PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: The Truck Norris HEMI Camshaft from Brian Tooley Racing
September 12, 2025
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Get Unleashed Acceleration with Soler Performance’s DLX Bluetooth® Throttle Controller
Here’s the deal: if you’re driving a performance car, the last thing you want is factory lag holding you back. You bought it for the thrill, the punch, that raw acceleration that gives you instant gratification. But if you’re tired of stock throttle response getting in the way, The Auto Builder has the answer. We recommend Soler Performance’s DLX Bluetooth Throttle Controller. Your first drive will be mind blowing — it transforms your car into a responsive rocket.
BIG BLUE
When Ford introduced the Galaxie nameplate in 1960, the reasoning behind the new name was obvious. At the time, bigger was better, and short of GM introducing a car named the Universe, what could convey a greater sense of size than Galaxie?
RIDING ON AIR
Lowering a truck usually involved cutting coils and shaving bump stops. Out back, the rear end was treated to lowering blocks, a few pulled leaf springs or heated coil springs. Over the years, manufacturers began to address these demands, as lowering coils, spring leaf blocks, dropped spindles and flip kits were offered. Times changed with the introduction of airbags, as owners were able to slam their pickups with full ride height adjustability. Air Ride Technologies (ART) is one of those companies offering quality suspension solutions for truck owners, with kits that fit specific applications.
Spotlighter
The Trucks Of ’57 Heaven
The Glenn Patch Collection
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Story & Photography
We heard of the Glenn Patch Collection a couple of years ago from a friend who had visited Patch’s warehouse in Scottsdale, Arizona. We were told of the quality of the restorations, as well as the variety of different cars, but the thing that intrigued us most was the fact that the entire collection consisted of cars and trucks manufactured in 1957.
The original plans called for ’57 Heaven to be open to the public on the West Coast. However, a chance to locate it in the center of one of the most toured areas of the United States changed those plans. Branson, Missouri, became the home for ’57 Heaven. The collection is housed at the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater on the lower floor. It only seems appropriate to link the cars of 1957 to the golden days of rock n roll music. We really did not know what to expect upon arrival, but to say we were impressed would be an understatement.
Every major American manufacturer from 1957 including Buick, Chevrolet, Ford, Cadillac, DeSoto, Hudson, Nash, Studebaker and Packard are included. It took several years to get the collection to its present state, starting from the time the collection began when Patch made the decision to collect one of every model of every convertible manufactured in 1957. Once he had completed that challenge, he then decided to expand on the collection and include some of the lesser-known and limited production vehicles from that year. Not only are there convertibles, this collection of ’57s contains some rare pickups, station wagons and coupes.
When you first enter ’57 Heaven, you immediately realize this is not your ordinary car museum. Patch wasn’t satisfied with the cars being on display. He wanted to truly highlight his collection in a way that visitors would remember. Instead of the usual car museum, it depicts life in the 1950s. The cars are displayed in a setting that creates Hometown America. The various displays include a drive-in movie, fire station, barbershop, gas station and Cadillac dealership.
We spent the better part of the afternoon enjoying the cars and memorabilia from 1957. The staff of ’57 Heaven was friendly and answered all the questions we had about the cars and the museum. So, if you are anywhere near Branson, Missouri, or have plans to stop by and visit any time in the future, we would highly recommend making a stop to visit ’57 Heaven.
This Red Chevy Cameo Pickup Is An Example Of The Beautifully Restored Vehicles On Display At ’57 Heaven. It Has Whitewall Tires, Door Handle Guards, Bumper Guards And A 283 V-8 With A Hydramatic Transmission.
GMC also made a stylized pickup with fiberglass bedsides in 1957 called the Suburban. This one came with a 347ci V-8 with 206 hp. It is turquoise and white with a matching interior.
The 50th year for International was 1957. To celebrate, it manufactured this Golden Anniversary pickup. It had a special gold and white paint scheme with matching vinyl and fabric interior. Primarily a showpiece, its meager 113 hp put it far behind other pickups offered that year.
The Mercury Series 100 pickup was rare in the United States. That is because it was almost identical to the Ford F-100, but it was made in Canada. This beautifully restored version hails from North Dakota.
Studebaker was still building trucks in 1957. This one has a nice baby blue and off-white two-tone paint scheme. It also came with chrome trim on the doors and chrome bumpers.
Ford produced the first Ranchero in 1957. This new kind of pickup was half-car and half-truck. Chevy did not build its first El Camino until 1959.
The first year for Ford’s Styleside box was also 1957. It had no running boards, just flat sides. Ford claimed that the new box increased load space by 45 percent.
Dodge introduced their sweptside pickup in 1957. The unique bed featured fins that were actually quarter panels from a two-door station wagon bolted onto the standard pickup box.
