Showing of 1949 Lincolns, Robert Sconce Advertising Agency. A crowd has come out at night to admire the new 1949 Lincolns and Mercurys at Ray Ridge Motors. Lincoln and Mercury were the first to have their new models for 1949 available for the public as early as April of 1948. Neon signs attached to the building facade are bright against the dark evening. TPL-1516

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mercury automobile; Lincoln automobile;

Showing of 1949 Lincolns, Robert Sconce Advertising Agency. Men are peering under the hoods of the new 1949 model Lincolns. The 1949's featured 152 hp, V-8 engines. Several men also look inside the drivers side of the front seat. The new models had a curved instrument panel with back-light illumination, curved windshields and hydraulically controlled seat adjustment. The Cosmopolitan Town Sedan also had push button windows. The luxury automobiles have wide, white-wall tires. This is a night view from outside the showroom through plate glass windows. (T.Times, 4/15/1945, p.26) TPL-1516

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Showing of 1949 Lincolns, Robert Sconce Advertising Agency. Three of the new 1949 model Lincolns are parked in the showroom. The Lincoln Cosmopolitan and the Lincoln represented the latest concept in luxurious motoring with wider wheelbases (125" for the Cosmopolitan and 121" for the Lincoln). The automobiles were wider to provide road-hugging comfort. The paint on the new automobiles is highly reflective as well as the large amounts of chrome. A neon sign points the way to a cashier. (T.Times, 4/15/1948, p.26)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Lincoln automobile; Mercury automobile; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Crowd admires 1949 Lincolns and Mercurys at Ray Ridge Motors. A view of the showroom featuring the 1949 Mercury automobiles. Salesmen showed customers the Mercury's voluminous trunk. The newly redesigned models had more usable space for luggage and passengers, had a 118" wheelbase, and an 110 hp, V-8 engine. Both automobiles have wide white-wall tires. An advertising banner hangs on the wall, and flowers decorate the dealership for the showing of the new models. The showroom has a terrazzo floor. (T.Times, 4/20/1948, p.3)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mercury automobile; Ray Ridge Motors, Inc. (Tacoma); Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1940-1950;

A carpenter works on building the canopy that covered the pumps at Nienaber's Texaco Service Station. Nienaber's was at the corner of Center and K Streets. In the background is Wyman & Kravik Refrigeration.

Automobile service stations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Carpenters--Tacoma--1950-1960

Titus Motor Company had the new 1949 Ford sedan on display, this new model was more economical and featured many new and innovative options. The new cars were being referred to as the "Radically New '49 Fords." View of man standing by a Ford truck at Titus Motor Company, photo ordered by Sconce Advertising Agency (T. Times, 6/9/48, p. 2). TPL-10258

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ford trucks; Merchandise displays--Tacoma--1940-1950; Sales personnel--Tacoma--1940-1950; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Sconce Advertising (Tacoma);

Titus Motor Company had the new 1949 sedan on display at the Ford showroom. Henry Ford II said, "Styling and engineering changes are as extensive as the changeover from the Model T to the Model A, a generation ago". View of Titus Motor Company employees standing outside of the authorized Ford dealership, photo ordered by Sconce Advertising Agency (T. Times, 6/9/48, p. 2).

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Window displays; Office workers--Tacoma; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma)--Employees; Sconce Advertising (Tacoma);

On June 18, 1948, a revolutionary new 1949 model Ford sedan was on display in the Titus Motor Company showroom at 618-24 Broadway. The new four door sedan was designed to be lower, wider, roomier and provide 25% more visibility. The design also eliminated a lot of the squeaks and rattles found in previous models. View of unidentified people admiring the new 1949 Ford automobile at Titus Motor Company, photo ordered by Sconce Advertising Agency (T. Times, 6/9/48, p. 2).

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Showrooms--Tacoma; Merchandise displays--Tacoma; Ford automobile; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Sconce Advertising (Tacoma);

Interior view of the new Mueller-Harkins Motor Company building, the company was having an "Open-House" to celebrate the near completion of the new facilities; people are gathered around the new 1949 Buick automobiles in the Mueller-Harkins new car showroom. Mueller-Harkins Motor Company's new service center is being referred to as "America's Finest Automotive Service Center" (T. Times, 12/3/48, p. 8-9).

