Vandergriff Chevrolet: Celebrating Nearly 90 Years in Arlington

By Jason S. Sullivan, Arlington Historical Society 

Vandergriff Chevrolet is one of Arlington’s most iconic and longest-running businesses, established in 1937. As we gear up for the Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show on September 26, we’re looking back at the company’s rich local history alongside several nostalgic newspaper ads from over the years. 

Vandergriff Chevrolet 

W. T. “Hooker” Vandergriff (1902–1992) opened his first dealership in 1926—the year his son, Tom, was born—in Carrollton. In 1937, the family moved to Arlington, then a town of 4,000, where Vandergriff bought a full-service dealership built for J.C. Thannisch in 1927-1928. Located at Center and Division Streets, it sat along the Bankhead Highway—a 3,000-mile, cross-country route that birthed highway tourism and businesses catering to motorists, including dealerships, garages, gas stations, diners, and motels. 

Vandergriff purchased both Thannisch locations, selling used cars at the smaller Main Street lot and new cars at the larger Division Street showroom. Operating Vandergriff Chevrolet there from 1937 to 1966, the dealership anchored the influential “Arlington Auto Aisle,” a cluster of neighboring lots that revved the local economy. 

“Take a ten-minute trip 
Down the Arlington Strip 
A thousand cars in half a mile 
And a “Silver-Wheel Deal” that’s really worthwhile 
Arlington, Arlington, Arlington, Arlington Auto Aisle” 
 
—Arlington Auto Aisle advertising jingle— 

The Vandergriffs were instrumental in bringing the General Motors Assembly Plant to Arlington—a massive win for the growing town. Since opening in 1954, the plant has assembled over 13 million vehicles and served as an economic cornerstone. Without Vandergriff Chevrolet establishing roots here first, Tom Vandergriff may never have become mayor to lead the push, and the GM plant could easily have landed elsewhere—either of which would have forever changed Arlington’s trajectory. 

In 1966, Vandergriff relocated to Division and Collins, selling cars there for nearly 30 years before moving to I-20 in South Arlington. Today, the name lives on across Chevrolet, Honda, Toyota, and Hyundai dealerships. At their peak, the family owned dealerships in several cities alongside a wrecker service, repair centers, and even furniture and appliance sales. 

Though renovated and repurposed, the original Vandergriff Building at Center and Division is the oldest commercial structure in Arlington. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated a City Landmark, it remains a powerful link to local automotive history. 

Downtown Arlington Car Show 

The Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show returns on September 26 and will be held around the iconic Vandergriff Building. More than just a celebration of beautiful rides, it’s symbolic of Arlington’s century-long relationship with the automobile. The event’s location along the historic Bankhead Highway and near the Vandergriff Building is no coincidence. In fact, it is highly likely that some of the classic cars on display were assembled just down the road at our own GM Plant, culminating in an intersection of history, culture, and industry. Fittingly, Hooker’s great-granddaughter, Caroline Vandergriff, will serve as this year’s MC for the awards. 

Ads from a Bygone Era 

To celebrate nearly 90 years of Vandergriff Chevrolet in Arlington and the upcoming Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show, here are some fun newspaper ads, including an early one for used school buses. A fascinating mix of commerce and culture, they tell the story of small-town Arlington, a growing family business, and the evolution of print advertising. Plus, the vintage photos and retro prices are a true blast from the past! 

Author

Jason S. Sullivan is a blogger exploring the past and present of Arlington. He has also contributed several local history articles to the City of Arlington's website. As a board member, newsletter editor, and social media manager for the Arlington Historical Society, he is instrumental in sharing local history and preserving stories for future generations. In 2023, he received the Debbie Reynolds-Hazen Award, recognizing a younger individual for leadership in collecting and preserving Tarrant County's history. Visit his blog at JasonSSullivan.com.

About the Arlington 150 Blog Series

In celebration of Arlington’s 150th anniversary, Downtown Arlington is proud to partner with Arlington Historical Society to share the stories that shaped our city. This monthly series highlights the people, places, and moments that built Arlington into the community we know today as part of the City’s 150th celebration.