Don Allen Chevrolet auto dealership on North Miami Avenue, formerly John Jones Dodge and Plymouth in the 40's photo

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	Courtesy of Gary Licko

Don Allen Chevrolet auto dealership on North Miami Avenue, formerly John Jones Dodge and Plymouth in the 40's

Miami, Florida

Don Allen was one of Miami's largest auto dealerships in the 50's and 60's and located on North Miami Avenue and NW 20th Street. They should have moved to the western suburbs before the area went downhill.

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Unless otherwise noted under the right bottom of the photo, all images are copyrighted by Don Boyd

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Betty		22-May-2023 21:24
Does anyone know who bought the dealership that might still have the records of the cars sold there? I have a 1963 corvette that was delivered and sold there.

Teresa		21-Jan-2021 14:16
By the way, my granddad's first name is Eugene.

Teresa		21-Jan-2021 14:13
My grandfather, Deacon E. Williams who is 94 years old and use to work at Don Allen Chevrolet. He is looking for his good friend Mr. Bill Hamilton who also worked at Don Allen Chevrolet. If anyone knows Mr. Hamilton and can contact him, will you please give him my phone number (305)232-0499 ext 103. I am desperately trying to help my granddad reconnect with Mr. Hamilton. Thank you!!!

Guest		25-May-2019 13:08
I bought my 1966 vette convertible there still have it today having it restored in Naples

Ron Ellis Jr		11-Apr-2019 18:57
Does anyone remember Dick Porter from Don Allen Chevrolet? He was a mechanic there and friends with my Dad, Ron Ellis. This was in the 50’s/60’s

Rich Renteria		02-Jan-2019 23:25
I own a 1964 Corvette that was purchased new from Don Allen Chevrolet 2050 N.Miami Ave. It was originally purchased New 8/6/64 Owners name was James H. Morrison. I can't figure out the signature of the salesman. The ID # for the "Owner Protection Plan" is B 859886. The car has been in my family in California sense 1976 I just thought I would add this info to see if with the info I have added someone may have info on this original owner.

sheila		18-Mar-2018 23:31
I cannot remember exactly when my dad, Jimmy (James) Roberts worked at Don Allen as a mechanic but it was somewhere around 1957 and then he went on to other dealerships. If my memory serves me, I think Don Allen used to have big Christmas Parties which my sister & I attended at least twice with Santa Claus handing out some little gift for every child.

Guest		17-Dec-2017 01:26
Looking for a trunk emblem/anything related to the Don Allen Chevrolet Miami dealership. You can email to. ccorvette@cfl.rr.com Thanks John

Guest		02-Nov-2017 01:42
Don The emblem is a diecast truck emblem says DON ALLEN Pensacola, Florida some minor pitting but look good Thanks Kevin

Guest		02-Nov-2017 01:36
It's a trunk emblem Chrome diecast DON ALLEN Pensacola , Florida Thanks Kevin

Kevin		27-Oct-2017 03:04
I meant to say trunk emblem...Kevin

Kevin		27-Oct-2017 03:03
To Don Allen that posted on 10/12/2017, I have a mint Don Allen/Pensacola car tag if you are interested. Kevin S. kevsclassic67@att.net

Guest		23-Oct-2017 16:49
I worked in the Parts Dept. at Don Allen Chev for a couple of years in the late 60's. Tom Lynch was the Parts Mgr. and was one of the worst bosses I've ever had.

Don Allen		12-Oct-2017 01:09
I'm looking for a trunk emblem from Don Allen Chevrolet. My name is Don Allen and I'd like to put one of these emblems on my antique car.

John Hibbert		07-Feb-2016 00:01
I have a 73 corvette that would have been sold at this dealer ship around March or April of 73. The serial number ends in 17112. If anyone knows how to find the original paperwork please contact me at ccorvette@cfl.rr.com. John

Guest		03-Jan-2016 21:07
I have a 1967 Corvette ordered for stock at Don Allen, black 435 HP coupe, sold on January 20/67, to a gentleman from Cortland, Ohio, on vacation with his wife after returning from Vietnam. wastherethen@gmail.com

