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Norm was a brief friend of mine in 1964, when he was helping my friend
Doug Lovegrove prepare his 1964 Beleveder for the drag nationals. My father was a used car salesman for Mashak Motors in Van Nuys ,California and Norm Thactcher was "dougs Mentor who helped Doug prep his aluminum Belveders hardtop with a stage three 426 Max Wedge for the nationals comming up. I was honered to meet norm at a garage in Van Nuys where Mr Thatcher told me of his Bonniville experences. I was just a 18 years sailor home for the weekend, but loved my 57 Plymouth Belveder and anyone who liked a Chrysler product. All my friends had either a Chevy or A Ford, Not me I went the way of Chrysler, so after meeting "Mr Chrysler" as I was told by Doug Lovegrove, I was absolutly honored by his presence.
Doug went on to be in the AFX championship finals that year(1964) with Norms help.
He ( Norm,) made me feel like I was part of the Chrysler family as I am still to this day, and like I tell my friends,
Chrysler products were like the " Maytag Repairman,) a lonely breed as I worked for Chrysler for many years as a line mechanic, and I made little money as they "just did'nt break.
I have had some nice ones in my lifetime,
a 1957 Beleveder 2 dr hardtop
a 1958 Fury Golden Comando, 350ci, dual quad,
a 1959 Belvedere 2 dr hardtop,
a 1964 Sport Fury 383 wedge , 4speed- what a sweet ride,
and still have three Chrysler Dodges in my family cars to this day.
Hell, the make the best American car,
they don't break and go fast.
Jon Byron Reno Nevada
USN 1961-1965
