Brownell Pontiac, Birmingham Alabama
 

I just decoded the dealer to which my 66 GTO hardtop was delivered new. It was sold to Brownell Pontiac, 2900 Avenue E, Ensley, AL. Ensley is a downtown suburb of Birmingham.

I was wondering if any of you could tell me about this dealership? I know it is no longer in business. Does anyone have any old photos, or documentation from this dealership? I am just trying to complete the history on my GTO.

If anyone can help I would appreciate it.....

Here is the one pic I found of the dealership.

Attachment 175883

I'd say you did pretty good to even find that photo.

Man, I was born in Birmingham in 1971 and lived there through '89. I lived not too far from Ensley (western part of town, close to legion field - a location you will have heard of if you ever followed college football in the day, i.e. Paul Bear Bryant and the Crimson Tide). That said, I certainly remember hearing Brownell's name, but can't place exactly where they were located, I'm pretty sure they closed their doors pretty early. That building looks like downtown Ensley. Sorry I can't be of more help. Maybe I can try a few keywords from the area that turn up some more results.... The cool thing is that looks to be from 65 or 66 (note the Tiger in the window :) )

Check with David Jones (same screen-name) in the forum, he lives not too far from Ensley and might be able to help.

Plus, he's a REALLY OLD guy. ;)

Bromwell Pontiac
 

The tiger in the window is great. It kinda of dates the picture right in your cars year! I am looking for information on Doten Pontiac Berkley and then Oakland CA.

Pulled this up in Google Earth. Don't think they're selling new cars anymore :), though the building looks to still be there. Best I can tell they shut down in 1985. I asked my Brother and he said he thought they sold to Crown or one of the other Pontiac dealers in the area. If you find out definitively who they sold to then maybe you can find someone that can help you a bit?

I bet you a dollar there is some Pontiac "stuff" still in that old building somewhere.

This is pretty coincidental.

I got the PHS faxback today on the '67 GTO hardtop I'm buying.
It's a Lo-Po GTO (400 2bbl 255 hp,TH400, 2.78 peg leg with A/C and wire wheel hubcaps)

It too was delivered to Birmingham, Alabama....
Only to another dealership; Dough Willey Pontiac, Birmingham, Alabama

So far I've found next to nothing on them....
Anone here familiar with them too?

Seems they went out of business sometime in the eighies too.

Thanks!!

Erik

I certainly agree with Greg on this one. Where did yo ufind that pic?

Sorry for the really late reply!!!

I found the pic from a plain old google search of Brownell Pontiac!

I just did an updated Google maps street view dated 2014, and at that time the building was still there! Same brown brick fascade. Pretty amazing!

If I lived down there I would sure try and buy that building!

Regarding Brownell Pontiac - http://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Brownell_Motors and Willey Pontiac - http://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Williamson-Willey_Pontiac

Very Very cool link! Thanks for the additional info.
Maybe a road trip to Birmingham in my 66 for a photo shoot could be in the future???

I have sold dealer items from brownell Pontiac and doug willey Pontiac.
I had a 68 gto and 72 Lemans that was sold there.

Bought a Brownell Promotional Tag off a 68 Lemans . The owner said his Dad worked there and that Lemans was sold there.
I talk to two people who worked there.

May still have glovebox items.

Brownell Pontiac
 

I am very interested in any dealer items, literature, or advertising that has the Brownell Pontiac name on it.
Send me your contact number and I will give you a call, or call me. 517 214 8610.

Thanks... Steve

If you're on Facebook, there's a public Pontiac Dealers group.

Not an avid Facebook user. I just find it not very intuitive, but I will give it a try. Thanks.