Gus Figueredo		25-Jun-2015 20:36
Hey folks it was awesome to find this picture! Don Allen Chevrolet was my first job ever! I started there in the summer after turning 15, to "help" my father. He sold cars there from 1967 to 1978. His name is Francisco Figueredo, but everyone called him Figgy! He was there #1 salesman ther in all his tenure and went on to be one of the first Cubans, if not the first Cuban in the nation to own a Chevy dealership, Figueredo Chevrolet, which used to be Sark Chevrolet. In my time there I worked out his office which was so small, that the second chair that he had in it for clients partially stuck out! I remember sneaking out to new car get ready, where Washington and Roosvelt worked, so that I could sneak a look at their "girlie" magazines. Ray Fogarty, the owner, would personally hand me my "paycheck", which was an envelope that contained $20.... I didn't know until years later, it was my Dad actually paying me. When I showed him this picture to my Dad, he lit up like a Christmas tree. I could tell it brought back great memories. We started talking about folks and came up with this as best as he and I can remember.... please forgive us if we got something wrong or left someone out. Don Allen Chevrolet: Ray Fogarty - Owner Bruce King - General Manager John Ostreich? - Sales Manager Raoul Clayton - Fleet Manager Chuck Surles - Used Car Manager Ralph Hart/Tom Lynch - Parts Manager Howard Burwell/Tom Lynch - Service Manager Service Writers/Advisors - Bill "The Legend" Hamilton, Red Wheeler, Tom Brent My Dad loved this place and so did I. To this day, he still has some of the invoices for his old clients, many of which bought their first car from him, many of which he helped establish credit for..... it seems like a lifetime ago, but the memories are still vivid. Thanks for letting us walk through memory lane! Regards, Gus Figueredo

Tom Lynch (III)		16-Mar-2015 16:15
My dad was parts manager and service manager at Don Allen in the mid 60's until the 80's. His name was Tom Lynch and unfortunately he died in January 2013. I hung around the dealership a lot in the 60's when I was a kid. I remember Howard Burwell, Red Wheeler, Bill Hamilton and Tom Brent. I worked in parts for a short time in 71 and 72 before I joined the USMC.

Guest		10-Dec-2014 01:48
My father (his nickname was Whitey)worked there. 1959-61? He says he drove the second Corvair delivered in Florida off the truck. I have a picture of him with his wife's father working at the dealership.

Larry		24-Jun-2014 22:08
I own a 71 montecarlo sold new at don allen Miami love the image of dealership. Found a vanity license plate from d allen Miami with initialsCK embossed on it on line purchase wondered who that may be , sales or..... dream of seeing my car on the lot in the day!!

Bill Derr		10-Nov-2013 03:54
I'm trying to locate an original Don Allen Chevrolet nameplate, the type that would be placed on new cars. My 1969 Camaro was originally purchased from Don Allen and I really would like to have an original name plate to top off the restoration. Contact me at sdscbilder@aol.com if you have one you could part with. Bill

Don Boyd		05-Dec-2012 06:57
Long shots or not, I don't mind it at all if you folks post items looking for previous owners of their vehicles. Somebody might see your posting and have the information that you're looking for so go for it. : ) Don .

D. Del Toro		04-Dec-2012 22:54
Have a 1956 Corvette that could have been purchased at Don Allen Chevrolet in Manhattan. I bought it in Long Island. I know this thread is about Florida, so it's a long shot. The previous owner was an Anthony T. Cerniglia, from Brooklyn. Looks like from death records he ended up living in Florida. Anybody ever heard of Anthony Cerniglia down there?

Guest		10-Nov-2012 23:02
my name is tom brent iwork at don allen chev with dan reigel bill hamilton any many others from 1965 to the closing one of my best memorys was fridays lunchs at the miami out board club best job i had thanks for the memories

Mike Parker		06-Jun-2012 02:09
I have a red 1962 Corvette sold new by Don Allen Chevrolet. I am trying to find the name of the original owner or anyone along the way. My car was manufactured on 4/19/1962. I purchased this car 2.5 years ago in Largo and know that it was restored in Sarasota by Corvettes West about 14years ago. The owner then was Skip Williams of Sarasota. If anyone can help me in my search I would appreciate it very much. VIN 20867S110056 Mike Parker

Andrew		05-Jun-2012 06:28
Looking for any information on my 1969 corvette. Delivered to Don Allen chev in Jan 1969. Car is a base engine, automatic coupe, yellow and black with air cond. Any info would be great!

