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;

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. 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;

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 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;

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. 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;

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. 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. 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. 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;

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);

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);

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);

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);

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);

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);

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);

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

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;

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;

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. 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;

Anderson Fuel truck in front of Titus, Titus Motor Company, Henry Zachow. The new Ford truck has been outfitted with a bed that can be raised and lowered to dump materials when making deliveries. G. Andersen Fuel advertised "Snappy, Speedy Service" and that they were dealers in wood, coal and heating oils.

Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Hoisting machinery;

Model of new Mueller-Harkins Buick showroom. A view of the architectural model of the new automobile dealership that was being built at Sixth Avenue and Saint Helens Avenue. Toy automobiles, gasoline pumps and people are included to show how the new facility was to be used. This model still exists inside the building on Saint Helens Avenue in Tacoma, which now houses USA of Yesteryear vintage automobile sales (1998).

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mueller-Harkins Motor Co. (Tacoma); Architectural models; Toys; Model cars;

Tideflats property, Shell Oil Company. Storage tanks for Shell Oil, Mobilgas, and Union Oil are seen on the left hand side. Washington Steel & Welding (701 East D Street) is to the left of center and Puget Sound Boat Building Corp. (820 East D Street) is along the waterfront on the right. Other industrial sites are seen along the tideflats of Tacoma. TPL-8462

Shell Oil Co., Inc. (Tacoma); Storage tanks--Tacoma; Fuel tanks; Tacoma Tideflats (Tacoma); Industrial facilities--Tacoma--1940-1950; Waterfronts--Tacoma;

Oldsmobile Golden Anniversary display at City Motor Company. Three 1948 Oldsmobiles on display, flowers and garlands adorn showroom.

Business Enterprises - Tacoma - Automobile Dealers - New Automobile Dealers - Oldsmobile Dealers - City Motor Company

Display of new trucks at Titus Motor Company, Mr. Monrad, Sconce Advertising. People are looking inside the cab and under the hood of a 1948 Ford pickup truck. Steps are in place to gain a better view of the engine. Signboards and banners sing the praises of the truck and of the Titus staff. TPL-1517

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ford trucks; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma);

Display of new trucks at Titus Motor Company, Mr. Monrad, Sconce Advertising. The 1948 models included a one-half ton panel, a two ton chassis, a 3 ton chassis and a F-8 heavy duty. The F-7 and F-8 models, both new in 1948, were powered by 145 hp motors. All the 48's featured the "million-dollar" body (because dies used in their porduction cost that much), new car comfort, quarter-glass side windows for no-draft ventilation and a one piece windshield. (T.Times, 1/16/1948, p.7)

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Ford trucks; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma);

View of Titus Motor Company parts delivery man, Phil Martin Jr. moving a Ford "flathead" V-8 engine using a hand winch mounted inside the rear door of his Vanette delivery truck; cabinets and shelves for parts inside of truck. This "flathead" V-8 Ford engine is a rebuilt engine from Titus Manufacturing Company.

Automobile dealerships--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile equipment & supplies; Engines; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Automobile equipment & supplies stores--Tacoma; Titus Motor Co. (Tacoma); Martin, Phillip J.;