Norwalk

A Norwalk Coachmen club shot taken in 1955. Keith Christensen was the first President and a founding member of the club. In 2016 Keith told Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama that the club started in the living room of his folks home in Norwalk late in 1952; "Our club had its beginning in my folk's living room in Norwalk." Norwalk is southeast of Los Angeles, approximately 22 miles. "It was an area of farms and dairies, which of course have faded due to rural buildup. This is why you will see many names of the two dominate nationalities, Dutch and Portuguese, as owners of many hot rods and low riders." Photo from The Keith Christensen Collection.

Johnny Bierfeldt's 1932 Ford Roadster, of Norwalk, California was a Long Beach Qualifiers car. It was painted by Bart Root and upholstered by Don Hudson.

Clyde Castleberry's 1940 Ford Pickup

Hayward Mendenhall's 1953 Ford Pickup

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Bob Schremp's 1954 Chevrolet Bel-Air of Norwalk, California was restyled by Branson's Custom Shop in the mid 1950s. In 1956 Bob's Chevrolet received a scallop paint job by Larry Watson. The paint job was done in the driveway of Watson's parents, and it was the first car Watson gave a scallop paint job.

Henry Contreras' 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air of Norwalk, California. Henry was a member of the Rogues of Long Beach car club, and his Chevrolet was restyled several times in the 1950s and 1960s. Branson's Custom Shop was responsible for many of the modifications on the car.

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John Chavez' 1955 Oldsmobile

Wayne Christensen's 1957 Ford Ranchero of Norwalk, California. Wayne purchased the Ranchero in 1957. It was a pristine powder blue, a sight to behold and a canvas ready for the youthful ingenuity of the Christensen brothers. Without missing a beat, Wayne and his older brother Keith immediately lowered it to the ground. It was then adorned with real Appleton spotlights and Oldsmobile fiesta hubcaps that added a touch of elegance. In 2023, Keith told Kustomrama that having the Ranchero lowered "on the ground" was "the most a kid in high school could afford back then." Photo from The Keith Christensen Collection.

Gary Ruddell's 1955 Pontiac. Gary was the President of the Seagrams of Norwalk car club, and the Pontiac was his first car. He bought it in 1959 and began restyling it shortly thereafter.

Bud Campbell's 1955 Plymouth Sport Coupe

Jack Arnold's 1956 Mercury

Jack James' 1957 Buick Special

Dan Contreras' 1957 Chevrolet of Norwalk, California. Restyled in 1963, Dan's Chevrolet featured Copper plated spotlights, wheels and side pipes.

Dick King's 1957 Chevrolet Four-Door Hardtop of Norwalk, California. Dick was a member of the Seagrams of Norwalk car club, and his car was restyled around 1958 - 1959. Once completed, the car was shown as Kings Royalty.

Harry Okuda's 1957 Dodge of Norwalk, California. In 1957 Harry's Dodge received a scallop paint job by Larry Watson of Watson's House of Style.

Gary Ruddell's 1958 Chevrolet Corvette of Norwalk, California. Gary bought the Corvette in 1960. At the time he was the President of the Seagrams of Norwalk car club.

Danny Leonette's 1960 Chevrolet Impala of Norwalk, California. Danny was one of the original members of the Seagrams of Norwalk car club, and he bought the Impala brand new. After buying it he dropped it in the front and back and added Appleton spotlights.

Keith Christensen's 1959 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery of Norwalk, California. Keith and Doug Carney installed hydraulic lifts on the car in 1961. It was also dressed up with a Murano Pearl Yellow paint job by Larry Watson of Watson's House of Style. Keith ran Gene's Mufflers, and the Sedan Delivery was his daily driver.

Gary Ruddell's 1960 Ford Starliner of Norwalk, California. Gary was the President of the Seagrams of Norwalk car club, and he bought the car and had it restyled circa 1960-1961.

The first version of Bob Huffman's 1965 Chevrolet Impala, of Norwalk, California, featuring a bumperless front end design, restyled rear end and Hydraulics on all four corners was completed in 1966.

The second version of Bob Huffman's 1965 Chevrolet Impala, of Norwalk, California, was based on a design by Harry Bradley. The car was restyled by Bob and Tom Chafin. The build was completed in 1968.

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