Wells Fine Cars (Gone)
Fowler, CA Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Check out the old Wells Fine Cars sign along the Highway 99 corridor near Fowler and Selma. The weathered lettering had plenty of character, even if the cars underneath were supposed to be the main attraction. Between the neon lettering and the big “Used Cars” arrow, Wells made sure passing motorists knew there might be another set of wheels waiting inside.
Wayne Wells and his wife, ImaGene, started Wells Used Cars in 1950. The business became a familiar name around Selma, with family members helping sell cars over the decades. Although the original photo was filed under Fowler, business listings place the lot in neighboring Selma.
Wayne apparently knew how to move the inventory. According to his family obituary, he earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records for selling the most used cars in a single day. Now that must have been a busy afternoon on the lot. The number of cars and date of that feat have not been independently confirmed.
Wells Fine Cars
Fowler, CA Photo courtesy Dave & Debra van Hulsteyn
Away from the sales lot, Wayne also farmed grapes and developed rental and ranching businesses. Farming reportedly remained his favorite pursuit. Selling cars along the highway and growing grapes nearby. Quite a Central Valley combination.
The assortment of signs gave Wells the look of an independent dealership from another era. No enormous glass showroom needed here. Just rows of cars and roadside lettering large enough to catch the eye before the next turn. For anyone exploring the old highway, the signs alone were worth stopping to photograph.
UPDATE: The Wells lot has closed and been emptied, and its vintage signs have been removed from their roadside positions. Where the cars, parts and signs ultimately went has not been confirmed. Claims that the signs entered private collections remain unverified. 09-26
Don Bonander's Buick (Gone)
Madera, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The giant Buick script above this old Madera dealership was quite a find off Highway 99. With “GMC Trucks” underneath, the rooftop sign made sure passing motorists knew what was waiting in the showroom. Those sweeping letters had a little more style than the usual car-lot banner.
The building housed Don Bonander’s dealership, later known as Vintage Buick Pontiac Cadillac GMC Truck. Buick’s familiar promise, “When better cars are built, Buick will build them,” fit right into the scene. A confident slogan deserves a sign big enough to match.
UPDATE: The dealership property has been repurposed for powersports sales, and the rooftop Buick and GMC sign has been removed. Its current whereabouts and whether it was preserved remain unknown. 09-26
Hank's Automotive Check (Gone)
Tulare, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
While cruising off old Highway 99, take a peek at the sign for Hank’s Automotive Check in Tulare. That big arrow and reader board look as though they once advertised something other than car repairs. A drive-in burger stand, perhaps? The shape certainly brings an old roadside eatery to mind.
Whatever its first job, the marquee found another use pointing motorists toward Hank’s. Nice to see an automotive shop putting an older sign back to work instead of replacing it with something ordinary. From burgers to brake checks would have been quite a change, although the restaurant connection remains unconfirmed.
UPDATE: Hank’s Automotive has closed, and the old building and sign are gone. The marquee’s original business name and exact location remain unidentified. 09-26
Wells Fine Cars (Gone)
Wells Fine Cars
Hank's Automotive Check (Gone)
