Hillcrest Motors, LTD, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

[dieseltdi]

Just got my birth Certificate and it appears that my 57 came into NA via Halifax, Nova Scotia. The dealer there, and distributor was Hillcrest Motors, LTD. I am looking for information on this dealership. Anything would be helpful. Thanks, Hayden

[EverettB]

I don't know anything myself but there are some dealer items on the site here in the dealer section:
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/archives/info/dealers/hillcrestmotors_halifax_ns.php
_________________
How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[Rome]

Hayden, there is a VW dealer with the same name in Halifax, located on the same street as the one in the '50's. http://www.hillcrestvw.com/?lng=2
The "about us" section does not list the dealer's history, though in nearly every reference the year 1979 is listed. You could write to the General Manager to inquire if he knows about the original dealer/legacy of the name at the time of the 1979 opening. Sending along an image of your car's BC and of the car itself would be an essential tie-in to your inquiry, since the GM has no actual monetary interest in your car and would respond simply as a courtesy.

You could write to the Halifax Chamber of Commerce to request information on the original dealer/distributor, along with any period photos in their files. Try writing the Halifax public library's research director for period articles (such as building expansions/openings) on the original dealer.

[dieseltdi]

Thanks Rome, great suggestions. I was actually going to try and contact the dealer. I had done some preliminary looking of dealer information and actually found when the dealership changed hands so you are right about the 1979 thing. I hadn't thought about the chamber of commerce or sending pictures to the general manager. All really good ideas. Thanks again. BTW, if things work out right, this summer my wife and I are intending to visit Halifax so I might even stop into the dealership at that time. Hayden

[Terry Gaudet]

Hayden,

I know this dealership well. It's only a couple of hours from my home. They are still in operation. Congrats on finding out the history of your oval. Most people don't get the BC and never know.

Could you please share some pics of the oval?

PS - I bought a 55 oval that was delivered to MacCann Motors in Nova Scotia. I live 45 minutes away. Crazy story.....
_________________
Terry Gaudet

1950 Beetle Standard
1955 Canadian Custom
1956 Kombi w/SO23 kit
1965 Kombi walkthrough
1965 Double Cab

[dieseltdi]

Here are some pictures. See them all in the Gallery

[René R.]

That is a seriously great looking car.
_________________
Gone but not forgotten: 1950 Hoffman split (restored in 1966) - another 1950 Hoffman split (restored in 1996)

[EverettB]

Wow, nice!!
_________________
How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[dieseltdi]

Wish I could take credit for how it looks but alas, I bought it this way. It owes some of it good looks to a decent repaint that probably happened in the 90's when it went on display in a Tenn VW showroom. It stayed there until around 2008 or so. I do intend to replace the fender beading and have the wheel disks repainted to the correct pastel white color. I does has a few spot of rust on the lower edges of the fenders but overall it is in excellent shape. I have just replaced all of the shocks with WW versions, did axle seals in the back (reinstalled the oil slingers which someone took out at some time), new brake shoes in the rear and new tie rod ends up front. Will probably need to do the steering box at some point as it is leaking pretty badly. I also will replace the later model ignition switch (an SC) with the proper screw terminal SG unit (which I have), replace the light switch with the proper screw terminal version and the flasher/blinker relay with the correct units. I have the flasher in hand and I am waiting on the light switch. We have a local show on Nov. 4 so I am trying to get all that stuff done. I also have a single wheel trailer to refinish in the same Agave green as the car. So much to do, so little time. Hayden

[wcfvw69]

[Joey]

I don't remember where they were originally located but according to Google maps it's now a Honda dealership. When I first bought my '56 Beetle 13 years ago I went to Hillcrest and purchased a set of tail pipes from them. They were the only thing they had left for an air-cooled VW. I use to get a bunch of free stuff from them - t-shirts, key chains, hats, etc - to give away at our VW club events. O'Regan's bought them out a few years ago and that was the end of the free stuff. Also, any interest in the air-cooled history they had is gone as well.
_________________
Joey

‘60 Kombi - '74 Bus - '79 Panel - '65 Beetle