From visitor John Gillis:
"A new VW dealership, Champlain Volkswagen, opened in St. Albans, Vt
in the late '60's.
It was a new facility, very well done. It's showroom was on par with
the nicest Cadillac dealership. I visited it for the first time when
my oldest sister and her husband picked up their new 1971 Station
Wagon (bus). I believe they paid $2800. I later owned a '69 Beetle
and purchased many parts there. I worked for a service station/ body
shop, so I was given discounts on my purchases. My car was dented
all around when I bought it from the original owner. I purchased new
rear fenders for eleven dollars and change, each. I opted to repair
the front fenders. I could not justify paying the $23 apiece for new
ones. A replacement windshield cost me $28. I believe the most
expensive purchase while fixing this car up was the VW paint.
I can't remember the price. Possibly $23 per quart (Cobalt Blue),
the same price as a front fender. I got to know the service manager,
Bruce King, a great VW mechanic, and one of the salesmen, Elsworth
Moore. One of my best friends purchased a '72 Super Beetle. His
brother and I went there often as there was always some extra pieces
to buy, such as chrome fender guards and flared tail pipes. Whenever
we stopped by, Elsworth would hand us keys to the hottest new cars
tell us to take them out for a spin. We were 18 and 19! The trouble
was, we were broke, but we had a great time! |
