Ellis Brooks Chevrolet San Francisco

[Chuck_Burg]

I am currently restoring my single family owned 1967 Camaro. The car spent it's entire life in the San Francisco Bay area until I found it on Craigslist two years ago. The car is a very early built Camaro, fisher body build date 09B (1966) and NCRS shipping report said actual build date is September 16th, 1966. The original owner purchased the car at Ellis Brooks Chevrolet. I see the dealership closed in 2008/2009 and it was located in downtown San Francisco. Very cool building.

I am looking for Ellis Brooks San Francisco license plate frames and a dealer emblem! My car had holes on the tail panel for the emblem, but the emblem was missing and the family didn't have it. I welded the holes up as I didn't think I'd ever find an emblem. They also gave me license plate frames from Stewart Chevrolet (still in business today), was also in San Francisco (moved to Colma, CA in 1972 to build a more modern dealership), which is where they serviced the car when they moved to the suburbs. Upon retirement the original owner took the car to Santa Cruz, CA.

Does anyone have any plates or know anyone who might? Any leads would be awesome :beers: Doesn't seem like this was a "High Performance" dealership. Maybe others have more information about the dealership. Saw some of the commercials on YouTube. Very cool!

[AnthonyS]

Hey Chuck!

Did a quick search, and i'm sure you have too, but I found it interesting they have their own Wiki page:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellis_Brooks_Auto_Center

which has a bunch of related links too of course.


And I saw this, not sure if the same or not:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-YREKA-California-Ellis-BROOKS-CAR-DEALER-LICENSE-PLATE-FRAME-VINTAGE/293665059137?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item445fcd3141:g:6qoAAOSwU9NfHfOm&amdata=enc%3AAQAFAAACYBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%252 Fn%252BzU5L90Z278x5ickkvjzWOStkxwnlDuxSI1PVVvaxGuw Y59OOfQtLJ3b5uNyua2QUpCYJdI0wjLGiwDjpkTW3YLQxL8MZL Um2YGBsvK33Bqke%252Bi6Um9SVkPYmwrJardYF5uD6Dde%252 FCE744Mb8I85b0Px0sFhEJKPnTS7gAe018DIC1Qkoy%252FS7c zSp%252FYpdg6FqHqlK24Iw916UqSjrYtG0g6z2WgZXqHQKaPl WTB21MUm4ZCczBxGi8pbpv0byGH%252FUTEHj9kgDvwHSbviMK HV551FsxzZKPueHVbP31072ZaR3BmIMJ5jkRcEBVNybQ7%252B uuyQch85hQLjH%252FO6ckw9VggqZOEvgy9nw2LDCN134D5Ofz oSwzZbenxjwBxa8bL6V6jp8KKoKCTd7BHHRXwQSyIKZmUbWsao 5C8HW%252FWo4obVCoOeRpgI0u%252FiVK9DY01hklmQd8g4sh 1gmvKGEFgeTP2cy4Koo8p0%252FY%252FH%252FSN9ziqmUcIU MZVr6dK6DOdKQkTfSOVfcbjAjJUbTYI%252FczEzvUw0V0ojkC U94xH6qatveaKlaMYgNpABezw2PqyHR%252FLgMFxuc0R1%252 FCqJfBCxRDk%252Fms8llTdEDHnjyayVZZ4phz9EwIIwP%252B 4PCvPjzG756qn0iLKjp23QMLoBujy%252BpUZFxKWSj1tlKHIk sfJ3KTy56ChUtVEH8d%252F7xV%252F1BSWxj%252BUHqOJPGE S5rm2MaC9bl9h4d2ndaDxy%252B5dYYa6hcQShvf9kFP%252BN IjMRvf9DnYG5R%252Fg8VcJ1IOeW3HRMbVA6y%7Ccksum%3A29 366505913748b2194582f242fba10f10711a05a210%7Campid %3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2334524


Cheers,
Anthony

[Motorhead848]

I have a 69z I just finished that came from Ellis brooks. The original sign from the building popped up for sale in Fresno last year. Was real tough to pass that up. I bought a pair of NOS frames from a gentlemen who sold stuff at the local Bay Area swap meets. But he passed about two years ago. I’ve never seen the dealer badge. But I’ve seen other frames over the years. They are out there. Good luck!

