Hawthorne Chevrolet, Hawthorne, NJ

[Reba W.]

I received my shipping data report today and found my 1972 coupe was delivered to Hawthorne Auto, Hawthorne, NJ, in the fall of 1971.

The dealership is still there and goes back to 1927, according the the website. But I don't know how many owners that might include.

Before I begin writing and calling, is there anyone in the area who can point me to a specific person or former employee that might help?

Thanks in advance.

[Tom H.]

Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet, Hawthorne, NJ

Wish I could help ya on this one Reba, but I don't have anything on these guys.

[Michael G.]

Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet, Hawthorne, NJ

Reba, What I can tell you is that there are (supposedly) two sites for Hawthorne Chevrolet. I made my way up there and apparently found the newer site and pretty much struck out. I have since been informed there is the original (older) site which would obviously be more beneficial but have yet to persue this place. I was also informed that the older individuals associated with the dealership would probably be found in the parts & service department. Please keep me in the loop as far as your progress and I will do the same as I plan to visit the older site some time this season. I was informed by previous owners of my '71 that a "Big shot" at the dealership had taken ownership of my car. Best of luck to you. Please keep me informed. Mike

[Drew P.]

Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet, Hawthorne, NJ

I received my shipping data report today and found my 1972 coupe was delivered to Hawthorne Auto, Hawthorne, NJ, in the fall of 1971.

The dealership is still there and goes back to 1927, according the the website. But I don't know how many owners that might include.

Before I begin writing and calling, is there anyone in the area who can point me to a specific person or former employee that might help?

Thanks in advance.

Hello Reba,
I have sent you an email.
Our daughter bought a new Chevrolet from this dealer.
Regards,
Drew Papsun

[Michael G.]

Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet, Hawthorne, NJ

Nice club spirit Drew, Thanks for sharing.

[Reba W.]

Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet, Hawthorne, NJ

Thanks, guys, this is getting encouraging. Too bad it is on the other end of the state from Wildwood, or I could swing by there while at the meet.

Michael, I feel like we may get more information yet.

[Michael G.]

Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet, Hawthorne, NJ

Reba, I am still trying to conclude the "Ridgewood/ Hawthorne" issue and then work on a connection at whatever facility I wind up at. I am close enough to be your legs if you need me to. I can appreciate the sensetivity of this persuit and do not want to interfere. Just keep in mind I can be available at times (still doing the 9-5 thing) to actually go there if you need me to. Mike

[Michael G.]

Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet, Hawthorne, NJ

Excellent contact info Drew, Thank you and Happy Easter. Mike

[Ralph T.]

Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet, Hawthorne, NJ

Reba, I am still trying to conclude the "Ridgewood/ Hawthorne" issue and then work on a connection at whatever facility I wind up at. I am close enough to be your legs if you need me to. I can appreciate the sensetivity of this persuit and do not want to interfere. Just keep in mind I can be available at times (still doing the 9-5 thing) to actually go there if you need me to. Mike

Hi Mike: What is the Ridgewood/Hawthorne thing you previously referred to? I grew up in Ridgewood and worked at Paramus Sunoco in the '60's. Malcolm Konner people used to bring the big blocks over to our station for Sunoco "260" fill ups. When I was in grade school, Nadler Chevrolet was right behind us. Couldn't wait for new year models!
Ralph Tileston

[Alan S.]

Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet, Hawthorne, NJ

Hi,
I bought my first car from Hawthorne Chevrolet in 1962; a 1955 BelAir convertible.
The entire dealership was on Lafayette Avenue in Hawthorne at that time. The new car show room and service area on 1 corner, and the used car lot on another corner across a side street.
In the 80s, (?), a new, much larger new car showroom and service area was built and opened, on Goffle Road (still Hawthorne) about 1/2 mile away.
The used car department remained on Lafayette Avenue.
My brother still buys cars at Hawthorne on occasion.
I got a name from him a couple years ago and passed it to Michael G. but I don't think it led anywhere.
The outlet in Ridgewood, about 5 miles away, is one I don't know about. There may have been a chevy dealer there in the 60s, but I'm not sure.
Regards,
Alan

[Ralph T.]

Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet, Hawthorne, NJ

Hi,
I bought my first car from Hawthorne Chevrolet in 1962; a 1955 BelAir convertible.
The entire dealership was on Lafayette Avenue in Hawthorne at that time. The new car show room and service area on 1 corner, and the used car lot on another corner across a side street.
In the 80s, (?), a new, much larger new car showroom and service area was built and opened, on Goffle Road (still Hawthorne) about 1/2 mile away.
The used car department remained on Lafayette Avenue.
My brother still buys cars at Hawthorne on occasion.
I got a name from him a couple years ago and passed it to Michael G. but I don't think it led anywhere.
The outlet in Ridgewood, about 5 miles away, is one I don't know about. There may have been a chevy dealer there in the 60s, but I'm not sure.
Regards,
Alan

Hi Alan: The Chevrolet Dealer in Ridgewood was Nadler Chevrolet on Broad Street. Mostly family sedans and wagons. A few Corvettes and "SS" stuff got out the door but Konner in Paramus and Shea in Hackensack dominated that market! I grew up there and actually attended grammar school right next door. We were always eyeing the new cars in the showroom.
Best regards,
Ralph

[Alan S.]

Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet, Hawthorne, NJ

Hi Ralph,
I grew up in Fair Lawn and my wife in Midland Park.
When I was ready to buy my first car I looked at an MG TF at a tiny car lot across the street from the rr station in Ridgewood;, and the 55 Chevy at Hawthorne. I chose the Chevy, and pretty much set the direction of my "car life".
Days when even a kid just working in a bicycle shop after school could afford a nice car!
Regards,
Alan

[Ralph T.]

Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet, Hawthorne, NJ

Hi Ralph,
I grew up in Fair Lawn and my wife in Midland Park.
When I was ready to buy my first car I looked at an MG TF at a tiny car lot across the street from the rr station in Ridgewood;, and the 55 Chevy at Hawthorne. I chose the Chevy, and pretty much set the direction of my "car life".
Days when even a kid just working in a bicycle shop after school could afford a nice car!
Regards,
Alan

Hi Alan: Thanks for getting back! I'm sure you made out much better with the '55 than your other possibility. I bet you wish you had the '55 back again! Ridgewood was kind of a magnet for lots of hot cars in the '60's and early '70's. Cruising up and down Ridgewood Avenue and trying not to draw too much attention (heh, heh). I haven't lived back in the area since I left for the Air Force in 1970. It was quite a place in which to grow up!
Best,
Ralph

[Michael G.]

Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet, Hawthorne, NJ

Hi Ralph. The issue I am having is that the build sheet (tank sticker) shows Hawthorne Chevy as it's destination. One previous owner (#3) believes it was originally from Ridgewood as he was told by owner #2. I'm trying to find out where I should focus my efforts to find any past history. Thanks, Mike

[Ralph T.]

Re: Hawthorne Chevrolet, Hawthorne, NJ

Mike: Stick with Hawthorne Chevrolet. Nadler Chevrolet (Ridgewood) could have received the car from Hawthorne on a swap but it is not likely. Nadler didn't really deal in performance cars. Their shop was small and they would just as soon sell a Caprice or Malibu. Dealers won't have much (if anything) from back then. The paper work was simply overwhelming and GM recommended 5 years and out!
Ralph