Redvette_22

I just found out that the 1972 Corvette that I recently purchased was originally sold at Smith Chevrolet in Hatboro, PA back in 1972. I'm looking for any information on this dealer as far as address or whether it is still in business, or under a new name. Any help would be appreciated.

Alan 71

Hi LB,
Well known Corvette writer M.F.Dobbins was (is?) from Hatboro. He's responsible for the Vet Vue Fact Books.
Perhaps you might want to contact him in hopes that he's familiar with Smith Chevrolet.
Regards,
Alan

marshal135

I live near Hatboro.
The dealership is long gone.
Mr Dobbins shop wad on Montgomery Ave.
It's a repair shop now.
Next time I'm over there I can check with their historical society and see if anyone remembers the dealership.
Marshal

Revi

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1958-CHEVROLET-CONVERTIBLE-DEALER-POSTCARD-HATBORO-PA-/152226627988?hash=item23716a0194%3Ag%3A2N0AAOSwdIFXyH-k&_trkparms=pageci%3Da7a74beb-22d2-4e22-8e5b-e7112c357766%2Cparentrq%3De833d51a1560ab1268b53455fffda6eb%2Ciid%3D1%2Cobjectid%3D6760

Redvette_22

Thanks, I'd appreciate it..

Redvette_22

It so happens that I stumbles onto that post card auction this morning myself. I'm watching it also.

I'm in Prosper,TX right now on a visit to my kids. It would be nice to get together, want to set it up?

bj1k

Wow , that picture of the red 58 Impala convertible brings back so many memories for me. I had that identical car all through high school and through graduation in 1966 . Paid $600. for it and it was fully restored with new top, paint , and interior. That car was a chick magnet . If it could only talk I would be in trouble.

marshal135

I saw that too.
Very Cool
I'm still researching for OP nothing to report yet.
Marshal

marshal135

A friend on mine responded last night.
He said Smith Chevrolet became Lafferty Chevrolet.
Lafferty is still in business but in another location, Street Road, Warminster PA now.
I can get you the physical address from when it was on York Rd later in the week.
You can then Google maps the address and see where your car was sold.
Mission Complete.
Marshal

marshal135

Attention Lagunablue14......
TTT
Marshal

Redvette_22

Marshal, did you come up with something?

marshal135

See Post #9. I will get a physical numerical address on York Rd next time I'm over there for you.
I was recruited in 1985 out of the old Smith Chevy bldg by the Marine Corps and never knew it was an old dealership. You look at the building now and say yeah I see it now.
Marshal

Redvette_22

Yes, I did see that and I was just waiting for an update. Thanks again!

smithws1961

Smith Chevrolet in Hatboro address was either 19 or 21 North York Road in Hatboro, PA. I am the grandson of the owner of Smith Chevrolet and have been doing some geneology work so the census have the address. The family lived for many years in the apartments above the garage/dealership. The business started out as just a garage in the 1920's. I am not sure when it became a chevy dealership. The sale of the business I believe did go to lafferty chevy (not sure of the year). Another dealer name Ernie brown (Dodge if I recall correctly) occupied the same building as Smith Chevy for a number of years after that. I have asked my father (owners son) if he can remember more details. I will post any additional information that he may supply. Somewhere in some boxes I have some old business cards and key chains with the Smith Chevy log and info on them. If I can find them I'll post the images here

Z06LMB

Until 10 years ago I have lived my entire life a few miles away from both Smith Chevrolet in Hatboro, PA. and Lafferty Chevrolet, which has always been on Street Road in Warminster, PA.
Jack Lafferty started his business in Warminter Begining in 1967. Besides 2 small used car lots under different names, Jack never bought Smith's dealership.
George Stockburger, of Stockburger Chevrolet in Newtown, PA were close friends of Mr. Smith's and most remaining stock and materials were sold to George.

Rich

EarlyC34me

The Stockbergers are still here in Newtown but after 2008 they were notified the dealership would be nixed. It is now run as a repair shop and U-haul rental business. I dont think you will find anything there.

marshal135

Now that you mention it, my mother purchased a brand new
Nissan 200SX at Ernie Brown Dodge in Hatboro in 1982.
I forgot it was Ernie Brown for a while.
Last business I saw operating there was a Dave's Auto repair.
I heard Dave has since passed so I do not know what will be of the
business now.
I remember seeing Stockberger from the 1960-70's when we used to go to Goodnoe's restraunt and Ice Cream store back in the day.
Then it was a trip to the country my dad used to say.
We lived near Philly then.
Marshal

Go Vette Go

Hey Marshall, what a small world. In 1982, I purchased an 82 MVP Datsun pick up from Ernie Brown and in 83, purchased a Nissan Sentra Wagon for my wife!

Last time i drove past there it looked like the building was closed!

See you Saturday!!!

John

Z06LMB

Marshall, in the 60's and early 70's, Goodnoes (Newtown) and Greenwood Dairies (Route 1 and I95 in Langhorn) and even O'Boyles Resturant on Rt. 13, Bristol were the Ice cream palaces of the day.
Our family would go most often to Greenwood's. We would bring our own Bowles and spoons - GW would dish out such a large cone wrapped in wax paper, you had to flop it into your bowl to eat clean. $.065 for nearly a quart of ice cream! One of just a few luxuries we had growing up.

When I was 17 (about '77) I went by Stockbergers and they had a beautiful '68 Camaro. Medium Blue, not sure what the name was, white stripes and those nice fake chrome 6 pack hood vents, 4 speed 327 siting out front. It was listed for $1,650 in impeccable condition. George Sr. was my salesman. He sat on the passenger side While I attempted to drive a stick, bucking and bouncing - nothing like the VW Bug I learned to drive a year earlier.
I needed $600 for 6 months insurance back then and dad looked for every excuse not to help me. Back then I was a fanatic, crazy for some cars and had to have this one! In retrospect I wish I made payments or worked the price down but I didn't know any better. I still would like to get this car.

This is a close as it gets

Rky Mtn C6

I lived in nearby Warminster when I was in high school. We used to cruise the main street of Hatboro, back and forth, all night long. Nice memories.