This 1957 Chevy 4×4 has a new owner and is a new Finalist for the Roadster Shop 4×4 of the Year
TJ Thompson’s ’57 Chevy pickup could very well serve as the poster vehicle for the growing popularity of vintage four-wheel-drive trucks. Blending classic style with modern refinement, contemporary mechanical elements, and incredible attention to detail, it’s the sort of rig that commands attention wherever it goes.
If the truck looks familiar, it’s probably because you recall it as an LMC Truck of the Year Early finalist in 2025. With the new Roadster Shop 4X4 Of The Year category added to the Goodguys Top 12 program this year, builder Stafford’s Garage brought the Chevy back on the circuit for 2026, complete with a new owner, TJ, who bought it at Barrett-Jackson earlier this year.
Built from the ground up to be a showstopper, the classic Chevy is based on a Roadster Shop RS4 chassis the that features a Borgeson steering box and four-link suspensions and coil-over shocks both fore and aft, along with 16-inch disc brakes from Little Shop Manufacturing. One-off 20-inch wheels from Greening Auto Company are wrapped in chunky BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires.
Updated and increased power comes from a GM Performance 6.2-liter V8 that cranks out 525 horsepower, aided by a Holley intake and EFI system and Ultimate Headers. The engine has been smoothed and painted and is topped with a custom air cleaner and valve covers. An aluminum radiator and electric fans keep the engine cool while a Holley accessory drive system keeps engine-mounted pieces spinning. The Gearstar 4L70E automatic transmission is controlled by a Lokar shifter and delivers power to the front and rear axles, both fitted with 4.56 gears.
The Stafford’s team spent hundreds of hours on the body, molding and tapering the drip rails, rounding the door corners and bed caps, and installing Kindig door handles and Greening taillights. All of the seams on the tailgate were welded and smoothed. Once the body was in shape, Scooter Modica applied the PPG Clearwater Blue paint.
Inside, Stafford’s cleaned up the dash, created a lower extension, and installed Dakota Digital RTX gauges. Mike Sullivan at Sully Stitches then modified Slosh Tubz seats and covered them with gray Apex leather and suede. A Sparc Industries Truss wheel sits on a tilt column. Handles and pedals are from Lokar. Custom kick panels and door panels were crafted to match the seats, and all interior metal seams were welded and smoothed.
The Chevy’s ability to continue earning high-profile accolades after multiple seasons says a lot about the vision of original owner Odie Hughes, the craftsmanship of the team at Stafford’s Garage, and the foresight of current owner TJ Thompson. There’s no doubt about it – this pickup is an outstanding example of vintage 4×4 excellence.
Congratulations to TJ Thompson and Stafford’s Garage for being named a Finalist for the Goodguys 2026 Roadster Shop 4×4 of the Year with his 1957 Chevy Pickup!
Photos: John Jackson
