Old Car Dealer Dept.
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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Potentially related posts (automatically generated):
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!
Comment by Dave Doyle — March 13, 2010 @ 8:27 pm
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!
Comment by Max — March 14, 2010 @ 4:53 pm
Dave, funny you should mention C. Hettinger for Rambler — it was featured last June. Go here through the older posts to see it: http://blogs.artvoice.com/avdaily/category/you-auto-know/page/5/
Comment by Jim Corbran — March 14, 2010 @ 5:49 pm