[PeteLeathersac]

'

There's been a few past threads w/ Ellis Brooks Member cars.
Which sign was available and did you score it?
:beers:
~ Pete

.

[Chuck_Burg]

Hey Chuck!

Did a quick search, and i'm sure you have too, but I found it interesting they have their own Wiki page:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellis_Brooks_Auto_Center

which has a bunch of related links too of course.


And I saw this, not sure if the same or not:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-YREKA-California-Ellis-BROOKS-CAR-DEALER-LICENSE-PLATE-FRAME-VINTAGE/293665059137?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item445fcd3141:g:6qoAAOSwU9NfHfOm&amdata=enc%3AAQAFAAACYBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%252 Fn%252BzU5L90Z278x5ickkvjzWOStkxwnlDuxSI1PVVvaxGuw Y59OOfQtLJ3b5uNyua2QUpCYJdI0wjLGiwDjpkTW3YLQxL8MZL Um2YGBsvK33Bqke%252Bi6Um9SVkPYmwrJardYF5uD6Dde%252 FCE744Mb8I85b0Px0sFhEJKPnTS7gAe018DIC1Qkoy%252FS7c zSp%252FYpdg6FqHqlK24Iw916UqSjrYtG0g6z2WgZXqHQKaPl WTB21MUm4ZCczBxGi8pbpv0byGH%252FUTEHj9kgDvwHSbviMK HV551FsxzZKPueHVbP31072ZaR3BmIMJ5jkRcEBVNybQ7%252B uuyQch85hQLjH%252FO6ckw9VggqZOEvgy9nw2LDCN134D5Ofz oSwzZbenxjwBxa8bL6V6jp8KKoKCTd7BHHRXwQSyIKZmUbWsao 5C8HW%252FWo4obVCoOeRpgI0u%252FiVK9DY01hklmQd8g4sh 1gmvKGEFgeTP2cy4Koo8p0%252FY%252FH%252FSN9ziqmUcIU MZVr6dK6DOdKQkTfSOVfcbjAjJUbTYI%252FczEzvUw0V0ojkC U94xH6qatveaKlaMYgNpABezw2PqyHR%252FLgMFxuc0R1%252 FCqJfBCxRDk%252Fms8llTdEDHnjyayVZZ4phz9EwIIwP%252B 4PCvPjzG756qn0iLKjp23QMLoBujy%252BpUZFxKWSj1tlKHIk sfJ3KTy56ChUtVEH8d%252F7xV%252F1BSWxj%252BUHqOJPGE S5rm2MaC9bl9h4d2ndaDxy%252B5dYYa6hcQShvf9kFP%252BN IjMRvf9DnYG5R%252Fg8VcJ1IOeW3HRMbVA6y%7Ccksum%3A29 366505913748b2194582f242fba10f10711a05a210%7Campid %3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2334524


Cheers,
Anthony

Thanks Anthony! I dug up quite a bit of history on the dealership. I found out the grand daughter of the founder sold the dealership to Roger Penske (PAG) in 2009, who completely renovated it and made it a Nissan/Infiniti point:rolleyes2::rolleyes2: Yreka is different, but I'm sure it was the same Ownership.

As a side note, I sent out the calipers you sold me to Muskegon Brakes in Michigan. They overhauled them and they look great. Thanks!

[Chuck_Burg]

I have a 69z I just finished that came from Ellis brooks. The original sign from the building popped up for sale in Fresno last year. Was real tough to pass that up. I bought a pair of NOS frames from a gentlemen who sold stuff at the local Bay Area swap meets. But he passed about two years ago. I’ve never seen the dealer badge. But I’ve seen other frames over the years. They are out there. Good luck!

Wow!!! I'd love to have one of the Neons. I think I knew the same License Plate guy you're referring to. Jim I believe? Strange Brooks was installing dealer emblems, not too common in California.

[AnthonyS]

Awesome on all points Chuck!

Hope to meet up someday after everything calms down.

Cheers, and congrats again.
Anthony

[Motorhead848]

Wow!!! I'd love to have one of the Neons. I think I knew the same License Plate guy you're referring to. Jim I believe? Strange Brooks was installing dealer emblems, not too common in California.

