Glasgow car dealers in the 60's -70's
Discussion
As a young boy I got taken round the car showroons most weekends with my father, he was allways chopping and changing his cars, if it lasted till 9 months it was a long termer. In 1961 we had frequent visits to Macharg Rennie & Lindsay where he aquired one of the first new Mini vans(beige) in Glasgow.
Other dealers visited :- Ian Phillps at the bottom of Byres Rd, a Renault Dauphaine Gordini, puchased
Melvin Motors (Roots groop) in Hyndland our nearest dealer an Imp California was bought, it was like a Stilleto without the twin headlights.
Westcars (Saab NSU) at Broomhill cross, NSU Prinz aquired here
Callanders(Mercedes Benz Auto Union) at Kelvinside, an Auto Union 1000 Estate purchased.
Brand Street Motors (NSU) NSU 1200sc aquired, saw my first new RO80(red) here, what a car it was back then.
This is just some of the places visited. I'm sure this will jog a few memories.
Other dealers visited :- Ian Phillps at the bottom of Byres Rd, a Renault Dauphaine Gordini, puchased
Melvin Motors (Roots groop) in Hyndland our nearest dealer an Imp California was bought, it was like a Stilleto without the twin headlights.
Westcars (Saab NSU) at Broomhill cross, NSU Prinz aquired here
Callanders(Mercedes Benz Auto Union) at Kelvinside, an Auto Union 1000 Estate purchased.
Brand Street Motors (NSU) NSU 1200sc aquired, saw my first new RO80(red) here, what a car it was back then.
This is just some of the places visited. I'm sure this will jog a few memories.
deadslow said:
Didn't Jim Watt used to have a Citroen garage just off Clouston St in the west end?
Also seem to remember 'Road & Track' porsche independents at Anniesland railway station, and Blytheswood Motors, Finnieston, when they sold loads of huge yank metal.
Forgot about Blythswood Motors. I went to look at a 970 Cooper S in 1976,worth a bob or two now.They had loads of quick stuff just down the street in an old warehouse, Droop Snoot Firenza, TVR's Dolomite Sprints and yes there was yank motors as well. Also seem to remember 'Road & Track' porsche independents at Anniesland railway station, and Blytheswood Motors, Finnieston, when they sold loads of huge yank metal.
deadslow said:
matchmaker said:
Gylen said:
matchmaker said:
Queensborough Motors - when they were in Prince Albert Road in Hyndland. Can't remember who had the garage at the bottom of Clarence Drive then.
Spookily, I can see the old site from my kitchen window...yes it is a small world !
songman3 said:
Does anyone remember the specialist car dealer, who had premises in Woodlands Rd in the late Sixties - on the corner intersection of Woodlands Rd and Woodlands Dr opposite the Bowling club if I recall correctly.
I was at GU in 67, and I can remember dogging off lectures, just to go down there to stand and ogle at the 246 Dino GT they then had in the front showroom.
I was there so often, that I was eventually accepted as part of the pavement furniture - I was just overawed by the beauty of that machine.
They also had a TVR Tuscan - the one with the 4.7 Ford V8.
I recall the proprietor finally took pity on me, and gave me a run in it, out along Great Western Rd, and thence well out of town.
Traffic was a lot less dense in those days, and Plod was far less in evidence.
Silencing too, appeared at the time to be an optional extra on the TVR.
It was definitely not an extra which had been specified on this particular car that I was in - that motor was 'smokin'
- I bet they heard it in Balloch!
I returned from that experience, a changed man - forever addicted to the thrill of hearing those eight cylinders speak their mind.
Never did get the name of the chap who gave me the run - but thanks to him anyway for setting me down the path of righteousness!
Ah! - the memories
That specialist car dealer is still there, Scotish Motor Services. Many a wet Saturday afternoon was spent in the showroom drooling over some very exotic machinery.I was at GU in 67, and I can remember dogging off lectures, just to go down there to stand and ogle at the 246 Dino GT they then had in the front showroom.
I was there so often, that I was eventually accepted as part of the pavement furniture - I was just overawed by the beauty of that machine.
They also had a TVR Tuscan - the one with the 4.7 Ford V8.
