Following on from Richs post about the Allen Green dealership, thought it would be cool to start a thead to share old photos or infomation about any UK dealerships.
8)
Posted by: Mike Peckham - 30 September 2011 10:34:07
[quote=Robb]Following on from Richs post about the Allen Green dealership, thought it would be cool to start a thead to share old photos or infomation about any UK dealerships.
8) [/quote]
Great idea for a thread Rob, it has the potential to be really interesting. Not sure that I have any photos to offer, but I'd be really interested if anyone has any information about either Webbs garage in Romford, where my '57 was sold when it was new or Cowies of Coventry who were the suppliers of my '78'Cab.
My dad's '72 World Champion Beetle (which I still have) was originally supplpied by Windmill Garage in Crawley, it was a small VW Dealership that gave up their VW franchise at some point in the '70s, the building is still there and still has the original '70s Windmill Garage logo on the side wall.
In Worthing, our VW dealership for many years was West Sussex Motors, they still exist but gave up their franchise in the early 80s. though they carried on advertising themselves as VW specialists into the nineties, as did Empire Garage in Felpham.
I can remember Empire Garage having a clearout of Aircooled stock in the early '80s and I went along to see what they had. They had cleared all the aircooled specific parts into an out building and it was all on the floor in a big heap. I spent some time rummaging through it and picked up a few odds and ends - but would love to have the same opportunity now!
My Dad's VW Camper's (1961 Canterbury Pitt and later a 1964 Devon) were looked after in the 70's by Hooker and Roberts in Bedford, better known to the locals as Hookers and Robbers! The parts guy there got to know me quite well and would occassionally bring out some old stock that had been ordered in for a customer and then never collected. I got several useful bits for my 50s beetles that way.
Going back to the '50s, my Dad's brother and his wife each owned beetles starting off with a Split and then an Oval bought new I think from Cares Garage in Crowborough, although I am now wondering if he might have bought it from VFM on the basis that that is the dealership in Crowborough that supplied Rich's cab at about the same time? I went to Care's garage with my uncle in the '70s and I'm pretty sure it was a very small dealership, I'm not even sure it was officially VW at that point. Later on, when I had my own beetle I went there to see if they had any '50s stock on their shelves and was shown a lot of 30BHP engine parts, sadly I didn't buy any of them...
Again, great thread Rob! :thumbup:
Mike
Posted by: Robb - 30 September 2011 10:53:24
great stories there Mike! love reading about stuff like that! 8)
Posted by: 54 Gertie - 30 September 2011 18:53:31
If anyone has any info or even some photos of Abridge Engineering in Essex it'd be much appreciated, where the parents car was maintained for most of it's life.
I dont think the building is there any more, as Streetview doesn't show anything like a dealer/workshop in the area.
Great thread. 8)
Posted by: Rich Oakley - 30 September 2011 21:05:31
Great thread Rob and great stories Mike!
Pictures of VW dealers are so thin on the ground it's unbelievable!!! I have a few and will scan some of them when I get the chance.
In the meantime, here's a few...
Mill Street Garage, Stourbridge (where I grew up)...
[img]https://home.btconnect.com/oakley-web/Mill-St-Garage-Stourbridge-1968.jpg[/img]
Posted by: Rich Oakley - 30 September 2011 21:44:40
Same garage, 1971...
[img]https://home.btconnect.com/oakley-web/Mill-Street-Garage-1971.jpg[/img]
Posted by: Rich Oakley - 30 September 2011 21:47:07
William Arnold, dealer and distributor in Manchester. I think this photo was taken in 1964...
[img]https://home.btconnect.com/oakley-web/william-arnold-vw%20manchester.jpg[/img]
Posted by: 69project - 30 September 2011 21:50:48
oh to go back in time,i drove thru abridge a few months ago and couldnt see the vw garage but if i rmbr right it wasnt a big forecourt affair
Posted by: Rich Oakley - 30 September 2011 21:58:33
[quote=Rich Oakley]Stourbridge (where I grew up)[/quote]
Small world, was there on Wednesday playing Beetle Tetris (collecting an engine, it ended up going where the passenger seat should have been).
