Fencl Tufo and Brigance Chevrolet

[Mr70]

In hopes of cheering up a packer fan..

1968






1969's












1970

[1969l78]

Cool stuff

[TimG]

Frank has all the neat stuff. I still have my Nortell Olds emblem mounted in my garage.

[hvychev]

Thanks Tim. I actually have a Nortell Olds emblem from when they were still in Cicero, IL before they moved to the north side where you guys bought the 442 convert. The one I sent you went to the perfect place. Now you just need to fine the car!

[RayFencl]

It's interesting to see all of these posts about Fencl-Tufo and Brigance Chevrolet. Many car dealers sprouted from Dick Fencl Chevrolet. Here's some history. Dick Fencl started with Fencl Chevrolet in the 50's, then he brought in a partner by the Name of Pierce when he took a position with Greyhound Corporation. When he left Greyhound and bought out Pierce and Ralph Bogan, one of the founders of Greyhound joined him in the new partnership. Dick Fencl later bought out Bogan and then the store was named Dick Fencl Chevrolet. He also put his brother Ray in business with a Ford Dealership and his brother in law in business with Dick Z. Lincoln Mercury. During the 60's Dick Fencl Chevy was the number one seller of Corvettes in the Chicago Zone. As far as total sales, the Number 1 spot was rotated between Z-Frank, Brigance, Fencl and Nickey. They were the top Chevy dealers in the Chicago Zone. Z Frank did some Hi-Pro sales and Nickey, of course, the "The Purple People Eaters" that raced at Road America and Meadow Dale Raceway.

At this time Maury Ettleson was the Office Manager of Dick Fencl Chevy and Al Piemonte was the New Car Manager. Maury and Al left to buy Glenbrook Ford in Libertyvile. Then Al and Maury sold Glenbrook Ford and opened Al Piemonte Ford in Melrose Park.

Maury Ettleson wanted to get back in the Chevy business and he purchased a Chevy store in Elmhurst along with Dick Fencl and Nick Celozzi, who was the New Car Sales Manager at Al Piemonte Ford. That, of course, became Celozzi-Ettleson Chevrolet.

Johny Tufo was the Used Car Manager at Dick Fencl Chevrolet and he partnered with Dick Fencl to start Fencl-Tufo Chevrolet in Glendale. Johny brought several salesmen from Brigance Chevrolet and got into the high performance business.

After the riots in 1968, business slowed down for both Brigance and Dick Fencl in Oak Park and in 1969 Dick Fencl closed his Madison Ave. Store and Brigance lasted another year or so.

[mockingbird812]

Welcome aboard "Fencl". Thanks for the hx lesson!

[RPOLS3]

Whatever happened to the C/E dealership in Elmhurst? I believe there is now an Ettelson Cadillac but at what location?

My family bought a 74 Chevelle wagon and a 74 Chevelle coupe there brand new.

Jake

[wheelhop]

The Ettelson Cadillac dealership is at the intersection of LaGrange Road (45) and Joliet Road in Countryside, IL.

[Mr70]

Isn't that really Hodgkins?

Lotsa memories from that place..
I remember driving by there as we were coming home from Countyline Pizza on a Fall Sunday evening sometime during late 1971,and my Dad jumping on frontage rd.to get a better look at the new '72's.He was eyeing this 2dr. Chevelle,but my Mom steered him towards the wagons..We eventualy bought a Kingswood from them.
I met Nicks Celozzi's kid there once during the early 80's as he was an aspiring young actor.I think he appeared on the A Team,or some TV production.He tried to sell me a Blazer & was signing autographs too...no waiting.

[wheelhop]

Wasn't sure if it was Hodgkins or Countryside. I remember going to Celozzi Ettelson Chevrolet In Elmhurst "where you always save more money" in the summer of 79 with my friend Mike and his Dad. His Dad bought him a brand new 79 Z28 for his High School graduation present. He still has the car.