Danny Reigel		03-Feb-2012 15:28
I worked at Don Allen from 1967-1981 and I don't recall anyone named "Morrison".There were alot of employees.The only employee from the NY Don Allen(midtown)was Benny DiPuglia,who left Don Allen to become an instructor at the GM training center in No.Miami Beach.I was a mechanic and mechanics were always coming/going.If "Morrison"was a mechanic i'm sure I would've known him.The dealership really was one family.The area went downhill and closed in '82-'83.Hope I was helpful.Danny Reigel

Guest		24-Jan-2012 16:48
Would anyone know if a man with a last name of "Morrison" had ever worked at Don Allen's Chevrolet miami location ppssibly during the 60's and/or 70's? This gentleman had previously worked for their Manhattan location. Thank you!!! (Peter Faughnan)

Guest		15-Jan-2012 07:37
Just for what's it's worth, there was also a Don Allen dealership in New York City in the 1950's. It was in the General Motors building on Broadway at 57th Street. They called it Chevrolet by Don Allen The World's Largest Car Dealer.

Sebastian Almeida		11-Jul-2011 03:59
I am from Ecuador, my grand pa bought a chevrolet c10 custom deluxe 78 in the same year, after that my dad bought the truck and now i have it. i am restoring it, but i want more info about the truck. i have the original "Manufacturer´s Statement of Origin To a Motor Vehicle"... really old paper btw. anyone who could give me info arqsebastianalmeida@gmail.com thanks.

Max Hefter		06-Jul-2011 02:24
I own a 1963 corvette stingray convertible with FACTORY AIR. They only made about 52 convertibles corvettes with factory air in 63. Out of the 52 only 23 are known to exist. Mine was purchased around July-August in 1963 , I am searching for the original owner who bought this from Don Allen Chevrolet in Miami. Would anyone have any records? maybe a sales person who kept customers list? type of car they bought... Florida DMV only has records going back 10 years... I need HELP...

Mel Sethman		17-Apr-2011 18:36
I worked as a painter at Don Allen from '61-'82. Thanks for the memories. -Mel

John T.		18-Feb-2011 17:56
I remember that around 1955 Dick & Dave Morgan or at least one of them worked there they were twins. I worked across the street at Peninsular Motor Parts they sold Mopar parts.The owner was Alfonso Benito Christopher who also owned Christopher Motors.I also worked there in early fifties,they were a Desota- Plymoth dealer 12th St & NE Second ave.

Judy Winge		12-Feb-2011 16:09
While renovating an old house in Asheville, NC, we found a cigarette lighter with Don Allen Chevrolet logo on it. Was curious to know if the dealership was still around.

Don Boyd		05-Jun-2010 23:00
Ivan and Manny, welcome and thank you for posting the names and the memories. Don

IVAN FELLER		05-Jun-2010 22:11
BACK IN THE 1960'S TILL ITS CLOSE, DON ALLEN WAS RUN BY RAY FOGARTY, A GREAT G.M., BOUGHT MY 1ST CORVETTE RIGHT OFF THE FLOOR FROM NORMAN PASCARELLA, THE CORVETTE GURU OF THE DEALERSHIP. HE STARTED THE FIRST CORVETTE CLUB IN MIAMI AND WE DID HAVE SOME GOOD TIMES WITH OUR CARS. BILL HAMILTON & CHUCK SURLES WERE THE 2 BEST SERVICE WRITERS YOU COULD FIND. CHUCK BECAME USED CAR MGR AND AFTER HE LEFT DON ALLEN MOVED TO NO CAROLINA I THINK. SPENT A LOT OF TIME AT DON ALLEN, CONSIDERING I SPENT MOST OF MY TIME AROUND THE CORNER AT JOHNNIE & MACK BY THE RAILROAD TRACK..SOME REALLY GOOD PEOPLE WORKED IN THAT DEALERSHIP..BILL HAMILTON SHOULD BE CALLED MR CHEVROLET SERVICE WRITER AS I THINK HE MUST HAVE SAT ON SERVICE WRITERS STOOL AT ATLEAST 4 CHEVROLET STORES INCLUDING DADELAND. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.

Manny Rodriguez		03-Jun-2010 20:42
I worked as a porter for one year in Don Allen along with I beleive was Bill Hamilton's nephew in the early 70's. This is where my love affair started with the Corvette. I drove some of the best Corvettes anywhere. Red was a great boss. I still drive a Corvette today. Great memories. Manny Rodriguez

65vette		06-Oct-2009 21:20
Glad I came across you folks associated with Don Allen Chevrolet..I am looking for help. I own a 65 Corvette originally sold by Don Allen to Addison Electric Co. , Hollywood Fl. on 1/18/1965. I completely restored it to original and also traced previous owners through Florida DMV. The first title was issued in 1967 to Stanley Zimbo of Ft. Lauderdale. From 1967 to present I have documented ownership however a hole exists from 1/18/65 to 11/13/67. If any of you can help with info, please e-mail me.....TX..Eric Overberg. e-mail is eric.overberg@verizon.net

fran		02-Sep-2009 16:16
I own a 1962 impala ss convertible sold from here and was trying to find more info about the car especially pictures from that time of the dealership

