Ron J
Active member
I know the title, reads, like a typical "used car lot" advertisement,but its not to me. In late 1965, Roland D Kelly,risked it all,and purchased what used to be a small Buick Dealership,formerly Whitten Buick,at 381 Rantoul st.in Beverly Mass. The sign was posted Roland D.Kelly Inc. Buick Men Honest Sales/Excellent Service.
In March 1966,I was about to graduate from Beverly Trade School,so i could start,co-op,getting out of school early each day,and working in the field,you were trained in.The auto instructor,Mr.Steedman,sent me down to apply for a job,at Kellys,as a mechanic.
I remember going in to a one room building,and meeting Mr.Kelly. I didn't know any better at the time,but yes,he did look like a typical used car guy,wearing tie,and coat,sitting behind a desk.But at that moment i was hoping to get a job,and hopefully he would be my Boss soon! So he appeared to be a friendly businessman to me! Nice Friendly smile,made me feel at ease. Asked me a few questions,and that was it,I was hired!
Started the next day.Met Jack,Partsman,cashier,tel operator all in one,Harry the service manager,John,mechanic,Jack,(Johns father) who was the lubeman.Jack had the use of the ONLY "lift",an old four poster,run by a 3 stage motor,and cables! The other 3 bays,used floorjacks/stands.We only repaired Buicks.I remember they were from as early as 1949 up to current year,1966. Most were from 59 to 64. Learned alot in a couple of years.
I think it was 1967,"Kell" Got a Subaru franchise.We drove to Boston,on a weekend,to the Hines Auditorium.There was an international auto show that had just ended.We went to the third or fourth floor,to remove 3 or 4 brand new Subaru's and bring them back to Beverly.We had to drive them into large elevators,to get out of the building.
Remember this was an autoshow,that was now ended! 50 or more cars were also waiting for those elevators,3 at a time.What a traffic jam in the building,every Masshole trying to beat each other into the elevator!!
The Subaru thing didn't turn out to well.Remember Asian cars weren't too popular back then,and were a bit crude.... Altho so were the Fiats,Triumphs,Alpha's etc. Guess MG was about the best,and that ain't braggin!!
In 1968,goodbye Subaruuuu! Kell now got a Datsun Franchise,Alot better,but?? In late 1969,the 70 240Z appeared!! Here we go!!
Then in the early 70's, THE GREAT GAS CRUNCH hit the States! Man, Kell couldn't get enough Datsun's to fill the plate! We were selling a couple of hundred a month! Gonna cut this story abit short,and skip alot of memorys.
Over the years,Kell's son, Brian,took over,and we continued growing.I was Partsmanager for about 14/15 yrs,been Servmgr the rest. The "KELLCO" company,now has Two Nissan Dealerships,Infinity Dlr,Mitsubishi Dlr,Honda Dlr,Suzuki Dlr.HarleyDavidson Dlr,Jeep/Chrylser Dlr,and Motorsports,all at different locations.
This March marks my 40th year at Kellys. I'am not writing this to advertise of course,but just proud of the organization. We always try to do the right thing for our customers,and to uphold Kell's Motto "Honest Sales/Excellent Service" What inspired me mostly to write tonight,is Roland D.,was admitted to the hospital yesterday,possibly a stroke. I can only hope he gets well soon enough. RJ
In March 1966,I was about to graduate from Beverly Trade School,so i could start,co-op,getting out of school early each day,and working in the field,you were trained in.The auto instructor,Mr.Steedman,sent me down to apply for a job,at Kellys,as a mechanic.
I remember going in to a one room building,and meeting Mr.Kelly. I didn't know any better at the time,but yes,he did look like a typical used car guy,wearing tie,and coat,sitting behind a desk.But at that moment i was hoping to get a job,and hopefully he would be my Boss soon! So he appeared to be a friendly businessman to me! Nice Friendly smile,made me feel at ease. Asked me a few questions,and that was it,I was hired!
Started the next day.Met Jack,Partsman,cashier,tel operator all in one,Harry the service manager,John,mechanic,Jack,(Johns father) who was the lubeman.Jack had the use of the ONLY "lift",an old four poster,run by a 3 stage motor,and cables! The other 3 bays,used floorjacks/stands.We only repaired Buicks.I remember they were from as early as 1949 up to current year,1966. Most were from 59 to 64. Learned alot in a couple of years.
I think it was 1967,"Kell" Got a Subaru franchise.We drove to Boston,on a weekend,to the Hines Auditorium.There was an international auto show that had just ended.We went to the third or fourth floor,to remove 3 or 4 brand new Subaru's and bring them back to Beverly.We had to drive them into large elevators,to get out of the building.
Remember this was an autoshow,that was now ended! 50 or more cars were also waiting for those elevators,3 at a time.What a traffic jam in the building,every Masshole trying to beat each other into the elevator!!
The Subaru thing didn't turn out to well.Remember Asian cars weren't too popular back then,and were a bit crude.... Altho so were the Fiats,Triumphs,Alpha's etc. Guess MG was about the best,and that ain't braggin!!
In 1968,goodbye Subaruuuu! Kell now got a Datsun Franchise,Alot better,but?? In late 1969,the 70 240Z appeared!! Here we go!!
Then in the early 70's, THE GREAT GAS CRUNCH hit the States! Man, Kell couldn't get enough Datsun's to fill the plate! We were selling a couple of hundred a month! Gonna cut this story abit short,and skip alot of memorys.
Over the years,Kell's son, Brian,took over,and we continued growing.I was Partsmanager for about 14/15 yrs,been Servmgr the rest. The "KELLCO" company,now has Two Nissan Dealerships,Infinity Dlr,Mitsubishi Dlr,Honda Dlr,Suzuki Dlr.HarleyDavidson Dlr,Jeep/Chrylser Dlr,and Motorsports,all at different locations.
This March marks my 40th year at Kellys. I'am not writing this to advertise of course,but just proud of the organization. We always try to do the right thing for our customers,and to uphold Kell's Motto "Honest Sales/Excellent Service" What inspired me mostly to write tonight,is Roland D.,was admitted to the hospital yesterday,possibly a stroke. I can only hope he gets well soon enough. RJ
