unit91

Anyone remember this Ford dealership from the 60s and 70s? Trying to find some info on this business - this is where my 68 Stang was delivered for sale back in the day.

Rokgtar

I live in Richmond but only since 1994. Richmond Ford is a long running Ford dealership here. Bill Talley Ford too, I believe... Drop by sometime and see if one of the old-timers there (if they have any) remember the dealership.

Rokgtar

A Google search shows hits for a Commeonwealth Ford in Richmond, Kentucky... Could it be Kentucky instead of Virginia?

unit91

Nope, it's Virginia. Was on Belt Boulevard in Richmond.

Isetta

I know all about Commonwealth Ford. 100 Block of Belt Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia. Later became Dick Strauss Ford, later moved to Midlothian Turnpike in Richmond, later became Sheehy Ford. I worked there as a lot boy in 1966 and 1967. Put license plates on a LOT of Mustangs! I still live in the Richmond area and see retired Dick Strauss every now and then. He is in really good shape - probably is 70 to 75 years old now. Commonwealth was a brand new facility in the mid-sixties and state of the art. It had just moved there from it's previous small location on Broad Street, just east of Broad Street Station.

unit91

Any idea if their sales paperwork still exists? Would like to find out who bought my car back then. Any photos of the dealership back then?

JHPSTANG

I'm in Richmond too, since mid 1970's, but never heard of this dealership. I wonder if it is where my convertible was delivered as well. Hmm, now I'm curious.
Isetta- what a cool story, maybe you put the plates on unit91's car back then!

Isetta

If you have been in Richmond since the mid-seventies you surely have heard of Dick Strauss and/or Dick Strauss Ford (formerly Commonwealth Ford). Mr. Strauss is an icon of Richmond and a highly respected businessman. He just celebrated his 80th birthday. The chances of a papertrail back to the original sale of the '68 is somewhere between slim and none. DMV records, however, are another story. I actually wrote a 7 page story about that most memorable job as lot boy working at Commonwealth Ford in '66 and '67, and remember the names of every one of the salesmen. The business was located very close to the intersection of Midlothian Turnpike (Route 60) and Belt Boulevard. The main part of the structure (showroom) is now used as a church, and the repair section seems to be a variety of smaller businesses.

JHPSTANG

Isetta- Of course I've heard of Dick Strauss, and his dealership. All that you say of him is true. I meant I had not heard of Commonwealth Ford.
That story would be a great read! Do you have an electronic version of it you could post as a link?
unit91- If you do any research I'd be interested to hear what you find out.

unit91

Yes, I'd like to read that story also!