Posted by: merchantrader - 01 October 2011 08:22:28
Keith Garages of Bicester Road Aylesbury were active VW dealers and also ran a coach company Keith Coaches and a bus company Red Rovers. Buses were often used to advertise the VW dealership see [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/32313490@N02/4202913375/in/pool-1485370@N25/]Flickr[/url]
Posted by: WayneMcCarthy - 03 October 2011 12:50:02
Here's a Link To The First & Largest VW Dealer Outside Dublin , https://www.waynemacvw.com/features
Anyone know where this place is/was in London? I'm assuming London, I've seen the photo before but never figured it out.
[img]https://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j301/last_triumph/Old%20VW%20Pics/080_c911b0aa98405f99821d5daa07ddf5c.jpg[/img]
Posted by: merchantrader - 07 October 2011 08:19:39
Taking into account the Panhard sign, some of the architectural details and the location of the pumps, Continental.
Posted by: AW - 07 October 2011 11:25:27
In Boston USA
Andy W [ATTACH]6357[/Attach]
Posted by: 64rotbox - 26 February 2012 19:42:22
Thread from the dead a bit, but I happened to be passing Allan Green's today so took a snap to show 40 years worth of change compared to Rich's original scan. Interesting that it's no longer a branch of ATS, as it was when the Google Maps car passed. Instead the main forecourt is filled with caravans and rough looking camper vans... no VWs of any description to be seen, though. [ATTACH]7100[/Attach]
Posted by: Robb - 26 February 2012 19:58:36
:thumbup: cool, keep the pics coming!
Posted by: chrisbug91 - 26 February 2012 20:35:24
Unlikly, but does anyone happen to know if theres any photo's of Fisbourne VW Garage on the Isle of Wight.
Posted by: 59 Ragtop - 26 February 2012 21:32:40
Just add my own little note to the debate. Somewhile ago i worked for a local diy outlet, which was in the premises of the old Robinsons VW Dealership in Riverside Road,which had been there since the mid 50s. I believe that they had Austins and Morris's there, as my late Grandad used to rent Morris 8s and the like just after the war. My dad has fond memories of Robinsons where he had repairs done on his older beetles, and used to admire the new models in the showroom. The Lubrication operative!, used to live in a flat just around the corner, also owned by Robinsons. Sadly no pics. On another note my dad remembers seeing a Rhd Split window beetle for sale on Watsons Franchised Forecourt in the late 60s.It stood there for ages and didnt sell, from when it had been traded in...
Posted by: lifeintheslowlane - 27 February 2012 13:59:23
[quote=Robb]Colbournes, Surrey 1958
[img]https://www.colbornes.co.uk/system/site/uploads/content/images//old_vw_pic-Ripley-Site.jpg[/img][/quote]
Hate to be pedantic but that picture has to be at least a couple of years later. The KG at the front looks like a post August '59 face-lift version with the larger nostrils.
My old November '59 India Red Beetle was sold second hand by Colbornes around that time (circa I962).
Posted by: Sunroof53 - 27 February 2012 18:41:41
[IMG]https://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f30/sqeeter/vwatgarage.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f30/sqeeter/berryman6.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f30/sqeeter/Safer%20motoring%20pages/septt67dealer.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f30/sqeeter/Safer%20motoring%20pages/septt67dealer1.jpg[/IMG]
Picture at bottom of page shows VW motors,with some info in the text.
[IMG]https://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f30/sqeeter/Safer%20motoring%20pages/safer62sept.jpg[/IMG]
Posted by: Rich Oakley - 27 February 2012 19:19:36
[quote=64rotbox]Thread from the dead a bit, but I happened to be passing Allan Green's today so took a snap to show 40 years worth of change compared to Rich's original scan. Interesting that it's no longer a branch of ATS, as it was when the Google Maps car passed. Instead the main forecourt is filled with caravans and rough looking camper vans... no VWs of any description to be seen, though.[/quote]
Great pic Ben!
Posted by: AW - 28 February 2012 15:45:26
Old dealer badge.
Andy W [ATTACH]7110[/Attach]
Posted by: AW - 16 March 2012 11:03:44
:beer: [ATTACH]7165[/Attach]
Posted by: Robb - 08 July 2012 21:47:32
one for Wayne Mac,
Smithfield Garage in Digbeth, Birmingham.....
