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Old Car Dealer Dept.

by Jim Corbran - posted 8:48 pm, March 11, 2010

Filed under: You Auto Know
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from the Nov. 1, 1955 Buffalo Courier-Express

In 1955 Volkswagen produced its one-millionth Beetle. And you could buy yourself a new “Amazing Volkswagen” (for a bit under two-grand) at Kelly’s VW, located at 2360 Bailey Ave. in Buffalo, as seen in the accompanying ad from the Tuesday, Nov. 1, 1955 edition of the Buffalo Courier-Express. Just like the actual car, the ad was smaller than most other dealer ads in that day’s paper.

the 1,000,000th Beetle

In 1955 VW also sold the Transporter (van & pickup), and the newly introduced Karmann Ghia two-seat sports car. The 1,000,000th Beetle was painted a special gold color, and traveled the world visiting VW dealerships.  Today the M&N Mini Mart occupies 2360 Bailey Ave.; Kelly’s ended up at several different Genesee Street locations near the airport before finally going out of business.

brochure cover

2360 Bailey Ave., Buffalo N.Y. today

…Jim Corbran, You Auto Know

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  • Dave Doyle

    How about a story about a car dealer I used to hear advertised on ‘KB radio back in the early ’60s–C. Hettenger for Rambler, 3900 Sheridan Dr. Yeah!

  • Max

    Another great column, Jim.

    Those early Beetles – despite their shortcomings primarily in the areas of heating/defrost features – were hardy machines. I think it’s “unique” that the site of Kelly’s is now a mini-mart!