Another one gone

[NutmegCT]

The Hoffman auto showroom in Manhattan was just demolished.

The showroom was designed in 1954 by Frank Lloyd Wright, for the Hoffman foreign car dealership. Thank of all the great cars that have passed through that unusual display area.

More on the story:

https://www.metropolismag.com/Point-of-View/May-2013/Remembering-Frank-Lloyd-Wrights-Bijou/

Max Hoffman was quite a story himself. From bicycles, to racing cars, to costume jewelry and back again.

https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/18/automobiles/18HOFFMAN.html

Hoffman in a 1951 Porsche:

Tom

 

[JPSmit]

Ah progress. Was that the dealer where your "picture" (you and the Benz) was taken. I wish there was a data base of these old dealers with pics. They are a true time capsule. (And I still can't find info about the dealer in California where Ms Triss was sold)

 

[PAUL161]

In 2006, land in Manhattan was $2300 a square foot! $345 Mil would get you aprox 3.5 acres of land. It's common practice today to demolish buildings to make way for new. Unless a property is placed on the historical register, they don't stand a chance of survival. Money talks. It's a shame that the showroom is gone, but that's progress, (as some would say). PJ

 

[coldplugs]

... (And I still can't find info about the dealer in California where Ms Triss was sold)

I have lists of foreign car dealers in the US for 1959 and 1960 that seem pretty extensive - might be able to find yours if you know the town or have other info.

Re Hoffman's, we bought parts from them way back in time. Their mailorder service was astonishing for the day and their inventory was impressive.

 

[judow]

Guess I'm getting to be a geezer. I find this so sad, not only for its historical significance but because it is so representative of Wright. :frown:

 

[glemon]

Coldplugs, I tried to send a PM, but not sure it went through, does your list show any BMC or other British in Lincoln, Nebraska? I am trying to track the local history here. Greg

 

[coldplugs]

Coldplugs, I tried to send a PM, but not sure it went through, does your list show any BMC or other British in Lincoln, Nebraska? I am trying to track the local history here. Greg

Greg, just replied & am also not sure it worked. For the record...

Randolf Oldsmobile
2101 North St.
(Hillman, Sunbeam) (1959 & 1960)

Schulz Motor Co.
1608 "O" St.
(Triumph) (1959 &1960)
(Hillman, Sunbeam (1960)

Simpson Motors Imports (Also sold VW on "P" St.)
1819 "O" St.
(Austin-Healey, Austin, MG, Morris, Riley) (1959 & 1960)

Pep Sinton Inc.
1724 "O" St.
(Austin-Healey, Austin, MG, Morris) (1960)

 

[JPSmit]

I have lists of foreign car dealers in the US for 1959 and 1960 that seem pretty extensive - might be able to find yours if you know the town or have other.

Cool! It came from (I think) British Car something in San Luis Obispo CA. Thanks.

 

[martx-5]

My '58 TR3A was originally sold by Garsten Motors in Riverhead Long Island, about 40 miles from my home. Garsten still exists, but dba Apple Honda.

 

[coldplugs]

Cool! It came from (I think) British Car something in San Luis Obispo CA. Thanks.

SLO Dealers are listed below. Note these are from the 59-60 and your '76 Midget is from a different era. Foreign car dealers back then changed names, addresses, and franchises frequently compared with today and sometimes it's hard to figure out "who's who".

SLO - British only

Borjack Motor Co (1959, 1960)
1330 Monterey St
Austin-Healey, Austin, MG, Morris, Riley

Finch Motors (1959, 1960)
1219 Montery St
Hillman, Sunbeam

Imported Sales & Service (probably split with/owned Finch Motors)
1219 Montery St in 1959
1065 Hiquero St in 1960
Triumph (1959)
Hillman, Rover, Sunbeam, Triumph (1960)

Ray and Adler Packard (1959, 1960)
565 Higuerra St
Hillman, Rover, Sunbeam

San Luis Motor Co (1960)
1144 Higuera St
Hillman, Sunbeam

 

[Guest]

Guess I'm getting to be a geezer. I find this so sad, not only for its historical significance but because it is so representative of Wright. :frown:

I think it's sad too that you guess it's Wright to consider yourself a geezer.

 

[JPSmit]

SLO Dealers are listed below. Note these are from the 59-60 and your '76 Midget is from a different era. Foreign car dealers back then changed names, addresses, and franchises frequently compared with today and sometimes it's hard to figure out "who's who".

A little bit of my own research: Here is what I know.

Window sticker said

San Luis British Cars
San Luis Obispo

the service Passport (maintenance folder)
says

Santa Maria Sport Cars
Santa Maria, CA

So I googled San Luis British Cars and this came up: https://www.bizapedia.com/ca/SAN-LUIS-BRITISH-CARS-INC.html Looks like Santa Maria owned San Luis, (or vice versa) and started in '74 (the veritable zenith of the British Car Industry )