 4, 2014. Is this shop still around? This page is for people wanting to share stories about Rocco and Cheaters Speed Shop or those that may want to get in touch with the Sanfilippo's. In the late 70's, second generation (Rocco and Cheaters' nephew and Dominic's son) Sam took over the company and now he is grooming HIS son Anthony for the helm. They had a machine and fabrication shop in the back of the speed shop and also had a garage up the street from the present location. Now that I'ved teased you guys soooooo 's the REALLY GOOD stuff... |. Lots of drag racers too. The late, great Sonny Black. We saw him all the time when we went to the shop or to Rocco's home. Big Daddy Don Garlits bought most of their stock a while back but there's still a few to choose from.
Wheels still brand new in the box stacked everywhere. Sanfilippo Family Rocco & Cheaters Speed Shop Collection. Here's a short story and some pictures by Butch Pate. Thanks to Bobby, the Poor boys were allowed to come in and scour over the many, many parts in the 100x100 building. Much to our surprise there were plenty to choose from..... They were friends to all the big names in all types of racing. Send a virtual gift. Imagine seeing 250 complete exhaust systems for cars of the 30's, 40's and 50's leaning in the back of a speed shop, along with shelf after shelf of brand new stock that hasn't been touched in years. What is your departure address? SANFILIPPO FAMILY ROCCO AND CHEATERS SPEED SHOP COLLECTION 031. Heck, I even like the Dr. Pepper machine!
It's still hard to see the actual size of this enormous building. Supporting Member 1. While in the Navy, Mimi served in the Korean War and afterwards returned to Birmingham and joined his brothers in their business, Rocco & Cheater's Speed Shop and then married the love of his life. Poor Boy "Rooster" bought a set of pistons for a straight six that were still wrapped in newspaper from Select-O-Motive in California dated 1954... |. You can always call them on 205-328-5140 to get the appointment fixed or walk into their Dealership to get the list. Friend bought a six duece manifold for a FE, it came in the original box from Rocco & Cheaters. We have huge list of inventory from Rocco and Cheater`s Speed Shop Inc, and All of the cars are analysed by their Qualified Auto Engineers. In 1946 brothers Rocco and Cheater Sanflippo Incorporated and started the speed shop known as Rocco and Cheaters.
We have huge list of inventory from Rocco and Cheater`s Speed Shop Inc, please have a look below or call them on 205-328-5140 if you need something else. He loved spending time with his family, especially time with his grandchildren and he enjoyed all types of racing. They knew how to market and buy parts AND they also had connections to all the manufacturers of the 40's thru the 60's. Call them on 205-328-5140 to see if the they have in stock what you looking for. There were more in other areas to choose from as well.
He got the Poor Boys set up with a free run of the shop a few weeks ago. In 1954, younger brother Dominic joined the company after returning from the navy. Imagine walking into a Speed Shop and the original shop truck from the late 50's and thru the 60's is parked right in the center of the building. Rocco and my Dad were really like brothers! )
It was #80 or 88 as I recall, blue and white with red numbers. One of the guys in our club is in Huntsville, Alabama and has been friends with the owners of Rocco and Cheater's Speed Shop for more years than he can remember. Domenic's son, Sam took it over in the 1970s and eventually brought his son, Anthony into the business. We said time and time again, the boxes are probably worth more than the parts themselves... |. Another younger brother, Dominic, joined the business in 1954. Mimi was inducted into the Alabama Auto Racing Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2011 and Sayre Speedway Hall of Fame in 2018. All photos are reviewed before being placed on our website.
Pictures by Butch Pate. All latest used cars for sale are here. Oops, it looks like cookies are either disabled in your browser or expired. 12 years 1 month ago. Sorry guys, I jumped the gun....... a search got me all the info I needed. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Alabama Heart Association.
Since 1992 We are Birmingham's best for car Audio, Tinting, Security/Remote start, Wheels and... 2104 Green Springs Hwy S. Birmingham, AL 35205. The Shop s tarted in 1944 as a garage. I could go on and on about what we saw and there's more I've already forgotten than what I can remember. © 1998-2021 FOTKI INC or its affiliates. 300 1st Ave N. Birmingham, AL 35204. You guys are the greatest! We would like to give a big Thank You to the staff of Journey Hospice for their tender care and genuine compassion during this time. The boys on the show American Pickers are visiting a defunct speed shop that was open from 1946-2007. Mimi Sanfilippo, 87, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 9, 2018. United States, Birmingham, Alabama. I hope you guys can see the good selection of shifters on this shelf.
When I heard Sonny was killed driving the little super modified some years later.......... When I was a kid, Sonny Black was my hero! Hashtags: Write your message here...