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

Here's a rather tall marquee for the Paul Miller Ford in Lexington. When this sign is all lit up, it's hard to miss. Rising high above the traffic with bold vertical lettering, it served as a beacon for generations of Lexington motorists looking for a new Ford. At night, the glowing marquee was one of the defining sights along the city's growing automotive corridor.

Paul Miller founded the dealership in 1953, originally operating downtown before moving to its new home on New Circle Road in 1965. At the time, the bypass was still on the edge of town, and the dealership became one of the first major businesses to help transform the highway into Lexington's bustling auto row. The huge roadside sign was built to match, making sure passing drivers knew exactly where they were.

The dealership has remained in the same family for more than 70 years and continues to operate today as one of Kentucky's best-known Ford dealers.

UPDATE: While the dealership is still going strong, the classic roadside marquee is gone. During a major modernization of the property, the towering mid-century sign was replaced with Ford's modern corporate signage. It may be more contemporary today, but it's hard not to miss the old landmark that once dominated the Lexington skyline. 08-26

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

The old Ford dealership in downtown New Iberia dates back to the Model T era, when a trip to the local Ford dealer meant heading right into the heart of town. Although the building has been remodeled over the years, it still holds onto much of its early automotive character and remains one of downtown's more interesting commercial survivors. 02-07

The building originally housed the Leblanc & Broussard Ford dealership before the business eventually outgrew its downtown location. Like many small-town dealerships, it moved to a larger site along the highway where Arceneaux Ford continues to serve the area today.

UPDATE: The old dealership building still stands as part of New Iberia's historic downtown district, although the vintage Ford signs are long gone. Even so, it's a nice reminder of the days when Model Ts and other early Fords rolled through these streets. 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 back to 1917 and became home to Morgan Motor Company in the 1920s, where Pontiacs were sold for generations. A major remodeling in 1949 even added a rotating showroom display so the latest models could slowly turn in the front window for everyone passing by.

UPDATE: The dealership is gone, but the building has found a new life as Five Points Public House. Best of all, the famous Pontiac sign was restored instead of removed, and it still lights up the corner today. Step inside and you'll even find traces of the old showroom, including the floor where the rotating display once turned. 08-26

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

The old Dodge dealership in Danville is one of those buildings that still looks like it belongs in the golden age of the automobile. Even after the cars moved out, you can still picture shiny new Dodges and Plymouths sitting behind the big showroom windows while customers wandered the lot outside. 04-08

The building was home to Barkhouser Motors, one of Danville's longtime Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth dealers. As dealerships grew larger and moved to highway locations, the downtown showroom eventually closed, ending an era for the old Patton Street location.

UPDATE: Rather than being torn down, the building was given a second life. Today it serves as Danville Transit's operations and maintenance center, preserving much of its mid-century automotive character. The old Dodge sign is gone, but the building itself remains a nice reminder of downtown Danville's automotive past. 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 was originally home to the Birdsall-Smith Automobile Company, which sold Franklin automobiles during the 1920s. Unlike most early cars, Franklins were famous for their air-cooled engines, giving the brand a unique place in automotive history. Although the dealership disappeared long ago, the painted advertisement survived beneath years of weather and fading paint.

Rather than letting it disappear completely, the building's owners commissioned a careful restoration that brought the old Franklin Auto lettering back to life. Today the building serves a very different purpose as a local Boy Scout meeting place, but the restored mural still celebrates its automotive past.

UPDATE: The Franklin ghost sign remains one of downtown Mooresville's most recognizable landmarks. Sitting just steps from the railroad tracks, it offers a glimpse back to the days when a hand-painted wall advertisement was often the biggest billboard a dealership needed. 08-26