Yup, Jim was his name. I couldn’t remember. The sign that was forsale was the “ok” sign. In recent pictures you see the same age spots so it was def the one from the building. My car was a late June of 69 and did not receive a dealer badge.

-mark

[Chuck_Burg]

Yup, Jim was his name. I couldn’t remember. The sign that was forsale was the “ok” sign. In recent pictures you see the same age spots so it was def the one from the building. My car was a late June of 69 and did not receive a dealer badge.

-mark

OH man... The OK is so cool. The predecessor to the "certified" label manufactures have today.

As previously mentioned, my late 66 car got the emblem. I looked at a picture of my tail panel before body work and the holes were in a diagonal line, just like the studs on the emblem in the picture I attached.

[fsc66]

Lots of old ads from 67 era:

[Chuck_Burg]

5 pounds of coffee if you can make a better deal elsewhere..... That’s funny

[TimG]

Five pounds of coffee, holy cow.....what an offer.

I had a really nice 1967 red/red 400 horse Corvette that was sold by them.

[SuperNovaSS]

I may have an emblem. I will check tomorrow.

Jason

[Chuck_Burg]

Thanks Jason! That would be AWESOME:grin:

[Mr70]

From the movie Shawshank Redemption.. :)

[Chuck_Burg]

Hahaha!! In all seriousness, great movie.

[SuperNovaSS]

Found it!

Jason

[Chuck_Burg]

WOW! Jason that is awesome! Very cool novelty. I believe that is either an earlier or later emblem than the one I posted. Still interested in it! PM me if you want to sell it.

Thank you!!!!!

[SuperNovaSS]

Its yours. PM me your address.


Jason

[Chuck_Burg]

:headbang:

[AnthonyS]

Great guys! Yay.

[Xplantdad]

Jason is good people!

[AnthonyS]

^ agree!

[Chuck_Burg]

Jason is good people!

For sure, I've bought some really nice stuff from him!

[jbtech]

I'm late to the dealer emblem party but there was a sweet unrestored '68 Z with 39k miles that was up for auction in 2018 from that same dealership. Check it out here.

https://www.mecum.com/lots/DA1018-361141/1968-chevrolet-camaro-rs-z28/

The emblem does look really cool on there.

[Chuck_Burg]

Yea Jose! That is the emblem my car had originally. Like I previously mentioned, I already welded the holes up. I was under the impression my car was sold at Stewart Chevrolet, which used to be in San Francisco before moving to it's current location in Colma, CA in 1972. I have two old Stewart Chevrolet frames. I'm guessing the original owners serviced the car there sometime and the frames were swapped. I wish I knew the story about how the Ellis Brooks Emblem disappeared. EVERYTHING else on this car was pretty well intact. I bought the car from the person handling the trust and they didn't know much. I know there had to be more stuff to go along with the car but no one seemed to know much. Someone doesn't keep a car for 52 years and not hold on to practically EVERYTHING. The other bummer is the family members handling the trust and estate sale wanted the car to be driving before they sold it. They took the car to some mechanic who put a cheap gas tank in it. I bet the build sheet was still on the original... Not a huge deal, just would've been cool to have it.

You can see the three holes on the left side of the tail panel, before I started the restoration.

[fsc66]

1993 ad san franciso examiner:

[Chuck_Burg]

1993 ad san franciso examiner:

Wouldn't mind that Z28... Plate number on my car is TCA 186. Original black plate...

[fsc66]

See 67 Camaro priced at $!997, plate. June & Nov 1969

[Chuck_Burg]

Wow! This story keeps getting more interesting. That explains why them emblem is missing. How’d you find that ad? Amazing!!

[fsc66]

Just have a subscription to newspapers.com and searched for plate, rather easy actually but you do uncover some cool stuff

Paul

[Chuck_Burg]

Good deal. Thank you Paul!

[Chuck_Burg]

Jose, JBTECH, found me this one on eBay. Score!

[Xplantdad]

Awesomeness!:worship:

[SuperNovaSS]

Awesome!

[AnthonyS]

Yay!

[Chuck_Burg]

It came yesterday. It’s in pretty good shape. No manufacture on the back but it’s definitely pretty old. Probably 70s/80s. I still need another one...

