Wally's Garage

After running a body shop with Janet's brother Joe DeRosa in California Wally moved back to Springfield in 1947. Back in Springfield he purchased a Standard Oil station that he turned into Wally's Garage. Photo from the Wally Troy collection, provided by Tim Riordan.

Photo from the Wally Troy collection, provided by Tim Riordan.

Photo from the Wally Troy collection, provided by Tim Riordan.

Photo from the Wally Troy collection, provided by Tim Riordan.

After opening up Wally's Garage Wally expanded his business becoming a dealer for Southern Auto Supply, providing local hot rodders and custom car builders with parts and speed equipment. Photo from the Wally Troy collection, provided by Tim Riordan.

Wally in his shop. Photo from the Wally Troy collection, provided by Tim Riordan.

Another photo from Wally's Garage. Photo from the Wally Troy collection, provided by Tim Riordan.

Wally Troy's 1950 Oldsmobile Convertible, the Troy Special, was built by Wally at Wally's Garage in 1952.

Wally Troy's 1953 Buick Convertible, The Troy Custom was completed in 1954.

Wally's Garage of Springfield, Illinois was a garage, gas station and speed and automotive accessory shop run by Wally Troy of Springfield, Illinois. After running a body shop with his wife Janet's brother Joe DeRosa in Glendale, California after WWII, Wally moved back to Springfield in 1947 and purchased a Standard Oil Station located at 2907 S. MacArthur Blvd. The station was turned into Wally’s Garage. Later on Wally expanded his business by becoming a Southern Auto Supply dealer. At the shop, Wally catered to the newly forming hot rod scene with custom auto speed parts. The building was large enough for Janet to also operate “Wally and Janet’s Restaurant” while Wally ran the garage on one side and the gas station on the other. Behind the businesses Wally’s carpenter father built them a small two-bedroom house at 1014 W. Maple South from which they never moved.

In 1952, Wally wanted to prove to himself he was as good if not better than the big boys at customizing autos. His first attempt was to customize and enter a 1950 Oldsmobile "88" Convertible at the 3rd annual Indianapolis Custom Auto Show. The car was known as the Troy Special and it won an award for its outstanding design at the Indianapolis Custom Auto Show. The Troy Special was followed by another full custom two years later named The Troy Custom.

Cars Restyled by Wally's Garage

Wally Troy's 1950 Oldsmobile Convertible - The Troy Special
Wally Troy's 1953 Buick - The Troy Custom