A-1 Motor Co.
Tulsa, OK
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Here's an old sign for the A-1 Motor Co. in Tulsa, OK. Notice the little golden-red arrow on the left side of the sign that points the way into the lot. The sign also once featured flashing bulbs that helped grab the attention of motorists cruising by.

Located along Tulsa's stretch of historic Route 66, the sign is a survivor from the days when independent used car lots lined the Mother Road. Businesses had to compete for attention, and signs like this one were designed to make sure drivers knew exactly where to turn. The arrow, flashing lights, and bold lettering all worked together to steer potential customers toward the inventory. 08-17

UPDATE: A-1 Motor Co. is no longer operating as it once did, but the classic roadside sign remains standing along Route 66 under a different name. The distinctive arrow continues to point the way into the lot and serves as a reminder of Tulsa's long history of roadside businesses catering to America's motorists. 06-26

James Transmission
Tulsa, OK
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

This old gas station has been converted to a transmission shop named James Transmission. Located along Tulsa's stretch of historic Route 66, the building is a great example of the way many former service stations found a second life after the heyday of full-service gasoline.

A closer look reveals many of the building's original gas station features still intact. Rather than being demolished, the old station was adapted into an automotive repair shop, allowing it to continue serving motorists for another generation. Route 66 is full of places like this where the business may have changed, but the roadside architecture remains largely unchanged. 08-17

Brake Supply
Tulsa, OK
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Off of this old Tulsa street is a really cool sign that says Brake and Clutch Supply. The faded sign looks right at home along this stretch of Route 66, where many of the buildings and businesses still reflect an earlier era of automobile travel.

Unlike the flashy neon signs that once lined the Mother Road, this sign was built for a more practical purpose. It simply let mechanics, truck drivers, and motorists know they had found the place for brake and clutch parts. Even so, its weathered appearance and straightforward design make it every bit as interesting as many of the more elaborate roadside signs found along Route 66. 08-17

Import Car & Truck
Tulsa, OK
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Here's another auto parts place in Tulsa. Import Car & Truck is just one of the many longtime automotive businesses that line historic Route 66 through the city. The sign has a straightforward, no-nonsense look that fits right in with the working-class character of this stretch of the Mother Road.

Businesses like this helped keep everything from daily drivers to work trucks on the road. While flashier signs often get the attention, simple automotive signs like this one were once a common sight along America's commercial corridors. 08-17

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