Collier Motors
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Car dealership |
| Founded | 1955 |
| Founder | Robert Collier |
| Headquarters | Pikeville, North Carolina |
| Products | Comprehensive automotive repairs and parts supply |
| Website | https://colliermotorsamc.com/ |
Collier Motors operates as a privately held car dealership with a focus on automobiles produced by American Motors Corporation (AMC), alongside various other brands. For numerous years, it functioned as an AMC-authorized dealership situated along business U.S. Route 117 in Pikeville, North Carolina.[1]
Background
In 1955, Robert Collier launched Collier Motors as a young entrepreneur in his twenties.[2] His father was also involved in the automotive sector and remained active until his eighties.[2] Initially, Collier sold Chevrolet vehicles but later shifted his focus to automobiles manufactured by American Motors Corporation (AMC).[3] This enduring partnership with AMC persisted until the automaker underwent partial acquisition by Renault in 1979.[4]
Following AMC’s introduction of Renault-imported models from France, Collier opted to exclusively offer domestically designed and manufactured vehicles.[2] Instead of retailing new Renault-based passenger cars like the 1983 Alliance, assembled in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the dealership concentrated on selling its existing inventory along with older AMC and Jeep models, as well as used vehicles from other American manufacturers. In 1987, American Motors was acquired by Chrysler.[5]
The dealership occupies approximately 5-acre (2.0 ha) on the western side of the former U.S. Route 117. By the year 2010, it was characterized as having "vehicles and parts gradually returning to the earth."[6] Robert Collier passed away on February 11, 2018, aged 88.[3] Management of his estate was primarily entrusted to his eldest son, Robbie Collier.[7]
Business
Collier Motors remains a snapshot of a bygone era. The Collier family, engaged in resolving Robert Collier's estate, continues to liquidate the remaining stock, much of which has been exposed outdoors on the lot since the early 1980s. The collection features AMC models from the 1970s and 1980s, including Gremlins, Pacers, Ambassadors, Matadors, Javelins, Eagles, Spirits, Hornets, and Concords. Several vehicles still display their original Monroney window stickers. Once all vehicles have been sold or otherwise removed, the site is planned for clearance and subsequent sale.
Historic AMC vehicles
Among the historic cars held by the Collier family and stored on-site are rare pieces such as Barry Goldwater’s two-seat AMX muscle car featuring a customized dashboard, two Alabama Highway Patrol Javelins, and a Nash used in the 1991 film The Marrying Man. The approach has been to sell only whole cars rather than dismantling them for parts. As of late 2021, estimates indicated approximately 40 sought-after and restoration-ready vehicles remain, including some with high-performance AMC options.
Television
In 2015, Collier Motors appeared in two History Channel programs: American Pickers (episode titled "A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall," originally broadcast on May 13, 2015) and Lost in Transmission (episode "Fly Like an Eagle," aired June 4, 2015). Additionally, Collier Motors was featured in Season 1, Episode 7 of Roadworthy Rescues, titled “Rebel with a Cause,” which premiered in fall 2022. This series stars Derek Bieri, the founder of the Vice Grip Garage YouTube channel.
References
- ↑ "Company Profile: Collier Motors AMC". Manta Media. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Jones, Wigwam (2005). "Loyal to the End". Archived from the original on 5 June 2009. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Obituaries: Bobby Collier". newsargus.com. Goldsboro News-Argus. 13 February 2018. Archived from the original on 6 September 2018. Retrieved 6 September 2018.
- ↑ gremlinx.com. "Collier Motors: The Last 'Surviving?' AMC Dealership". Archived from the original on 30 August 2009. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
- ↑ Holusha, John (10 March 1987). "Chrysler is buying American Motors; cost is $1.5 billion". The New York Times. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
- ↑ Hyde, Justin (15 September 2010). "America's Abandoned Auto Dealerships". Jalopnik. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
- ↑ Gilboy, James (14 October 2021). "The Clock Is Ticking for America's Last AMC Dealership". The Drive. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
Further reading
- Cotter, Tom; Martin, Keith (2010). "The good, the bad, and the lucky: Pikeville Purgatory". The Corvette in the Barn: More Great Stories of Automotive Archaeology. MBI Publishing. pp. 234–239. ISBN 9780760337974.
- Jancer, Matthew (April 2012). "Collier AMC Dealership – The Living Dead". Hot Rod Magazine. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
External links
- "Pikeville dealership sells cars of the past" (video). WRAL-TV. 22 November 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
Collier Motors, located in Pikeville of Wayne County, offers vehicles produced by the now-defunct American Motors Corporation, a modest automaker that left a significant legacy. Gremlins, Pacers, Matadors, Rebels — all AMC models and quintessential American classics.
- "Collier Motors". bangshift.com. August 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
- "Lost Dealerships of The Southeast US". route66rambler.com. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
- Strohl, Daniel (8 May 2008). "Still more old AMC dealerships spotted in North Carolina". Hemmings Motor News. Archived from the original on 12 May 2008. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
- "A recent visit to Collier Motors AMC". amccars.net. June–July 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2014.