Eileen Ruisanchez		27-Aug-2009 14:32
I just found a life insurance policy that my father purchased when he purchased his van back in 1978. I need more information regarding the policy. How can I speak with someone?

guest		14-Jul-2009 18:54
bill hamilton and don murray work at grand prize chevrolet

Danny Reigel		06-Feb-2008 00:54
I worked at Don Allen from '65-'82.I loved going to work everyday.We werea big family.Howard Burwell,service mngr.hired me in '65.I worked for Bill Hamilton(team 1)my partners were Tom Brent &Gordon Swenson.Over the past years i've seen Dave Getz, Bill Hamilton,Tom Brent,Mike Todd,Leo Dabbs,Don Murray and Frank Constanza.The dealership had a great corvette dept.and Dick Nail was the main'vette mechanic."Vettes went for $5500.I bought a rocket sled '65 malibu in '65,327-350 h.p..I hated to leave in '82 but Don Allen had sold out a few years earlier and the place wasn't the same.I remember Chuck & Mike Searles,Roger Foster,Charlie Coates and just about everyone that worked there.Don Allen had really great employees and we were appreciated by the management....Dan Reigel

C		22-Jan-2008 15:40
I was a Car porter in 1970 there. I remember Bill Hamilton and Bill Shaw (service writer) whom I use to play music with on the weekends. And Coates was THE porcelanizer. Great people there...Chuck Ludwig

Don Boyd		05-Jan-2008 03:15
Ray, thanks for that tidbit of information on the previous dealerships there. I'll add it to the description. Don

Ron Ellis jr		09-Nov-2007 19:21
This is just a hello from a friend of Ed Gagne's. he was a mechanic there for many years. just another part of the old group of friends from Don Allen and Luby chevrolet. Ron Ellis jr.

carey-gigi		21-Oct-2007 00:03
I remember going here around 1969 and 1970 my older sister worked here in the offices her name was carol rasche back then. I remember she bougth a 65 plymouth from the used car dept. My parents would sometimes drive past the building going to sears in the mid 50s . I remember seeing a 56 yellow and black chevy bel air in the showroom window in1968 I bougth the same year and color car rigth after finishing high school. I remember luby chevrolet on I think flagler st and around19th ave give or take a few blocks. My parents went there in 1957 and bougth a bronze and creme color station wagon , we had six kids. Remember going in the showroom and falling in luv with mid fifties chevys when I saw a yellow nomad and a red corvette on the showroom floor

ron ellis jr.		05-Oct-2007 17:55
Hello, my dad Ron Ellis, worked at Don Allen also and was friends with Chuck Surles. he mentioned Chucks 57 Chevy to me many times. i believe it was a black 57 2drhtp. my dad owned two of them in 57. i still remember going to Don Allen with my dad like it was yesterday. in my dads last days he was still proud to have been a mechanic there. i too am proud for him and will always remember the good times.

Dave		02-Aug-2007 21:09
I also remember Luby Cheverolet in the riverside area. I wonder if anyone has a picture of it. As I remember it was a mediterranean style building as was common in that neighborhood.

Guest		24-Jul-2007 16:47
Joe Garrison - front end & Roger Foster - heavy line worked there also

Guest		19-Jul-2007 04:58
my family worked at Don Allen Chevy from the late 50's to the mid 70/ to late 70's .. my dad started as a new car get ready all the way up Used Car Sale Mgr. My dads name was Chuck Surles / he also had my Uncle Orbie working as a used car tech..my bro Rick and I (Mike ) worked in the service Dept. Bill Hamilton was the man who worked with me in the service writers job / and the funny part my dad worked with Bill when Bill started at the service writers job, small world.. Dad, Rick, are gone now... i have not heard from or anything about Bill in years... and YES THERE WAS NO BETTER DEALERSHIP TO WORK OR TO BUY A CAR ANYWHERE...thanks for your time as I re-lived the early days, mike surles :)

George Young		22-Jun-2007 02:31
I returned to Miami after my stint in the Army in 1964. As soon as I got back to Miami, I went to Don Allens and bought a 1964 Impala SS that was Turquoise with a white interior with bucket seats. Boy, was that a nice car. Don Allen was a very good dealership that should have moved west, but didn't. I remember a guy that used to work at Don Allens named Bill Hamilton. Those were the good old days

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