Photos and research courtesy Kustomrama

Norman Brown bought his 1951 Chevrolet Fleetline new in Goldendale, WA. Starting in 1952 and over a period of three years, he restyled the car extensively, nosing and decking it, frenching the healights and installing a one-piece windshield from a 1950 Oldsmobile. After the car sustained minor damage in a fender bender, he added an oval grille opening with a 1954 Pontiac grille; he also installed 1950 Pontiac taillights.

The car’s story is a mystery for a while after that, but in 1965, Bob Mikkelsen found the Chevy in Yakima, WA, slowly deteriorating beside a car repair shop. The right quarter panel and left rear window were damaged. Intrigued by the car, Bob sought out Norman and bought the car, sans engine, for only $50.

He towed the car back to his apartment in Ellensburg and took a good, long look at the condition. The body was solid, and it still wore the original factory paint. He was thrilled to catalogue the customizations Norman had already performed on the car. Inside, the original seat covers were covered in turn by aftermarket seat covers. It was missing a drivetrain, but that wasn’t a problem for Bob – he was already in possession of a 1950 Chevy Fleetline, which provided donor parts (including an engine).

A while later, Bob and Monna, his wife, wore out that old motor and replaced with a 283, and then traded that up for a 307. At some point they repainted and striped it, having the name “High School Time Machine” emblazoned on the one-of-a-kind ride. They replaced the interior fittings with new custom grey ones, as the old interior was growing tired. Impressively enough, the car has weathered the test of time even in the harsh environment of Bob and Monna’s current home, Vancouver, WA. They still drive it regularly (it boasts half a million miles) and have no plans to retire it.