[img]https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4039/4458863902_64630dc495_b.jpg[/img]
Posted by: Kev - 08 July 2012 23:20:29
Anyone got any info or pics of the Sewell's Dealership in Banbury ?
Cheers
Kev
Posted by: WayneMcCarthy - 09 July 2012 08:55:59
[quote=Robb]one for Wayne Mac,
Smithfield Garage in Digbeth, Birmingham.....
[img]https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4039/4458863902_64630dc495_b.jpg[/img][/quote]
That's Cool ..... Rob !
Posted by: Robb - 09 July 2012 21:09:28
great piece of British Architecture too! :thumbup:
Posted by: AW - 10 October 2012 11:45:54
Some more from the U/S [ATTACH]7716[/Attach] [ATTACH]7717[/Attach] [ATTACH]7718[/Attach] [ATTACH]7719[/Attach]
Posted by: Lost64 - 10 October 2012 23:16:12
Would it be reasonable to assume that the reason all the 'Yank Tanks' are there is that people saw sense and bought a VW, and that is why there are so few VW's left on the lot?
Just a thought.......,
Gavin.
Hi Andy,
I can't get the last picture to become larger, any tips?
Is that John Forbes' place in Edinburgh? Despite being unwell of late, John's still on the scene, although I believe the garage may be closed now. He sold off a lot of very useful parts a few years ago, and still has a stall at the Scottish VW festival at Biggar each year.
When the show used to be at Doune, near Stirling, he'd bring along a lot of cars, a nice 1303 cabrio that looked to have wooden running boards, a 1966 1300 Beetle, the "That's Life" '59 Beetle, and 109 TOD, a beautiful Samba Bus, which appeared briefly in a whisky advert.
John remains one of the real characters on the scene up here.:beer:
Gavin.
Posted by: vintagebug - 22 November 2013 00:11:08
[quote=Lost64;57784]Hi Andy,
Is that John Forbes' place in Edinburgh?[/quote]
Yes Gav, it is.
Dave
Posted by: RoRoVw - 22 November 2013 08:38:54
I seem to recall that John told me this year at Volksfling that he'd vacated the premises because the land was to be used to build new halls of residence for Edinburgh University.
Rob.
Posted by: vintagebug - 22 November 2013 14:37:05
I thought John had retired? And his head mechanic had bought the business from him? :?
Posted by: AW - 22 November 2013 14:38:19
Is this one any better ?? [ATTACH]8523[/Attach]
Posted by: AW - 22 November 2013 14:41:27
Also this one but i dont think it Mr Forbes place. [ATTACH]8524[/Attach]
Posted by: vintagebug - 23 November 2013 06:08:45
[quote=AW;57791]Also this one but i dont think it Mr Forbes place.[/quote]
No, that's my garage Andy :wink:
I wish.
Posted by: RoRoVw - 23 November 2013 09:30:16
[quote=vintagebug;57789]I thought John had retired? And his head mechanic had bought the business from him? :?
[/quote]
Yes John has retired but perhaps the business has relocated to new premises with the new guy. Or perhaps John was referring to storage premises when he talked about the land being sold????
Rob.
Posted by: GKL 7 - 23 November 2013 15:24:46
[quote=vintagebug;57792]No, that's my garage Andy :wink:
[/quote]
I thought so Dave,FULL of unfinished cars.:wink:
Posted by: heb623 - 23 November 2013 15:54:46
[quote=GKL 7;57794]I thought so Dave,FULL of unfinished cars.:wink:
[/quote]
Good one, George!:thumbup:
:twisted: ET :rofl:
Posted by: vintagebug - 23 November 2013 18:20:45
[quote=GKL 7;57794]I thought so Dave,FULL of unfinished cars.:wink:
[/quote]
You know me so well, George.
:wink:
Posted by: Lost64 - 24 November 2013 17:21:09
I know that his chief mechanic had started up in business for himself, but I've no idea where, or if he's using the Meadow Lane premises.
Andy, both pictures were fine, it's just when I click on them, they come up 'thumbnail size', and I don't know how to enlarge them. Any tips Rob?
