The American Car Dealership (Hardcover)

by Robert Genat (Author) "In 1895, there were only four registered automobiles in the United States..." (more)
Key Phrases: new car introduction, dealership facilities, dealer collectibles, Media Archives, Ford Motor Company, Norm Kraus (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Ever since the automobile was made accessible to the masses, car dealerships have been special places where desires, sweaty palms, and that new-car smell are distilled into an intoxicating elixir of freedom and ownership. From Art Deco showrooms of the '30s to modern glass-walled superstores, this nostalgic road trip revisits the architecture, marketing, and business practices that have become inextricably associated with auto retailers.

A fascinating text accompanies an equally compelling collection of archival photography recalling past and present car dealer phenomena like new model previews and grand openings (i.e., soaped showroom windows, veiled cars, search lights), promotions and giveaways (banners, literature, buttons, pens, pedal cars, ashtrays, and anything else dealers could use to help make a sale), business practices from early-century animal trade-ins to today's refreshing Saturn-style service, customer relations and service centers, and nontraditional automotive outlets like Sears-Roebuck and hardware stores. Sidebars highlight innovative dealerships and those that have been in business for decades.

About the Author
Robert Genat is a prolific author and photographer whose eclectic bibliography includes such MBI titles as Hot Rod Nights, Vintage & Historic Drag Racers, Modern Police Motorcycles, and Police Cars in Action.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 156 pages
• Publisher: Motorbooks International (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0760306397
• ISBN-13: 978-0760306390
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 10.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,052,540 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent research and a wealth of information, November 18, 1999

By	Bob Moore (Grand Canyon Country) - See all my reviews

An excellent source for anyone interested in the sometimes strange world of car dealers. Covers the history of car dealerships from the turn of the century to today. Chapters dealing with the design of a dealership and the history of famous and not so famous marques add to the over 130 black and white and 40 color photographs. Well written and fascinating. If you know a car nut this is the Christmas present of the year.

3.0 out of 5 stars Great Photos A Bit Dated Now.., February 27, 2009

By	David Durham (St. Louis,MO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I purchased this book for the "Book Of The Month" thing we do at the office. I work in the automotive aftermarket business. Everyone enjoyed the great pictures, especially the Parts Counters of the past. My only complaint is that the book was originally published in 1999, so it shows a bit dated in layout and editorial.

5.0 out of 5 stars Love the New Car Showroom!, February 27, 2008

By	M. A. Rojas "Classic Car Buff" (Long Island, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the Best Nostalgic New Car Dealership book ever written! As a Baby Boomer I Lived in new car showrooms in the 50s, 60s, 70s to present day. As I was growing up in the 50s and 60s I couldn't wait for the Fall when all the new cars were secretly taken to the dealers awaiting the official unveiling for the world to see. I would be there on Announcement Day collecting car books and studying all the new features each car had to offer for the new model year. This Book allows me to relive those fabulous years and brings back so many wonderful memories. If you are a Baby Boomer and couldn't wait for the new cars to be displayed in the showrooms, this Book is for you! It is the Best book ever written on Car Dealerships loaded with pictures and amusing stories.