Today’s gallery of vintage Chevrolet dealer postcards takes us back to some of the brand’s best days of the 1960s and 1970s. Along with a nice array of Chevrolets to check out, these images capture the fun dealership signs and architecture that once helped lure buyers through the front door. And for a change, today’s gallery features a small sample of Bowtie workhorses.
So take your time browsing—you just might find the Chevy that would have followed you home. As for our first stop, it is Bruce King Chevrolet in Lake Park, FL.
Ascenzo Bonitatibus & Sons Chevrolet, Toronto, OH.
Kenney Chevrolet, Johnstown, OH.
Ed Rinkle Chevrolet, Truck Headquarters, Center Line, MI.
H. G. Clauson Chevrolet-Oldsmobile, Falmouth, MA.
Hall Chevrolet, Milwaukee, WI.
Patterson Chevrolet, La Mirada, CA.
L. H. Chace & Sons Chevrolet, Middleboro, MA.
Mattia Chevrolet, “The Dealer With A Heart”, Philadelphia, PA.
My Grandfather bought cars from Patterson Chevrolet, Patterson Chevrolet in Trenton NJ
Chevrolet had some pretty boring dealers and signs
This post suddenly made me think of Cheda’s Garage in Point Reyes Station, California. The town has a population of under 900 and it is probably 30 miles of narrow winding country roads from the nearest city. But for many years, until the mid1990’s, it had a Chevrolet dealer. I remember it from childhood, but I was surprised when driving through on the way to the beach (it’s near the Point Reyes National Seashore) with our kids about 30 years ago to see it still open then, with a new Corvette in its one car showroom. It’s no longer a Chevy dealer but is still in business as a repair shop, owned by the great-great-granddaughter of the original owner, whose own father had emigrated to the US around 1900. Unfortunately I couldn’t find any photos of it as a Chevy store; attached is a picture from Google StreetView.
Yes, I remember Cheda’s. And I remember it being a Chevy dealer. It must have been one of the smallest still going in its latter days.
I’d love to stop by Ed Rinke Chevrolet and pick out a new pickup. Maybe even get a dump truck just for fun! I’m sure a dump truck back then cost way less than a new half ton pickup today.
As a Philadelphia native, I don’t remember hearing of Mattia Chevrolet at all, so I looked it up. Turns out the dealership was only in business for a few years in the late 1970s. There was another Chevy dealer on that site (Degnan Chevrolet) that went out of business in 1976 under allegations of fraud. It’s unclear whether Mattia had any connections with Degnan or not, but the business only lasted three or four years.
The building still stands – looks like it’s used by a social services agency now. Then-and-now comparison and Google StreetView below:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/F1P2qz36VdBXBjbX9
I have told this story before so won’t go into much detail. I was at out-of-State college, Miami, came home for a visit, Dad borrowed my 1963 T-Bird, crashed it. Gave me his late model 1966 T-Bird to return to college, Back home for another visit, Dad borrowed my 1966 T-Bird, crashed it. I had two days before I had to hit the road and drive back to Miami. Dad gave me a blank check, sent me to his golf buddy at a Chevy dealer with instruction not to go crazy, meaning no Camaro. Off the lot I bought a new 1970 Nova SS, 396, optioned to the hilt. Dad thought how practical I bought a Nova. I was already States away when he got the insurance bill.
Dad and I joked about that car purchase for decades.
What was dad crashing into?
It’s hard to remember now, but there was a long period when Chevrolet was the default choice for American buyers. You picked your price, you picked your features, and you bought whichever Chevrolet fit your needs.
Photos #4 & #5: Ed Rinke Chevrolet Buick Looks like Ed is still selling Chevrolets plus Buick, & GMC.
Intrigued by the large brown building in the back center of photo #5 and partial of #4. At that time, appeared to be a Chrysler parts distribution center. Now called MOPAR Parts Distribution. Still in business.
Just Google 26125 Van Dyke Ave, Center Line, MI 48015, then adjust to see the Mopar building in the far rear.
Yes, that Mopar HQ and warehouse opened in 1957. The portion to the right of the entrance was originally the Chrysler training center, where my Dad took the dealer training course that year. All Mopar now.
Patterson Chevrolet sign looks more appropriate for a Mexican restaurant.
Rinke had an impressive stock of big Chevy trucks.
Who knew there was a “Toronto, OH”?