I recall the proprietor finally took pity on me, and gave me a run in it, out along Great Western Rd, and thence well out of town.
Traffic was a lot less dense in those days, and Plod was far less in evidence.
Silencing too, appeared at the time to be an optional extra on the TVR.
It was definitely not an extra which had been specified on this particular car that I was in - that motor was 'smokin'
- I bet they heard it in Balloch!I returned from that experience, a changed man - forever addicted to the thrill of hearing those eight cylinders speak their mind.
Never did get the name of the chap who gave me the run - but thanks to him anyway for setting me down the path of righteousness!
Ah! - the memories
bigblock said:
songman3 said:
As far as I recall, it was here - a long long time ago!
I think this used to be Bumpers.In the early eighties they had a shabby Aston Martin DB6 for sale at £6000. I offered them a straight swap for my two year old Ford RS1600 (XR3 shape). The salesman said they did'nt do swaps but he would take my car and £500, I said no thanks !
Interesting to compare what they are worth now.
IainW said:
duka said:
any photos of old dealerships?
Some pictures of Watsons of Coatbridge here: http://www.monklands.co.uk/watson3/index.htmlNow it's a Magnet kitchen shop and a tool hire depot. Still in the same building that was originally the tram depot.
peterzoom said:
What about Ross Motors in the West End, between Gt western Rd and Maryhill Rd? They were Mazda dealers, Polski Fiat, Wartburg (what a combo!!) and also various second hand motor bikes too! It was owned by a wild old Polish chap who made Arthur Daley look positively like a boy scout (alegedly)
Vaguely remember going to Ross motors to test drive an Mazda RX4, was only out for twenty minutes or so and used up half a tank of fuel.Aidayboy said:
Can't believe there hasn't been alot mentioned about the institution that was Wylies on Pollockshaws Rd, as on of the few RS dealers at the time that actually had cars worth showing, I remember going with a friends dad to pick up his White sapphire 2wd cosworth, going from there to the parkhead forge to see a film and coming out to no car, classic memories just don't know why my fathers mark 4 1.1 popular escort never suffered the same fate!
Ax
Yes, did go to Wylies regularly and drool over Mexico's and RS2000's in the mid 70'sAx
jith said:
Does anyone have memories of Paisley's motor trade?
Let's start with David Blane and sons. Old David started the business before the war selling American cars; Hudsons and Pontiacs. Ended up with the Jaguar dealership and VW agency. I did some warranty work on Jags then. They lost the agency in the Leyland years and went to Datsun. They had a beautiful showroom with an apartment above. It's now a piece of waste ground!
Then there was Gillespies in Love Street and Glasgow Road who were Wolseley, Austin/Morris, MG and in the early days Jowett. They are gone.
Also Pottie's for Vauxhall and Bedford light commercial across from the Sheriff Court. They had the slowest, most incompetent parts department in the whole country. You took your flask and sleeping bag when you went to buy parts! They are gone.
Low's Garage supplied Opel cars including the underrated Manta. They too have disappeared.
Then Goudie's Garage were the main dealers for the Rootes group, which of course were manufactured just down the road in Linwood. No longer there, nor is the factory!
Then McFadyen's Garage in Shuttle Street. Main dealers for Rover and Triumph, ran by my old and great friend David Millar, sadly long departed way before his time. The nicest, most honest man I have ever dealt with in the motor trade.
Also gone and another victim of the Leyland years.
Then Young's Ford depot, who became Clanford, the employer of the most ignorant counter staff encountered in the trade. I think they were on bonuses to see how many customers they could offend in a week!!
The showroom is still there but is an independent.
All of these companies employing hundreds of people and, with one exception, selling British made cars, all gone. Doesn't it make you sick?
J
Can remember going to Blanes to see one of the first Datsun Cherrys in the Glasgow area and drooling over a Silver 240Z.Let's start with David Blane and sons. Old David started the business before the war selling American cars; Hudsons and Pontiacs. Ended up with the Jaguar dealership and VW agency. I did some warranty work on Jags then. They lost the agency in the Leyland years and went to Datsun. They had a beautiful showroom with an apartment above. It's now a piece of waste ground!
