My 1948 Frazer: A Snowy Surprise

The Search for My Childhood Car

You are about to read the story of finding my 1948 Frazer. As a lifelong fan of vintage cars, I’ve spent years photographing classic beauties at car shows across the country. But despite my efforts, I’ve never found a 1947 Kaiser to photograph—the very car my father drove when I was born. The Kaiser, produced by the Kaiser-Frazer Corporation, holds a special place in my heart. Though I hadn’t found a Kaiser, I was always on the lookout for its sister car, the Frazer.

An Unexpected Encounter on Montana Highway 200

Good Friday 2011 started as a simple photo shoot trip across central Montana. My partner and I were driving along Highway 200 when I spotted a green car sitting in a snowy field. I yelled, “Stop! Turn around! There’s my Kaiser!” My excitement blinded me to the storm and the snow drifts as I leaped out of the car to take pictures. It was only later that I realized this wasn’t a Kaiser but a 1948 Frazer—a sister model sharing the same body, differing only in trim.

Capturing Beauty Amid a Snowstorm

As I raced through knee-high snowdrifts, my mind was focused on one thing: capturing “my Kaiser.” I didn’t notice the heavy snowflakes falling or the cold seeping into my boots. Through the camera lens, I admired the Frazer’s timeless curves, its classic green paint glistening under the snow. Back in the car, it hit me: I hadn’t just photographed a rare Frazer—I had documented a memory that connected me to my father and my childhood.

 

Realizing the Impact of the Storm

It wasn’t until I processed the photos later that I noticed the streaks of snow across the image, adding a dramatic touch. The storm became part of the story, emphasizing how special the moment was. That snowy Montana field became the backdrop for reconnecting with my roots and appreciating a bygone era of automobiles.

 

A New Chapter: Bringing the Frazer Home

A few weeks after my snowy encounter with the 1948 Frazer, I learned that the owner had decided to put the car up for auction. I couldn’t believe my luck. This car, which had reignited my connection to my father’s legacy, could actually become mine. Excited by the possibility, my partner and I made plans to attend the auction.

The week following Memorial Day, we drove back to Lewistown, Montana, determined to bring the Frazer home. The bidding process was nerve-wracking, but when the auctioneer’s gavel hit the podium, the Frazer was officially mine. Driving it home felt like a dream come true—a piece of automotive history and a personal connection to my family was now sitting in my driveway.

Since then, I’ve proudly shown the Frazer at numerous car shows. One of the highlights was winning an award at the Depot Days Car Show in Wallace, Idaho. Each time I display the car, it sparks conversations and stories from others who remember the golden age of the Kaiser-Frazer Corporation. Owning this Frazer has been more than just acquiring a classic car—it’s been about preserving a piece of history and creating new memories.

Wednesday’s post will be a rebroadcast of a 2020 post, Mercury the Man’s Car. To learn more about the Kaiser-Frazer Corporation, click here.