[PeteLeathersac]

'

Another Ellis Brooks SanFran emblem on eBoy...
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Vintage-Ellis-Brooks-Dealer-Badge-San-Francisco-Emblem-Trim-Metal-Chrome-Chevy/363305285235?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item5496aeb673:g:9IkAAOSwnIJfvCie&amdata=enc%3AAQAFAAACgBaobrjLl8XobRIiIML1V4Imu%252 Fn%252BzU5L90Z278x5ickkBSh1VzQSTzkTiSV5EE%252FHQWk RXJUDyHWk9qCTzycKgyBs4if56iiK3F5IzpBcGMKNVCVQbFMaj m907Wjs4UaVWcp4n1Fuz%252B%252Fv3QE9RdWZSLpUHAq2P8H ZBhgW6YpLNBIwEJ9ss8aMDtqK5bX2vbAmBAbIBVI9D6HnZg%25 2F722T8LhY%252FmFhtP0GZ3nHwYY0VB14jmlVQeB01fR3Cy93 z0x%252F1PWGh7pl6LQy%252Fjsvz0UQq28oDVy583knbSISuX 6Wveo3kZeg6KjM%252B5x0Hq%252Fj3MwoWwv%252BDo8M6s2% 252Bz7VWE%252B1w91YXfO5qzswA7afCewV4roHS1GaORYpBnO Q4MvohjBtuVb%252Ffxfce%252BJD0miFHBQrpRjcx%252Bgcr 5ex2guzrDUyd6fuS%252BwPhMz5jAoYxLPjIDJqqKvlHh4GvJm szaT1P2jnA7JkWR%252F4h9%252FQxh8PRz8H5X8BAfUwGtptU duZZiNgccBPEKmHfiJBQTZTu5jx26Hl26Bfin4AHzC4dg6dbYO 7PZPjWf%252F9zKoselzjZ1ZvipZfgQlmcLejrMDsQQ1grSwtg %252BOXrgN5Fm2sSWGILHXcFxQFzPTIabTNUcUEECrxi7DM7SK Rk21j90yr2XFd4UqNm1JDLlOMvbpPEWhr%252F3oJtl4yob594 TZ1tLmRndibGz7CzVYkfOYy8camEnSsq96nXbtzPCGJYFVkBay Bp%252FnEC1kTrhsBdPEtig1%252FR9ZltuTmF2nd72MlBp3Xj ehBtSNMDsQdG%252B%252BoJz%252F%252FWUnQ6cz7Yb17Gcu nrlYjekdSTmOg3dwr0%252FZNesQvPKFnwjEVusLZyDHbQ%253 D%7Ccksum%3A36330528523537871ac0b77a46ab998ecbb2b6 069597%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2334524
:beers:
~ Pete

.

[Chuck_Burg]

Nice! If I found the angled one I'd probably redrill the holes and mount it to the rear panel...

[Too Many Projects]

Hey, just came across this thread. Very interesting on the dealers and fsc66 finding the ad for your car new...CRAZY !!!

My '67 came from the Bay area too. I was told Point Reyes. My car was brought to WI before I bought it and I never got any plates with it. It would be interesting to see which dealer it came from. Unfortunately, mine must have been parked outside in all that salty fog, because it is rather rusty for a CA car. Still WAY better than anything from the Midwest.

[Chuck_Burg]

Hey, just came across this thread. Very interesting on the dealers and fsc66 finding the ad for your car new...CRAZY !!!

My '67 came from the Bay area too. I was told Point Reyes. My car was brought to WI before I bought it and I never got any plates with it. It would be interesting to see which dealer it came from. Unfortunately, mine must have been parked outside in all that salty fog, because it is rather rusty for a CA car. Still WAY better than anything from the Midwest.

You can run an NCRS report and they’ll tell you the original selling dealer:scholar:

[Chuck_Burg]

A few weeks ago Jose (JBTech) sent me an eBay link to this little gem. Finally a mint condition Ellis Brooks rear body emblem. I had other plans for the rear panel of this car but now that I acquired this never installed emblem I feel it's necessary to install it on the car. The seller told me his late brother in law worked for GM for 40 years and collected a lot of GM "stuff". Thanks for the lead Jose!

[Xplantdad]

Way cool!

[SuperNovaSS]

That’s awesome. It’s funny how things like this go. I can’t remember one like this for sale before. Now there are 2 more listed on eBay. One is pretty worked and the other looks NOS.

Jason