Palmyra Motors - Palmyra NY

[Dave S.]

I have a 70 LT-1 that was purchased there in July of 1970. I have spoken to the then owner Mr. Howard Van Bortel some 7 or 8 years ago and there is a frequent member of this Board that sold cars there in the 70's but I'm hoping to find advertisements, photos etc. of the dealership during that era. Their slogan was they were the "world's largest Corvette dealer." I'm sure several dealers claimed that but it could be true. I have contacted the Palmyra Library for help but I'm hoping some fellow members may have a lead or two.

[Terry W.]

Re: Palmyra Motors - Palmyra NY

Dave,
check out this thread on Corvette Forum, Look for the second post by LT1 George,( 12th post) he seems to know about your dealer,he sold corvette's there , he may be worth contacting.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...k-72-vert.html

[Dave S.]

Re: Palmyra Motors - Palmyra NY

Dave,
check out this thread on Corvette Forum, Look for the second post by LT1 George,( 12th post) he seems to know about your dealer,he sold corvette's there , he may be worth contacting.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...k-72-vert.html

Terry,
Thanks for the follow up info. LT1 george is a fellow NCRS member and was a salesman at Palmyra in the 73-76 era. I have spoken to George and he provided me some backround information which was very helpful. I'm hoping to find someone familiar with the dealer in the late 60's and early 70's and/or someone who may be able to provide me with articles, advertisements, promotional items, etc.

[George C.]

Re: Palmyra Motors - Palmyra NY

HI Dave, Hi Terry, Of all the things I have keep over the years the one thing I regret was not taking a picture of the Full Size Wall Painting on the side of Palmyra Motors. Someone must have that pic. As far as being the largest Corvette that was a fact. I sold over 300 Corvettes back in the day. I kept my records.
Dave, you can check the micro files of the Sunday NY Times automobile ads and I'm sure you find an ad with your LT-1 there. Years and years we advertised Corvette and Rolls Royce in the Sunday Times paper listing all the cars color /comb wise. Full and half page ads under WORLDS LARGEST Chevrolet Corvette Dealer and also Largest Rolls Dealer in the USA.
Here's a pic of our "last" (vin # 1Z67J5S428236 delivered 10/3/75) new 1975 Corvette Convertible that I delivered back in October 1975. HVB told me I could alway say that I delivered the "last" brand new Corvette Convertible from Palmyra Motors. Sold alot of Corvettes, met alot of people from all over the USA. It was fun ! Hope to hear from other Palmyra Motor Corvette people. Save the Wave.>George

[Dave S.]

Re: Palmyra Motors - Palmyra NY

HI Dave, Hi Terry, Of all the things I have keep over the years the one thing I regret was not taking a picture of the Full Size Wall Painting on the side of Palmyra Motors. Someone must have that pic. As far as being the largest Corvette that was a fact. I sold over 300 Corvettes back in the day. I kept my records.
Dave, you can check the micro files of the Sunday NY Times automobile ads and I'm sure you find an ad with your LT-1 there. Years and years we advertised Corvette and Rolls Royce in the Sunday Times paper listing all the cars color /comb wise. Full and half page ads under WORLDS LARGEST Chevrolet Corvette Dealer and also Largest Rolls Dealer in the USA.
Here's a pic of our "last" (vin # 1Z67J5S428236 delivered 10/3/75) new 1975 Corvette Convertible that I delivered back in October 1975. HVB told me I could alway say that I delivered the "last" brand new Corvette Convertible from Palmyra Motors. Sold alot of Corvettes, met alot of people from all over the USA. It was fun ! Hope to hear from other Palmyra Motor Corvette people. Save the Wave.>George

George,
I was hoping this thread worl catch your eye. Thanks again for all the information you gave me about Palmyra Motors a few years ago. With this new dealer history thing I'm hoping to get some additional information. The tip on the NY Times is a good one. Hopefully I can contact them and get some Ads etc. I also spoke to a lady at the Palmyra Library and she seemd willing to help looking thru newspapers etc. from 1970. Hopefully that will lead to something.
I'm doing the same type of search on Demeree Chevrolet in Bainbridge NY and Matt Slap Chevrolet in Philadelphia.

[David D.]

Re: Palmyra Motors - Palmyra NY

My1964 convertible was purchased new from Palmyra Motors. I have the original sales paperwork that I obtained from the original owner that lived in Rochester, NY. I purchased the Corvette from the second owner in Webster, NY back in 1982.

I do recall the Palmyra Motors ads running in the Rochester newspaper during the 70's, and it was interesting that a number of the Corvettes were advertised as delivered in primer and the dealer was willing to paint them the customer's choice of color.

[Tom D.]

Re: Palmyra Motors - Palmyra NY

I'd call or stop at the local Subaru dealer with the name Van Bortel. I'm told the owner is related to HVB.

I remember looking at the new '68s. There was a dark blue one in the showroom in Palmyra - My first encounter with a real 1968 Corvette.

I might have taken photos, but where the heck would they be?

td

[Dave S.]

Re: Palmyra Motors - Palmyra NY

I'd call or stop at the local Subaru dealer with the name Van Bortel. I'm told the owner is related to HVB.

I remember looking at the new '68s. There was a dark blue one in the showroom in Palmyra - My first encounter with a real 1968 Corvette.

I might have taken photos, but where the heck would they be?

td

Tom,
That Subaru dealer is owned by Kitty Van bortel. She is Howard's daughter and apparently is quite successful in her car selling ventures. I have not spoken to her but maybe she has some Palmyra motors information and/or memorbilia. Any photos would be appreciated.

[George C.]

Re: Palmyra Motors - Palmyra NY

Tom and Dave are correct, she is also a Ford dealer in Fairport, New York. Her dad just passed away July of this year 2011. Save the Wave.>George