Navajo Chevrolet Company
Album showing the Dealership at 116 E. Route 66 in Gallup, New Mexico, 1960s
Photo album; Silver prints (16)
Overall approximately 11 1/2 x 9 1/2 inches
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This sleek, midcentury presentation album showcases the Navajo Chevrolet Company car dealership in Gallup, New Mexico during the heyday of Chevy. Pristine 1958 Delrays are on view in varying colors...
This sleek, midcentury presentation album showcases the Navajo Chevrolet Company car dealership in Gallup, New Mexico during the heyday of Chevy. Pristine 1958 Delrays are on view in varying colors on the checkered floor of the tidy showroom while older cars are seen getting tune-ups in the sizable garage. A long standing and renowned dealership in the Southwest, Navajo Chevrolet Co. was acquired by J.M. Williams, a Native American businessman, in 1927. Known for his contributions to the Zuni-Gallup area of New Mexico, Williams built out the dazzling showroom and service station pictured. Navajo Chevrolet Company was inherited by Charles Williams in 1952 due to the failing health of the senior Williams, and later became known as Navajo Motors Inc. as they diversified the business, providing trailer and used car sales as well as rental services. The sixteen crisp and skillfully shot images show the bustling dealership and all of its constituent services, decorated in the quintessentially retro design of the era.
Gallup, NM is referred to as the “Indian Capital of the World” because of its proximity to reservations and its large Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni population. The Williams family are considered pioneers of the area and were celebrated members of the city. Navajo Motors Inc. received countless awards for their expert services and had over 70 employees at the time of their fiftieth anniversary in 1975. Charles Williams, who also ran Gallup Car Parts Company since 1940, was an active member of his community as a president of the Chamber of Commerce, part of the New Mexico highway commission, active in the church, and worked in conservation, and was on the board of directors on two separate business firms. Navajo Motors Inc. was located on 116 East 66 Avenue but is no longer in operation.
Gallup, NM is referred to as the “Indian Capital of the World” because of its proximity to reservations and its large Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni population. The Williams family are considered pioneers of the area and were celebrated members of the city. Navajo Motors Inc. received countless awards for their expert services and had over 70 employees at the time of their fiftieth anniversary in 1975. Charles Williams, who also ran Gallup Car Parts Company since 1940, was an active member of his community as a president of the Chamber of Commerce, part of the New Mexico highway commission, active in the church, and worked in conservation, and was on the board of directors on two separate business firms. Navajo Motors Inc. was located on 116 East 66 Avenue but is no longer in operation.