In
the beginning...
Reg Smith, father of Garry and Warren, was born in 1903. His work
career prior to establishing a used car business was primarily mechanical
automotive. However, Reg also learnt motor cycle work including smash
repairs, wheel lacing etc. His automobile technical skills included
mechanical, body, painting, hoods and side curtains.
In 1930 Reg started a business, Smith's Motor
Smash Repairs in Fitzroy and with the depression hardening,
he closed it and returned to motor trimming and mechanical repairs
on contract. In the 1930's, with the advent of wireless and sound
pictures, Reg formed Smith's Radio Pty Ltd and sold wet batteries
and electric radios door to door.
Reg later opened a shop in Ivanhoe, then moved
to Fairfield and then Collingwood before changing to the Fitzroy
side of Smith Street and opening a branch at Footscray.
In 1948, Reg started a Used Car Yard in Glenferrie
Road, Hawthorn under the name of Reno Auto Sales Pty Ltd. This
business prospered and was moved to Richmond, and various other
outlets were opened. Reg Smith had taken up motor sport as
a hobby and was a most regular contender in all its aspects - circuit
racing, hill climbing, trials etc. in a number of different makes
of car. On 2nd October, 1960 Reg was competing at Bathurst in a
Porsche, and had broken the "Flying Quarter Mile" record,
when his car left the circuit, crashing into a tree. Unfortunately
Reg was killed instantly.
Growing with Melbourne...
In total, nine businesses were then continued to be run by Warren
Smith and after a period of consolidation, continued to prosper
and expand. In the late 1960's Warren Smith had many used car
outlets across Melbourne, trading under various names and became
one of the largest ever independent used car dealers in Victoria.
1974 -
Honda...
Our Honda Dealership was started at Oakleigh in 1974, Garry and
Warren Smith are the fourth oldest Honda dealer in Melbourne.
2000 -
Used Cars...
Along with our Used Car facilities at Mulgrave, Ringwood and Oakleigh
we are the leading Used Car brand in Melbourne.
Leading the way...
The Garry and Warren Smith group sells approximately 5,000 vehicles
per year, making us one of the largest automotive retailers
in Melbourne. Garry and Warren Smith holds the number one market
share in Melbourne over five product categories.
Garry and Warren Smith - Melbourne's best choice for new and used vehicles
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