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Our History in Nelson
Nelson Chrysler
originated as City Auto Service in 1937,with Lloyd Renwick
as President. The original location
was on Josephine Street, where Nelson
Reality is today. Lloyd started his career repairing cars, then went
into
the wrecking business which supplied the much needed parts for repairs.
In 1950, City Auto Service and City
Auto Wrecking moved to 1410 Granite Road, where
Nelson Chrysler's Auto Body Shop
is located today. In 1952, Pat and Maurice Renwick joined their Father
Lloyd, along with
Archie McKen
(all friends from the depression) at City Auto Service Ltd.. As
a team they repaired vehicles,
pumped gas and ran the wrecking business.
They were operating on a shoe string at that time and still
needed room to
expand. They couldn't afford to buy more land so Archie built a compressor
and a rock
drill and by drilling out tons of rock they created more usable
space at Granite Road.
From 1955 to 1958 business was good
and the opportunity arose to acquire the Chrysler franchise. Everybody pooled
their money, $5000 was raised, and Pat, Archie and Maurice became partners
in Nelson Chrysler.
For their investment they got the Chrysler franchise,
one field car and $425.00 worth of parts. In 1959,
their first full year in
business they sold 31 new cars. The team worked very hard together, working
7 days a week. In 1962, they moved to our present Baker Street location,
selling 100 new cars that year.
1972 brought more expansion, they bought the
old church property on Baker Street for their used vehicle
display lot. In
1988, they purchased more property on Baker Street and they renovated the
building to
add
Sales' offices and a customer lounge. More renovations to
date include updating of the
Parts &
Service Departments, and face lift for
our
ICBC Accredited Auto Body Shop on
Granite Road. All renovations
reflect the heritage facilities our business resides in.
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