HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2017-06-21, Page 37GODERICH
1827-2017
A brief history of McGee Motors
Courtesy of McGee Motors
McGee Motors Ltd., Goderich
destined to become Canada's
oldest family operated dealership.
1925- 1929 - John McGee- Chrysler -
Plymouth Dealer- 79 Hamilton Street.
He eventually sold the business to his brother
Reg, and became a Willys Car Dealer on St.
Andrews St. until 1948 when he sold that
building to his nephew, Donald Aberhart
who started a Mercury -Meteor store in 1949.
In 1959 Aberhart changed to a Volkswagen
dealership. In 1970 he sold the building to
McGee Motors next door and retired.
1929- 1947 - Reginald McGee- Chrysler -
Plymouth sub dealer
until 1932- then
changed to a Dodge -
Desoto dealer at 79
Hamilton St.
1947- 1960 - in
a new building at
37 hamilton St.,
Reginald McGee
Dodge Desoto
Dealer. J.I. Case
•
farm machinery was sold out of a new
quancet building on Picton Street from
1946-1953.
AMC Rambler added in 1958. Reg McGee
passed away on Feb.
13/60.
1960-1964 - Leonard
McGee, President - 37
Hamilton St. Dodge -
Desoto dealer until end
of 1960, then Dodge -
Chrysler as Desoto was
discontinued, plus AMC Rambler.
Jan. 22/62 - the former Samis Motors
Pontiac -Buick- Cadillac -GMC dealership
was obtained from General Motors.
The Chrysler and
AMC franchises were
terminated.
In 1964 a leasing
division was added
with the first customer
being Champion Road
Machinery.
At the end of
1964 Leonard moved
Wednesday, June 21, 2017 • Signal Star 37
GODERICH
on to become a car dealer in Brantford. Ile
passed way in Dec/80.
1965-1980 - Alvin McGee, president. 37
Hamilton St.
In 1971, the
Colborne Hotel
property across the
street was purchased
and created a much
needed storage lot
for new and used
inventory. Later on
the J.J. Hoggarth farm machinery building
abutting this lot was purchased and the
Shore Insurance building as well to furthur
enlarge the lot.
Also in 1971, a body shop building
that McGee Motors had at 346 Huron
Road was sold to Strickland brothers that
eventually sold AMC, Ford and then Toyota
automobiles.
1972-2011 - Leaseway Transportation
was added because of the surge in leasing
popularity.
1981- 2011 - Kenneth McGee president.
37 Hamilton St. In 1982 the leasing portion
HAPPY 150T"
CANADA!
HAPPY 190T"
GODERICH!
McGee Motors is
proud to be serving
our community
for 88 Years!
www.mcgeemotors.ca
of Green & Parent Motors was purchased.
The Glousher farm facing Suncoast Drive
was purchased for a building site.
A new dealership was built at 180 Suncoast
Dr. E. opening in 2004.
Paul Kechnie Chevrolet franchise was
obtained from General Motors in 2006.
Pontiac was cancelled by GM in 2010 so
the franchise became a Chevrolet -Buick -
Cadillac -GMC dealership.
Nov. 2011 - to present- Martyn McGee ,
President. 180 Suncoast Dr. E.- dealership
front remodelled to reflect new Chevrolet
image and and additional storage facility
built to house the demand for tire storage.
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HOURS:
Mon. -Fri. 8am to 6pm • Sat. 8am-4pm
180 Suncoast Drive, Goderich
Ii 519-524-8391 or 1-800-265-5507 V