Then there was Gillespies in Love Street and Glasgow Road who were Wolseley, Austin/Morris, MG and in the early days Jowett. They are gone.
Also Pottie's for Vauxhall and Bedford light commercial across from the Sheriff Court. They had the slowest, most incompetent parts department in the whole country. You took your flask and sleeping bag when you went to buy parts! They are gone.
Low's Garage supplied Opel cars including the underrated Manta. They too have disappeared.
Then Goudie's Garage were the main dealers for the Rootes group, which of course were manufactured just down the road in Linwood. No longer there, nor is the factory!
Then McFadyen's Garage in Shuttle Street. Main dealers for Rover and Triumph, ran by my old and great friend David Millar, sadly long departed way before his time. The nicest, most honest man I have ever dealt with in the motor trade.
Also gone and another victim of the Leyland years.
Then Young's Ford depot, who became Clanford, the employer of the most ignorant counter staff encountered in the trade. I think they were on bonuses to see how many customers they could offend in a week!!
The showroom is still there but is an independent.
All of these companies employing hundreds of people and, with one exception, selling British made cars, all gone. Doesn't it make you sick?
J
Also Hamiltons the Alfa Romeo dealer on Paisley Rd West, another viewing point for some exotic motoring. This is where I bought my Simca Rallye 1 in 1975.
groak said:
Anyone mentioned Prosser's yet? Going since the 1950's I'm pretty sure. Still alive as Prosser Marine.
Prosser's garage at Jordanhill always had some interesting cars Jenson FF, Matra Bagheera and a Mini Moke, plus a few racing bikes about the place.If memory serves, I think Dennis Prosser raced at the inaugural race at Knockhill in 1974?
cat220 said:
My old man bought a 740 turbo from Linn Volvo, I remember going to see it in the showroom and being excited! Still have it now, stickers and all! The chaps name who sold us it was Simon wallwark!
Simon Wallwark.......rings a bell.The Simon Wallwark I knew was an Airline Pilot and area organiser(central Scotland)for the quattro owners club back in 2000, he had a Zermatt silver ur quattro and a Sunbeam Tiger.
Is it the same guy who knows ?? Wallwark is not that common a name?
duckwhistle said:
'The Lotus Scam'. An earlier poster asked about this. Not exactly a scam as it was perfectly legal in theory. This is the gist. Basically if you bought parts and built a car there was no purchase tax (pre vat times) Kit cars were popular,built mostly from recovered parts and the most awful glassfibre bodies imaginable. Lotus cars being in this market supplied a kit to build an Elan, The kit consisted of a built wired and trimmed body, An engine & gearbox, a set of suspension parts and wheels. Thus a new Elan could be supplied as separate 'parts' for tax purposes ie tax free. However this came with some important legal tax conditions, The 'parts' could not be supplied by one firm. You could not engage ANY professional help to construct the car even collecting the parts had to be done without pro help of any kind. You had to build the car yourself away from any pro premisis. This was supervised & strictly enforced by Customs & Excise who can be tricky about infringement of rules. The only pro input allowed was a free saftey check by the lotus agent after construction
How it worked- (allegedly) George Steel of Blythswood Motors supplied the Elan body which was collected from his store an ex tram depot on Kelvinhaugh St. A huge place(full of interesting yanks)and taken to a secret location. Engine etc. was bought from Steelsport, on Govan Rd. Separate companies so legal. Apparently a clandestine group of specially recruited mechanics collected the parts in plain vans and delivered them to obscure lockups conveniently rented by the self build owner. The cars were assembled at night, & weekends,allegedly by said mechs .Only a few hours work ,with the owner in attendance 'helping' so he could at least make a decent stab at explaining how he done the job if asked by C&E. And they did often.
How it went pear shaped- A very well known lady entertainer of the 1960's came to Glasgow and decided to treat herself to a nice new Elan. Now Elans were in short supply, but one was duly found pronto for the lady, Pics in the local paper of her collecting her new car duly appeared with the smiling sales bod handing over the keys. Meanwhile back at C&e a hawk eyed officer of the revenue noticed the said car appeared to be a tax free kit & wondered to himself how this young lady managed to build a kit all by herself as required by the regs and decided to investigate further. Then as they say the efluent hit the cooling module interface.
