Paul Miller Ford (Rem.)
Lexington, KY
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

The towering sign at Paul Miller Ford made quite an announcement in Lexington. Bold vertical lettering carried the dealership’s name above the traffic, while illumination gave the marquee an even stronger presence after dark. It was the kind of roadside display you could recognize long before reaching the entrance.

Founded in 1953, the dealership initially operated downtown before moving to New Circle Road in 1965. The new location reflected the shift toward larger automotive properties along expanding highway corridors. Its enormous sign suited the setting, advertising the business to motorists on a road that would become a major commercial route. The dealership continued through successive generations of family ownership.

UPDATE: Paul Miller Ford remains in business, but the classic vertical marquee has been removed. Modern Ford corporate signage replaced it during redevelopment of the property. The dealership carries on, although the towering display that once distinguished its roadside location is gone. 08-26

Ford Dealership (Gone)
New Iberia, LA
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

The former Ford dealership in downtown New Iberia recalls the years when automobile shopping meant heading into the town center. Its older commercial frontage belongs to a different generation from today’s sprawling highway dealerships. Even after alterations, the building retained enough character to suggest the early automotive trade that once occupied it. 02-07

The property housed LeBlanc & Broussard’s Ford operation, with roots reaching back to the Model T era. As the business expanded, vehicle sales eventually moved away from the downtown location toward larger highway premises. The surviving building records the earlier arrangement, when showrooms shared the business district with shops, offices, and other everyday services.

UPDATE: The old dealership building remains standing in New Iberia’s historic downtown, although its vintage Ford signs are gone. Ford sales continue locally through Arceneaux Ford, while this earlier property preserves a connection to the years when new automobiles were displayed in the heart of town. 08-26

Pontiac (Closed)
Albemarle, NC
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

Here's an old Pontiac sign in Albemarle, NC. Although there were some newer reproductions of old Pontiac signs on this building now used as a coffee shop, the structure was not of the style that could possibly have ever been a small town auto dealer. Many thanks to Richard Weiss for info. 01-08

The building dates to 1917 and became associated with Morgan Motor Company during the following decade. A 1949 remodeling introduced an especially eye-catching sales feature: a rotating showroom display. Passing customers could watch a new automobile turn in the front window, giving the dealership another attraction beyond the illuminated Pontiac emblem outside.

UPDATE: The former dealership now houses Five Points Public House. The restored Pontiac sign continues marking the corner, while surviving showroom details connect the restaurant with the building’s earlier purpose. Good to see an automotive landmark finding another use without losing its most recognizable advertisement. 08-26

Dodge Dealership (Gone)
Danville, VA
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

The former Dodge dealership on Patton Street in Danville retained the recognizable proportions of an older automobile showroom. Broad windows once offered room to display new cars to passing customers. Even without vehicles behind the glass, the building suggested the years when downtown dealerships brought automotive sales directly into the business district. 04-08

The property housed Barkhouser Motors, associated with Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth sales. Its eventual departure reflected a familiar change as dealerships sought more space at highway locations. The older building nevertheless remained useful, with its service areas providing a practical foundation for another transportation-related purpose.

UPDATE: The former dealership was adapted as Danville Transit’s operations and maintenance center. The Dodge sign has been removed, but the building survives in a role still connected with keeping vehicles on the road. Its reuse preserves part of downtown Danville’s automotive landscape. 08-26

Franklin Auto
Mooresville, NC
Photo courtesy Richard Weiss

Here are pictures of NASCAR ground zero or as they say on the signs around town "Race City". Odd thing is how in the downtown area there is no indication of anything NASCAR related but this is where it started and  the outskirts of downtown is where many of the teams are based. The downtown has a nice turn of the century look. The railroad tracks go right through the middle of town making it seem as if there are two main streets. The Franklin Auto ad is a curiosity as I have not seen such an elaborate vintage car advertisement like this anywhere else. Perhaps it was an old ghost that was restored? Franklin cars were not built in North Carolina. Many thanks to Richard Weiss for info. 05-08

The building housed the Birdsall-Smith Automobile Company, which sold Franklin cars during the 1920s. Built in Syracuse, New York, Franklins were particularly known for their air-cooled engines. The dealership eventually disappeared, but its wall advertisement survived in faded form before a commissioned restoration brought the lettering back into view. The building later served as a local Scout meeting place.

UPDATE: The restored Franklin advertisement remains a recognizable feature of downtown Mooresville. Its renewed lettering preserves the memory of a long-gone automobile brand and the business that sold it locally. Good to see an old wall sign receiving another chapter instead of vanishing beneath fresh paint. 08-26