This vintage Illinois Oldsmobile sign recalls one of America's longest-running automobile brands. Founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897, Oldsmobile became a familiar name at hometown dealerships before production ended in 2004.
As former showrooms were rebranded or remodeled, many distinctive marquees disappeared. This photograph preserves a reminder of the brand's roadside presence.
UPDATE: The exact location and current status of this sign have not been verified. 06-26
Bollinger's Used Cars (Gone)
Lakeview, MI Photo and info courtesy Richard Weiss
Bollinger's Dodge and Plymouth dealership in Lakeview, Michigan, caught motorists' attention with this oversized enameled used car sign. Established in 1914, the family business became a longtime fixture for local automobile buyers.
The bold marquee recalls an era when dealership signs became landmarks themselves, familiar to residents whether or not they were shopping for a car. Many thanks to Richard Weiss for info. 03-07
UPDATE: Bollinger's closed in 2009 during Chrysler's dealership restructuring. The former showroom was later converted into municipal offices, and the large sign was removed. 06-26
Jack Thompson Oldsmobile (Demolished)
Oak Lawn, IL Photo and info courtesy Bruce R. Cassi / 2002
Jack Thompson Oldsmobile was known as the "home of the Free Loaner Car". The main building's showroom only held 8 cars, but behind the service department was a 50 car indoor showroom. This rooftop sign burned bright for over 50 years. On August 2, 2002, through tear filled eyes I watched, along with former employees, mechanics and customers as this dealership was reduced to a pile of rubble. Many thanks to Bruce R. Cassi for info. 04-07
Its rooftop sign reportedly glowed for more than half a century. Contributor Bruce R. Cassi watched alongside former employees and customers as the Oak Lawn dealership was demolished on August 2, 2002. 04-07
UPDATE: The rooftop marquee disappeared with the dealership. 06-26
Roach's Auto Sales (Closed)
Fort Wayne, IN Photo courtesy Alan Culley
Check out the neon marquee at Roach's Auto Sales in Fort Wayne. If the glowing lettering didn't catch your attention, the name probably did.
The sign gave this independent used car lot a personality of its own, recalling the days when bright neon helped dealers stand out along busy commercial streets. 07-07
UPDATE: The marquee reportedly survived until around 2018, years after the dealership closed. The property was later redeveloped as a Coney Island restaurant, and the vintage sign was replaced. 06-26
Pontiac Buick Dealership (Closed)
Warren, IN Photos and info courtesy Alan Culley
This Pontiac Buick Car Dealer was located on State Road 218 at the south end of Warren's business district. It is no longer in business, and part of the building is now occupied by a pizza restaurant. 11-07
Like many small-town dealerships, the building served generations of local motorists buying new cars and having them serviced close to home. Rather than occupying a sprawling suburban auto mall, the dealership blended into Warren's downtown commercial district, where it was a familiar sight for residents traveling through town. The simple brick showroom and service garage reflected an era when neighborhood dealerships were an important part of everyday community life.
Pontiac Sign Warren, IN Photo courtesy Alan Culley
UPDATE: The Pontiac and Buick signs in Warren, IN have been removed from the building. Many thanks to Craig Selvey for update. 02-08
UPDATE: Although the Pontiac and Buick dealership has long since closed, the building escaped demolition. Part of the former dealership has been adaptively reused as an East of Chicago Pizza restaurant, giving the historic structure a second life while preserving another piece of Warren's commercial history. 06-26
UPDATE: The Pontiac and Buick signs in Warren, IN have been removed from the building. Many thanks to Craig Selvey for update. 02-08
Edsel
Marion, IN Photo courtesy Alan Culley
Few automotive brands have a story as fascinating as Edsel. Introduced by Ford for the 1958 model year, the division was backed by one of the biggest marketing campaigns in automotive history, with dealers across the country erecting new showrooms and eye-catching signs in anticipation of the brand's success. Instead, weak sales and a struggling economy brought the experiment to an abrupt end after only three model years, leaving behind a small number of distinctive dealership signs like this one.
The Marion dealership sign survived long after the last Edsel rolled off the assembly line. Mounted outside the former dealership on South Washington Street, it became a familiar local landmark and a reminder of one of Detroit's most famous automotive stories. In later years, the building housed collector Nick Karnes' private collection of mostly Edsel automobiles, giving the old dealership an appropriate second chapter. 01-08
UPDATE: The former dealership eventually fell victim to a devastating fire that destroyed the building and many of the collector cars stored inside. The rare Edsel sign was removed, bringing an end to one of Indiana's last visible reminders of the short-lived automobile brand. 06-26
GM Dealership (Gone)
Cheboygan, MI Photo courtesy Alan Culley
This Cheboygan GM Dealership paired a brick showroom and large display windows with colorful Chevrolet and Buick neon signs. Along Mackinaw Avenue, the illuminated emblems gave the business a distinctive presence after dark.
The photographs recall a time when dealerships drew attention with memorable marquees as well as the latest cars in the showroom. 11-07
UPDATE: The property remains in automotive use as Bishop GMC of Cheboygan, but the vintage neon signs have been replaced with modern signage. 06-26
Oldsmobile
Bollinger's Used Cars (Gone)
Edsel