Now you may ask, how does old duckie know all these things,well I'm buggered if I can remember now, however I do recall towing old George on his water skis all over Loch Lomond while a big hairy dug slept in the back of his black Corvette. Funny what sticks in the mind all these years on.
Thank you for reminding me about Steelsport on Govan Rd, completely forgot about the place. Can remember passing in the car with my Dad and spotting a red Elan through a very grubby window.How it worked- (allegedly) George Steel of Blythswood Motors supplied the Elan body which was collected from his store an ex tram depot on Kelvinhaugh St. A huge place(full of interesting yanks)and taken to a secret location. Engine etc. was bought from Steelsport, on Govan Rd. Separate companies so legal. Apparently a clandestine group of specially recruited mechanics collected the parts in plain vans and delivered them to obscure lockups conveniently rented by the self build owner. The cars were assembled at night, & weekends,allegedly by said mechs .Only a few hours work ,with the owner in attendance 'helping' so he could at least make a decent stab at explaining how he done the job if asked by C&E. And they did often.
How it went pear shaped- A very well known lady entertainer of the 1960's came to Glasgow and decided to treat herself to a nice new Elan. Now Elans were in short supply, but one was duly found pronto for the lady, Pics in the local paper of her collecting her new car duly appeared with the smiling sales bod handing over the keys. Meanwhile back at C&e a hawk eyed officer of the revenue noticed the said car appeared to be a tax free kit & wondered to himself how this young lady managed to build a kit all by herself as required by the regs and decided to investigate further. Then as they say the efluent hit the cooling module interface.
Now you may ask, how does old duckie know all these things,well I'm buggered if I can remember now, however I do recall towing old George on his water skis all over Loch Lomond while a big hairy dug slept in the back of his black Corvette. Funny what sticks in the mind all these years on.
HendryG said:
Not sure on THE earliest one but I know of a few early ones. Arnold Clark in Prestwick which lasted a couple of years until becoming Nissan that wouldve been '88 at a guess, Steedman of Kelvindale also '88, Haldanes of Cathcart maybe '86/'87 and Whitecraigs Motor Co who also were Saab and Suzuki dealers at Tantallon road in Shawlands maybe '86/87 and the only one to last any length of time was Haldanes who closed in 2000, of course there was also W Livingstone Ltd in Uddingston which still exists to this day but they came much later, 1991 I think.
On the subject of Taggarts, weren't they quite big for a while, Jag and Austin Rover in Dunfermline/Kirkcaldy, and a Saab branch in Falkirk, also a Fiat branch in Stepps, a Austin Rover one in Milngavie and Renault in Bellshill now they only have 2 sites.
Similar story with Parks they've lost more franchises than anyone outside AC had to begin with, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Daihatsu, Ford, Hyundai, Lexus, Mazda, Peugeot, Seat, Toyota and Vauxhall to name a few, either the manufacturers found they were a nightmare to deal with(personal experience as a customer tallies with this) or they weren't shifting enough metal
Taggarts Fiat Dealership in Stepps was previously Parkers, if memory serves, also the Austin/Rover garage in Milngavie was a Toyota dealership in the late 60's early 70's but I don't think it was Taggarts. Can't remember, may have been Milngavie Motors. But that was a new Ford showroom by the canal at Temple in 1975. On the subject of Taggarts, weren't they quite big for a while, Jag and Austin Rover in Dunfermline/Kirkcaldy, and a Saab branch in Falkirk, also a Fiat branch in Stepps, a Austin Rover one in Milngavie and Renault in Bellshill now they only have 2 sites.
Similar story with Parks they've lost more franchises than anyone outside AC had to begin with, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Daihatsu, Ford, Hyundai, Lexus, Mazda, Peugeot, Seat, Toyota and Vauxhall to name a few, either the manufacturers found they were a nightmare to deal with(personal experience as a customer tallies with this) or they weren't shifting enough metal
Edited by HendryG on Monday 2nd January 03:54
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