Old Chevrolet Dealer Sales Records

[Dicky]

I've been doing some research on a car I have. I am the 3rd owner and the first owner is long gone, as is the selling dealership.
I finally contacted a person at a Chevy dealership in the same town that had some history on the selling dealership. She said it was taken over by another person with a name change and that it eventually went out of business, not bought out by another existing dealership.

My question to you guys is: what happens to the records when that happens? Do things end up in the dumpster with no remaining archival evidence? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif
I've tried to track down the names of owners with no luck, I've contacted the newspapers and business journal papers in that city, to a dead end as most do not have archives extending back to the 70's &amp; 80's.
I'm now in contact with the City library who seems to have the records of <span style="font-style: italic">&quot;ancient&quot; </span>papers and have given me the names of several people who will do the research for me.

I'm only trying to get a name of someone that might know where the records have gone. Maybe an employee hoarded the documents ?????

So back to my question. What typically would be the fate of such records? (back to GM?)

Thanks for all the help you guys provide, I hope to figure this out. <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/youguysrock.gif


Dicky <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

[PeteLeathersac]

Here in Canada it's standard to keep business records as supporting documentation for a minimum of 7 years as that's how far tax audits can reach back.
What dealer and car, you may be surprised how many here may be able to help?
<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif
~ Pete

[67 Nova Boy]

I would think that some got tossed but hopes allot of them were relocated to

help down the line.

Not sure if these are what you are talking about but I have a few from 66-67

Chevy 2 and one big block 67 Chevelle SS. I have tried to get this to the owner

but have not been able to. On the back portion of the slips are the used car

they traded in and the swipe of the protecto plate of the block numbers maybe.

Lots of info on them.

Dave
67 Nova Boy

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w7/busbymoran/001_zpse04892cb.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/busbymoran/media/001_zpse04892cb.jpg.html)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w7/busbymoran/002_zps640d7221.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/busbymoran/media/002_zps640d7221.jpg.html)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w7/busbymoran/003_zpsb6112469.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/busbymoran/media/003_zpsb6112469.jpg.html)

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w7/busbymoran/004_zps9884cfb5.jpg (http://s172.photobucket.com/user/busbymoran/media/004_zps9884cfb5.jpg.html)

[Dicky]

Yes Dave those would be the type of records that would help.

Info I have:

Selling dealer; <span style="font-weight: bold">Union Chevrolet,</span> Memphis,TN 1970 (build dates late March early April)

Became, <span style="font-weight: bold">Chip Barwick </span>Chevrolet early 70's and was out of business by late 70's early 80's.

I also know it was located on Union Ave.

I have VIN's of two cars I'm looking for.

Dicky <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

[Dicky]

BUMP.... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/Charley.gif lol

Anybody got anything on Memphis Chevy dealers in 1970? <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/dunno.gif

DH <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif

[SS69chevelle]

You may want to do some online searching and try making a few calls, you may or may not have already tried this. I have had a little success with my 69 chevelles for locating the dealer info and docs. One dealership sold in 99 and the original docs are likely in a landfill somewhere and the other closed in 1995 but I was able to obtain a copy of the original 1968 dealer new car sales invoice with some of the details for factory installed items, i.e. Special Paint, 4 speed, bucket seats, etc. In both cases a little searching on the net allowed me to reach the actual dealership owners by phone. You may also want to try checking with the TN DMV to see if they have any title history info that you can obtain for the cars, might be a long shot but if they were originally sold in TN you might get a copy of the Manufacturers Statement of Origin when the car transferred to the dealer. hope this helps, good luck with your search. Andy

[Dicky]

Thanks Andy


Dicky <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/flag.gif