Ken Rambler-Jaguar, Paramus, NJ.
Barton Rambler Center, Houston, TX.
Joe Smart Rambler, Elmhurst, IL.
P-T Motors, Rambler, Manchester Center, VT.
Gil. Ashcom Rambler, Berkeley, CA.
Lander Rambler service area, Atlanta, GA.
Mack Massey Rambler, El Paso, TX.
Schulstad Rambler, Tampa, FL.
Andy Anders Rambler, San Antonio, TX.
Rambler-Jeep-Jaguar, Lakewood, NJ.
Doraty Rambler, Cleveland, OH.
Gil.ashcom was internet-ready!
I don’t remember any big Rambler dealers in South Chicagoland, just lots of little ones. Considering how close we were to Kenosha, I imagine that there must have been big dealerships. However, considering how many Ramblers were among family members, I clearly remember only the small dealerships. I’ll need to look into that…
I did more. Parkey Rambler on South Western Avenue was one of the first, and largest Rambler dealers. It was just north of us, but I don’t remember them advertising. We didn’t take Western into downtown, so I missed that. I thought there had to be some large Rambler dealerships, but among the 2,000,000 South Siders in the county, I only recall little dealerships.
Not just one, but two Rambler Jaguar dealerships in today’s group, both in New Jersey. Certainly an interesting pairing.
I’m guessing when Jaguar was looking to expand in that area the person charged with that figured a Rambler dealer could use some extra sales. Once he had one sign on the dotted line I’m sure he used that as leverage, IE “Ken over in Paramus is having great success with Jaguar, I’m sure you will too!”
That was very, very common for small brands: Willys Jeep did the same thing, and towards the end, so did International with the Scout. IHI actually took out full-page ads in the automotive trades saying basically, “Hey, do you already have an established car dealership and want to make some extra money? Sell Scouts!”
The ‘Jeep’ forward control tow truck at P-T Motors really caught my eye. I wonder how much it could tow, and how s l o w l y…
I was looking at the HD wrecker to the right which looks like a Sterling.
From the selection of pictures here, I conclude that Rambler dealers were less attractive than the competitors. It’s fitting that they were more functional than glamorous.
Lot of service bays in the Lander dealership. Seems like room for about 20 cars.
Huh! About the nomenclature in that first photo: I thought Ramblers were pretty reliable, but it’s certain that plenty of owners have muttered “I have to get ken parts for the ken Jaguar. Again.”
Berkeley, CA Rambler dealer on 2530 Shattuck Ave. then and today…
I’m laughing at the Metropolitans in TEXAS.
Nice pictures, some of the dealers look to be shoe string out fits .
-Nate