Buick automobile; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Events--Tacoma; Windows--Tacoma; Showrooms--Tacoma; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma);

Anyone interested in a full service automotive center had to go to Mueller-Harkins Buick Motor Company where they offered all types of services and the fastest, most efficient customer service. Mueller-Harkins also had the modern dynamometer, which reproduced actual road conditions that helped vehicle testing. Interior view of service area at Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency where a Buick is being washed by the "Washmobile" which was a "De Luxe Car Wash." An unidentified dealership employee is operating the equipment. (T. Times, 12/26/48, p. 28)..

Buick automobile; Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Car washes--Tacoma; Automobile equipment & supplies; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma);

The new Mueller-Harkins Buick center was designed by architect, Silas E. Nelsen, the building was constructed in joint slab construction style with 30 foot spans. Interior view of new Mueller-Harkins Buick building; showroom at night, looking north. Architect's model of building at center, model still exists inside the building, which now houses USA of Yesteryear Motor Car Company (T. Times, 12/26/48, p. 28).

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Buick automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma; Architectural models; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Silas E. Nelsen Architects (Tacoma);

In July 1946, as the engine rebuilding demand and production increased, Titus Motor Company had to restructure the engine rebuilding department which became Titus Manufacturing Company. They are now a permanent growing industry in Tacoma. View of unidentified mechanic working on rebuilding a Ford engine, Ford authorized parts in work room.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile equipment & supplies; Mechanics (Persons)--Tacoma; Vehicle maintenance & repair--Tacoma; Engines; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Ford automobile; Titus Manufacturing Co. (Tacoma);

South Tacoma Motor Company. A crowd looks at a 1949 Chevrolet De Luxe 2-door fastback, one of the Fleetline models, distinguished by the extension of the roofline in an unbroken sweep to the rear of the automobile. A sign along one wall says, "The Most Beautiful Buy of All". (T. Times, 1/20/1949, p.13)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;

South Tacoma Motor Company. General manager Guy K. Sheehan sells a young couple an automobile. A young man signs a purchase agreement for a new car while his wife looks on. They are seated at the desk of the general manager of the automobile dealership. During the four days the dealership held their open house displaying the new 1949 models of Chevrolet they took more than 100 orders. (T.Times, 1/24/1949, p.16)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Sheehan, Guy K.; Couples--Tacoma--1940-1950; Offices--Tacoma--1940-1950; Deals;

South Tacoma Motor Company. Crowd viewing a 1949 Chevrolet. People look under the hood, inside the driver's side door and in the trunk of this two-door Fleetline model. The 1949 models represented three-year's development. They were completely restyled: they were lower, wider and more distinctive. (T.Times, 1/20/1949, p.13)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;

South Tacoma Motor Company. A young couple try out the 1949 Chevrolet Styleline four-door sedan as others look on. For 1949 Chevrolet presented two lines, the Fleetline and Styleline. Styleline models could be either two-door or four door sedans, sport coupes, convertibles, wood or all steel station wagons. They carried the "notch back" shaping beyond the top of the car to the trunk. 1:35 PM, 1/22/1949. (T.Times, 1/20/1949/ p.13)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile;

South Tacoma Motor Company. A young man is in the driver's seat of a 1949 Chevrolet Styleline De Luxe four-door sedan as others look on. Chevrolet introduced superior beauty to the lowest-priced ranks as well as numerous body and chassis improvements with their 1949 models. 12:05 PM, 1/22/1949. (T.Times, 1/20/1949, p.13)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile;

Holroyd Company, exterior at Mueller-Harkins showing concrete blocks, Mr. Holroyd. A view of the new Mueller-Harkins Buick Agency under construction. The dealership will have an ultra modern showroom. Two workmen on scaffolding, another inside building. This wall separates the showroom, which will be to the left, from the offices and service department.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Building construction--Tacoma--1940-1950; Progress photographs; Holroyd Co. (Tacoma); Building materials;

South Tacoma Motor Company, Mr. Sheehan. A model stands next to a 1949 Chevrolet DeLuxe Styleline convertible, framed by showroom window that is decorated with slogans. TPL-5872

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Convertible automobiles; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;

South Tacoma Motor Company, Mr. Sheehan. A general view of the newly remodeled showroom. The new 1949 Chevrolet 4-door Styleline sedan is seen in the foreground with black tires. The 2-door Fleetline fastback is seen at the right background with a pickup truck at the far right. The 1949 Styleline Convertible is in the showroom window at left center. Desks are along the wall on the left in case anyone wanted to make a deal. A freestanding display board shows the available accessories. (T.Times, 1/20/1949, p.13)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Convertible automobiles; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;