Dave, I thought that was my garage, (I wish....,!), it's got unfinished cars in it too!!:rofl:
Gavin.
Posted by: vintagebug - 25 November 2013 14:11:37
[quote=GKL 7;57794]I thought so Dave,FULL of unfinished cars.:wink:
[/quote]
Yep, sure is George. Just remind me, how many vintage VWs are in that big triple garage of yours (finished OR unfinished)? :wink:
Posted by: GKL 7 - 25 November 2013 18:07:06
Don't come back on me Dave,once you've had the whole weekend to think about it.FFS.
SLOWWWWWWWW.
To Answer your question none,i'm struggling to find a car that is up to my usual standards :p But it will come along.
p.s you're not taking me seriously for the first time in twenty years are you? :wink:
Posted by: vintagebug - 26 November 2013 15:14:22
Now you're not getting a bit touchy in your old age George, are you? :p
I know how many cars you have in your garage, and I know you're waiting for the right one to come along. And like you said, it will. And I know where the right car for you is- it's in Belgium, in someone's else's garage!! :rofl:
Me take you seriously George? Nah, I've known you far too long to do that!
Posted by: GKL 7 - 26 November 2013 15:22:52
[quote=vintagebug;57827] in someone's else's garage!! :rofl:
[/quote]
Maybe one day he will just give it to me.
He's kind like that,you know.
Posted by: Piet - 26 November 2013 22:07:48
[quote=GKL 7;57828]Maybe [/quote]:rofl:
Posted by: heb623 - 26 November 2013 22:20:05
[quote=GKL 7;57828]Maybe one day he will just give it to me.[/quote]
Nah George, we call that wishfull thinking overhere!!!:p
Just keep on dreaming!!:rofl:
:twisted: ET
Posted by: GKL 7 - 27 November 2013 18:11:56
Stingy Belgian.:roll:
Posted by: AW - 28 November 2013 12:48:02
:beer: [ATTACH]8534[/Attach]
Posted by: heb623 - 29 November 2013 11:05:23
[quote=GKL 7;57843]Stingy Belgian.:roll: [/quote]
George, are we talking about this?:p
:twisted: ET [ATTACH]8536[/Attach]
Posted by: GKL 7 - 29 November 2013 14:08:14
Not unless you found a very big box ET.
Posted by: heb623 - 29 November 2013 15:42:13
[quote=GKL 7;57857]Not unless you found a very big box ET.
[/quote]
:roll:
:twisted: ET
Posted by: Caledfryn - 21 February 2014 16:18:27
I know it's not a pre-67, but I've got an Oval as well, so ....I've got a Mk1 GTI that's about to go back on the road and the original dealer sticker in the rear window has crumbled away to dust. I've thought about getting it replicated and wondered if anyone out there (Rich O?) had details/pics ?
The car was bought from VW dealer Regent Garage in Cricceth.
The next dealership it was sold from was another VW dealer, Forge Garage in Aberaeron.
I've got the purchase receipts for both and a key ring from Forge, but it would be nice to have a dealer sticker/tax disc holder and number plates to match!
The other dealership I was interested in is Derek's in Rhyl as it's the one I remember when I was growing up. (Demolished years ago and now covered by a Sainsburys!)
Can anyone help?
Posted by: AW - 12 May 2014 16:10:19
Any one got a time machine :shock: [ATTACH]8712[/Attach]
Posted by: ianmac - 12 May 2014 18:57:22
[quote=AW;58908]Any one got a time machine :shock: [/quote]
If only... :lol:
Posted by: AW - 07 December 2014 13:54:17
Don't know if these have been up before. [ATTACH]8822[/Attach] [ATTACH]8823[/Attach]
Posted by: AW - 07 December 2014 13:59:16
Role up Role up and take your pick. [ATTACH]8824[/Attach]
Posted by: Old Blue - 08 December 2014 11:07:59
[quote=AW;59723]Role up Role up and take your pick.[/quote]
I assume those prices are for hire purchase payoffs - never been that cheap to buy.
Posted by: AW - 08 December 2014 13:23:16
[quote=Old Blue;59724]I assume those prices are for hire purchase payoffs - never been that cheap to buy.[/quote]
Eeeeeeeee and I thought that's what they gave you to take them Lol
