Los Angeles Ford dealerships
 

I own a 1931 Ford deluxe coupe that was sold new in June 1931 in LA. I am trying to find the oldest Ford dealership that may have sold this car new. I have the original bank papers, but it does not show a dealer name. The original sales contract was thru Adams-Figueroa Investment Co, on South Figueroa St, LA. It is dated June 9, 1931. I also have the original pink slip title, and the second owner title. I am the third owner. It had one restoration in 1976 and has only 5000 miles since then. Car is near mint, no rust, and runs like a top. I am getting too old to drive it anymore and my grandkids are too tall to fit in the rumble seat. I wanted to see if the Ford dealer would be interested in purchasing. Any help would be appreciated. John 956-497-4288. Leave a message.

Re: Los Angeles Ford dealerships
 

I know there was a Ford Dealership that a friend of mine worked for in the service department for many years called Wray Brothers. He is gone so I can't get details from him but I think it was on Van Nuys near the 405/101.

Re: Los Angeles Ford dealerships
 

One of the oldest Ford Dealerships that I know of is Galpin Ford in the San Fernando Valley area of LA. But the have only been in business since 1946. Really doubt if there are any dealerships from the Model A era still in business in Los Angeles.

There is one in Orange County that has historical roots;
History of Theodore Robins Ford
Another thought is this article from Hemmings. Not just about Ford dealerships but it might help in your search.
Factories and dealerships of historical Los Angeles | Hemmings

Re: Los Angeles Ford dealerships
 

Your car was probably sold by Bill Froelich Ford from their store on Washington (it's closest to the bank you cite). The Wilshire lot was their Lincoln store. They became Crenshaw Motors which has closed down. My dad knew Bill Jr who had inherited the biz from his dad. The Crenshaw location was the last. I suspect the Western address on the card is the 2nd location of the Ford store (since the card is post model A days). The 4th photo may be the bank. The notes with it are: 3 men in front of automobile, Southern California, 1931. "Subject: Veteran buying Ford on Bonus checks; Client: Bill Froelich, Ford dealer The last photo is the original building today. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries...ary?id=8066488


PS - the original photo of your car appears to have a Automobile Club of SoCal emblem on it. Their HQ has been at Adams & Figuerora since 1923. I guess even then the dealers upsold you with a service policy...... https://ace.aaa.com/information/auto-club-history.html

Re: Los Angeles Ford dealerships
 

Funny but just this morning I took the wife's Lincoln in for service and the dealer had 2 new books in the service waiting area. The 1st was on Ford Dealers from 1903 to 1954 and the 2nd was from 1955 to 1970. They are full of pictures from all areas of the country including one with a 1903 Model A...I would like to order a copy for myself..:)
TOB

Re: Los Angeles Ford dealerships
 

Both of those books are by Henry Dominguez, and they are filled with great photos and facts about Ford dealers. A quick search online showed that they are currently unavailable, however.

Re: Los Angeles Ford dealerships
 

Ford V8 Foundation has 3 different volumes for sale on fleabay


https://www.ebay.com/str/fordv8found...75.m3561.l2563