Custom Car Magazine

16 March 2023

Most of us know the feeling of having yearned all our lives to own a particular kind of car. And some of us never get to scratch that itch. For John Williams, the dream was a rodded Pop. He came close a few times – but finally, he’s built the car he always wanted. And then some. This month’s cover star is the sort of car that should inspire a whole new generation to aim high. Kelvin Helsdown aimed pretty high with his ’57 Oldsmobile, too. As did Oldsmobile themselves, actually, because it’s a car whose styling came straight from the heady days of the jet age. What they didn’t do was make it go like a jet plane – but with the help of Valley Gas, this one is now packing a big-block from none other than the Boston Brawler… Possibly a good time to mention Santa Pod’s annual Flame and Thunder extravaganza here. It’s one of several shows we visited for this issue. And we’ve also got a Pro-Touring Mustang whose story will warm your heart. It’s always about the car – but sometimes it’s about a whole lot more besides…