Vans Chevrolet New Castle, DE

[Rob M.]

Thanks to the NCRS I have learned that my 66 was ordered by Vans Chevrolet in New Castle, DE. Since I have received the info, I have learned that the dealership is still open under a different name. I have spoken to the son of one of the original owners and the nephew. The dealership was purchased by the Vandenbraak brothers in 1960 and sold in 1980 or 1981 when one of the brothers passed away. Unfortunately, ALL the paperwork was destroyed when it was sold.

I have learned a couple of interesting pieces of history about the dealership. First, they had a big Grand Opening celebration in the summer of 66 (the summer my car would have been on the lot) and had the cast of Bonanza there to help celebrate. I also learned that according to the owner's son, Joe Biden (yes, the VP) worked on the lot as a "lot boy" and bought a green 66 vette. He said his father Mr. Biden worked at the dealer too.

The son that I spoke to still works for a Chevrolet dealer and still has the same secretary who worked for his father! She used to write up all the purchase orders. He is going to have dinner with the former lead tech and ask both if they might remember my car next week after Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed.

Fun stuff!

[Tom H.]

Re: Vans Chevrolet New Castle, DE

That is the kind of stuff I like to hear. !! Thanks for the report.

[Don H.]

Re: Vans Chevrolet New Castle, DE

Well I'll be darned Rob,
next time I see your ride at an event, I will look upon it with even greater awe and respect, as it just might have gotten its first wash and make ready from a future Vice President of the US (not that I have any particular awe and respect for this particular VP,,,, except that I have heard that he drives a sting ray yet today when he is not in Washington working on trying to wreak our country)

Either way, those are some great stories. I find the one about the Bonanza cast a little far-fetched. But I guess possible. The Vans Chevy Store in New Castle DE grand opening could not have been a huge affair, what with the whole state of DE having a population roughly equal to the attendance number at a typical NCRS National Convention.... But who knows.

No matter what, you got some great stories about your maroon vert. Congrats, and Merry Christmas. See you at the next get together.

[Rob M.]

Re: Vans Chevrolet New Castle, DE

Well I'll be darned Rob,
next time I see your ride at an event, I will look upon it with even greater awe and respect, as it just might have gotten its first wash and make ready from a future Vice President of the US (not that I have any particular awe and respect for this particular VP,,,, except that I have heard that he drives a sting ray yet today when he is not in Washington working on trying to wreak our country)

Either way, those are some great stories. I find the one about the Bonanza cast a little far-fetched. But I guess possible. The Vans Chevy Store in New Castle DE grand opening could not have been a huge affair, what with the whole state of DE having a population roughly equal to the attendance number at a typical NCRS National Convention.... But who knows.

No matter what, you got some great stories about your maroon vert. Congrats, and Merry Christmas. See you at the next get together.

Merry Christmas to you too!

I should have been more clear on the Bonanza cast . . . I was told Little Joe and Hoss were there for the event. I don't know what the Bonanza program and Chevrolet had going, but I have seen a commercial with the oldest brother (forget his name) introducing the new 65 vette on the set of Bonanza. Fun stuff and I think I'll email my VP to see if he remembers my car!

[Don H.]

Re: Vans Chevrolet New Castle, DE

Rob
Chevrolet was a major sponsor for Bonanza, and older brother Adam was played by Pernell Roberts. Roberts left the show after only six years, which might explain why he was not at Vans Chevrolet in 1966.
The show stated in 1959.

[Chuck G.]

Re: Vans Chevrolet New Castle, DE

A fellow NCRS member, and member of the Mason Dixon Chapter (past chairman) had his 65 roadster delivered to Van's Chevrolet.

Still has the "VAN'S" chrome logo on the tail light panel.

Just had lunch with he and his wife while we're up visiting the Baltimore area.

EMail me privately, and I'll give you his name and EMail address. He MIGHT know some other information about Van's, OR he might be interested in hearing what you've learned.

Chuck