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Building History

The Kelley Brothers, Leslie and Sidney, started in the automobile sales business in 1918 with a lot at 1228 South Olive Street in Downtown Los Angeles. They opened several more lots over the years, building their used car business into one of the most successful in car-crazy Southern California.

This dealership at 1225 South Figueroa Street, opened in the 1930s, became the largest used-car enterprise in the city.

This innovative family automobile dealership branched into various auto-related businesses aside from just selling cars. The obituary of Sidney "Buster" Kelley indicated: "He also pioneered the five-year auto loan, offered auto insurance and extended warranties and started an auto club for customers. At its peak after World War II, the Kelley Kar Co. had 600 employees and was selling 600 used cars and 400 new cars each month, the younger Kelley said." (See James S. Granelli, Los Angeles Times, SFGate.com, "Sidney 'Buster' Kelley, pioneer in used cars, Blue Book price guide," publishjed 12/08/2001, accessed 06/06/2022.)

Building Notes

The two-story Kelley Kar Company auto dealership operated in the 1930s at 1225 Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, CA. In 1926, the Kelley Kar Company was located at 1834 South Figueroa Street in Los Angeles.

Demolition

The Kelley Kar Company dealership was torn down. Later, the Los Angeles Convention Center's Gilbert Lindsay Plaza was erected on or near the site of this automobile seller's building.

PCAD id: 19024