South Tacoma Motor Company, Mr. Sheehan. A model sits in the back a 1949 Chevrolet DeLuxe convertible in the company's showroom. The price of this model, as equipped, was $2,386.80. A chrome and rope barrier is in place to keep people at a distance from this new Chevrolet with gleaming paint and wide, white-wall tires. The model holds a doll and several more are sitting on the convertible. TPL-3265

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Convertible automobiles; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;

An unidentified model was photographed in January of 1949 while sitting on the left front fender of a brand new 1949 Chevrolet DeLuxe Styleline convertible on display at the South Tacoma Motor Company, 5602 South Tacoma Way. When South Tacoma Motor Co. opened in the early 1920s, they were one of the first automobile dealerships to open on South Tacoma Way. TPL-5870

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Convertible automobiles; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile radiator ornaments;

South Tacoma Motor Company, Mr. Sheehan. General view of dealership at night. The new 1949 Chevrolets are on display in the showroom. A neon sign stands at the corner of the building with a searchlight piercing the night sky. Several people look in on the showroom from the sidewalk.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;

South Tacoma Motor Company, Mr. Sheehan, a general view of showroom. A new 1949 Chevrolet DeLuxe Styleline convertible sits in the foreground. A shiny new De Luxe 2-door Fleetline fastback is in the left background, while a pickup truck is partly hidden at the center. Another automobile, a Styleline sedan, is seen at the far right. The dealership had recently remodeled their showroom at a cost of $10,000. (T.Times, 1/24/1949, p.16)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Convertible automobiles; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;

South Tacoma Motor Company, Mr. Sheehan, showroom. 1949 Chevrolet DeLuxe 2-door Fleetline at left and pickup truck at right. Signs promoting "Seawave and Canda cloth upholstery" and showing the Chevrolet line. "America's 18 Year Leader" banner hangs at far right. Chevrolet continued the "big car" aspects that had always been claimed by Chevrolet with the 1949 models. (T.Times, 1/20/1949, p.13) TPL-5871

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; South Tacoma Motor Co. (Tacoma); Chevrolet automobile; Chevrolet trucks; Showrooms--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Auto Sales, new 1949 Pontiacs, Mr. Bryson Gardner. A general view of the showroom at Tacoma Auto Sales Company, Pontiac and Cadilac dealers, with customers admiring the 1949 Pontiacs. Tacoma Auto Sales reported that more than 7,500 persons had visited the showroom during the first four days of the initial showing of the new 1949 Pontiacs. (TNT, 2/3/1949, p.12)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pontiac automobile; Tacoma Auto Sales Co. (Tacoma);

Tacoma Auto Sales, new 1949 Pontiacs, Mr. Bryson Gardner. A close up of the showroom windows painted over with a scene of a fence and barn with characters "peeking" at the new 1949 Pontiacs. A medallion bearing the profile of Chief Pontiac is in window above painting.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pontiac automobile; Tacoma Auto Sales Co. (Tacoma); Window displays--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Auto Sales, new 1949 Pontiacs, Mr. Bryson Gardner. A night view of the exterior of Tacoma Auto Sales Company, Pontiac and Cadillac dealers, with a four-door 1949 Pontiac Chieftain Sedan parked at an angle in front. Neon signs are placed on the facade and the showroom windows have been painted over with a scene of a fence and barn with characters "peeking" at the new 1949s. New models were to be kept secret until they were revealed at the same time all over the United States. (TNT, 2/3/1949, p.12)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pontiac automobile; Tacoma Auto Sales Co. (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Auto Sales, new 1949 Pontiacs, Mr. Bryson Gardner. Tacoma Auto Sales Company, Pontiac and Cadillac dealers, general view of showroom with customers admiring the 1949 Pontiacs. Tacoma Auto Sales advertised "Stream-Sweep fenders, automatic driving ease, and straight-eight or V-6 engines". (TNT, 2/13/1949, p.B-2)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pontiac automobile; Tacoma Auto Sales Co. (Tacoma);

Tacoma Auto Sales, new 1949 Pontiacs, Mr. Bryson Gardner. A night view of the agency with a 1949 Pontiac parked at curb including the neon signs on the facade, showroom windows painted over with a scene of a fence and barn with characters taking a look at the new 1949 Pontiacs.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Pontiac automobile; Tacoma Auto Sales Co. (Tacoma); Electric signs--Tacoma--1940-1950;