Powerflite - 2020-04-05 11:42 AM

JPMopar, it looks like your key-ring is part of the 33rd anniversary "Bell Ringer" sale like in the '55 ads for Hub Motor's

jpmopar - 2020-04-05 8:42 AM

Here's a couple items from my hometown Forwardlook dealer, Bastian Motors, which burned down in 1961 and did not reopen. The dark circles showing through the Desoto key chain is from someone pressing a car's cigarette lighter to the back of it, melting the plastic. I think it's cool that the key chain (from 1952-53) mimics the shape of a hemi combustion chamber.

1957sotos - 2020-04-05 2:28 PM

Great thread and interesting info!
Anyone notice the Art Frost underhood photo (page 1), showing a 57 Flite w/o hood insulation and appearing to have vacuum windshield washers? In contrast,
the page 2 photo of AC Elkins shows a 58 Flite with hood insulation and a foot washer pump.

Received the FCA build cards for my 57's. The Flite came from #89041 Polk dealership in Alexandria Va. The Dome came from #36947 Bob Bauer in San Diego Calif.

Great service.

jpmopar - 2020-04-06 11:36 AM
I was thinking the key-ring was from 1952, since that's the year of the "160 HP" Firedome (that's stamped on the key-ring). In 1955, wasn't the Firedome rated at 185 HP?

RDP - 2020-04-06 2:42 PM





Bastian Motors, Bastian, VA

RDP - 2020-04-06 11:49 AM



Thanks for the dealership numbers. I'm build a dealership list, available soon.

NicksGarage - 2020-04-28 7:24 AM

Earl C. Anthony, San Francisco 1961. 901 Van Ness Ave. Was originally a Packard dealership. Now a Land Rover/Jaguar dealer.

Check out the radio towers on this page - http://theoldmotor.com/?p=113369

NicksGarage - 2020-04-29 6:32 PM

Stanley Dodge Plymouth - 1958.

NicksGarage - 2020-04-28 7:24 AM
Earl C. Anthony, San Francisco 1961. 901 Van Ness Ave. Was originally a Packard dealership. Now a Land Rover/Jaguar dealer.
Check out the radio towers on this page - http://theoldmotor.com/?p=113369

RDP - 2020-05-30 6:48 AM

Thanks for sharing. This is a good investigation, we are waiting for photos

.

Holt Motor Co., 5230 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys; CA

October 29, 1955. Jim Moran, right, secretary-manager of Van Nuys Chamber of Commerce , accepts keys to new 1956 Plymouth,
a courtesy car for use in his chamber work, from Elwyn Holt, Van Nuys Dodge-Plymouth distributor,
as Alexander De Rostaing, left, company public relations man, and W.O. Lindstrom, chamber president, look on.


March 4, 1958. Pat Olson, Miss Dodge for Dodger in 1958, shows Bob Jones, Van Nuys Holt Motors Dodge general manager,
how easy it is for public to enter giant 'Dodge for Dodgers' contest.

Chrycoman - 2020-07-19 12:19 AM

There were some Plymouth only dealers - as well as Dodge, DeSoto and Chrysler. But not Imperial - at least not in 1957-58.

On January 1, 1957, Plymouth had a total of 8,752 franchises. That figure included duals, while 77 were Plymouth only. One year
later Plymouth had a total of 7,695 franchises, including duals, with 195 Plymouth only.


Interesting - Dad was a DeSoto-Plymouth dealer from 1946 till 1961 when Chrysler replaced the DeSoto at his dealership. In
1968 he added Dodge and Dodge Trucks to the line-up and continued to 1981 when it closed.

I guess I never paid attention to there being Plymouth dealers only as all I can remember was the dual dealership concept.



Edited by Viper Guy 2020-07-20 6:23 PM

suburban61 - 2020-07-25 7:43 AM

Hello everyone,
I was just wondering if anyone happens to know of the White Plymouth Centre in Renton Washington?
This is the information listed on my Owner's Service Certificate along with Code Number: 61411.
It was delivered in November 1960. Sadly over the years I've never been able to find anything about this dealership.
Thanks so much :)

56D500boy - 2020-08-02 1:34 PM

.
For some reason, I've always seen the 61 Desotos as these:

Viper Guy - 2020-08-02 9:06 PM

In my opinion the only 1961 FL that made an improvement in looks over their respective 1960 models was the Imperial.