Steeda Celebrates Three Decades Of Performance In South Florida

The automotive aftermarket is and exciting and fun business, but like the racing it helps to support, it is hyper-competitive. Surviving for a decade is an impressive achievement for a company. However, thriving for three decades is definitely a cause for celebration, and that’s just what Steeda did this year with two 30^th Anniversary celebrations at its Valdosta, Georgia, and Pompano Beach, Florida facilities.

We made the trip down to the company’s Floridian home base for the car show and dyno day the company hosted to mark the occasion. Having visited this facility since it was all in one small building and seeing it grow to include large facilities in two states certainly made us feel nostalgic, but it really was special for the company’s president, Dario Orlando.

“I wanted to celebrate 30 years because of passion is stronger than ever. It is in my blood and it’s just wonderful to see the transition in the Mustang from 1988 to 2018,” Dario explained. “In 30 years it is just amazing where the aftermarket is gone and also Ford has taken the Mustang to the next level, so we need to celebrate. We also want to let our customers know how much we appreciate their support and for the past 30 years.”

On Saturday June 2 we spotted everything from classic Mustangs and the Foxes the company was founded on to a stampede of modern stallions. There were also some trucks and a strong showing by Ford’s now orphaned North American hot hatches. There were also older longtime customers and younger enthusiasts on hand, including one who told Dario he had been coming to visit Steeda since he was a baby, which really puts the milestone into perspective.

“It means a lot to me to see the dedication that the consumer has to the brand,” Dario said. “The one thing that I will never lose touch with the culture and to be in the fabric of the industry and stay connected.”

The company has certainly done that as it has produced performance parts just for Fords for longer than most companies have, short of the Blue Oval’s own performance parts division. That continues on today as Steeda continues to push 2018 Mustangs on drag strips and road courses in a quest to develop better gear.

“It’s a great milestone, and I look forward to the 31^st and the 35^th. I am not ready to retire. I want to keep going,” Dario added. “It keeps me alive, as this is my absolute passion.”

So, it looks like you can expect to see Steeda making Fords faster for years to come. Until then, we documented its 30^th Anniversary party here for you, so be sure to check out the full gallery below to get a look at all the cars in attendance.