Motor Sales and Service was was owned by Norman P. Dunlap for twenty five years, starting in 1946. Dodge and Plymouth vehicles were sold from the modern dealership located at Kellogg and Lincoln Way. Norm Dunlap was the son of Harry B. Dunlap, who with Norm's brother Zac, operated Dunlap Motors in Ames.
TENTH YEAR FOR NORM DUNLAP IN DODGE DEALERSHIP
Ames Daily Tribune, Monday, April 16, 1956
Ten years ago Norman P. Dunlap, owner and operator of Motor Sales and Service, opened this Dodge-Plymouth agency at Lincoln Way and Kellogg. During the relatively short period of time since then he has been impressed by many developments in the industry, but most of all by what he describes as "the marvelous advancements in engineering resulting in trouble free motoring and far less service attention."
Of course there will always be a need for service departments, but the functions may be of a decidedly different nature if the experiences of Dunlap are an indication. Since the advent of the V-8 Dodge in October, 1952, the local dealer does not know of one using a quart of oil in the normal change period of 1,000 miles, or has a single major overhaul job been necessary. "The complete development of the V-8 line has been a vast improvement as far as lessening service requirements is concerned." Dunlap stated.
With the new type of bonded brake linings, brake jobs are necessary only once in 40,000 to 60,000 miles whereas with the older riveted linings the brakes had to be replaced every 15,000 to 25,000 miles. Other repair jobs have been similarly cut down. Cars may cost more than 10 years ago, but people are certainly getting more for their money, the dealer commented.
Styling, color and comfort qualities in riding are chief factors in selling new cars, he believes. Year in and year out various hues of green seem to rank at the top of the best seller list colorwise. Two-tone greens or green and white combinations are perennial favorites. This year two-tone grays and a white and gray combination have been well-liked. Fancy names for colors don't meant too much to the customer or for that matter to the salesmen who find it hard to remember the ever-changing prefixes to the regular colors.
The public is unpredictable in its wants, related Dunlap. Last year, for example, there was a run on hard tops for the first three or four months. They outsold other cars by two or three to one. Just when Motor Sales had a good supply on hand the public fancy suddenly switched to 4-door conventional models!
Dunlap, who is assisted in the operation of the business by his sales manager, Joe Alfred, points out that their philosophy has been to provide quality services at honest prices. "We feel that our responsibility to the customer has just begun when he takes delivery of a new Dodge or Plymouth." he said.
In addition to Dunlap and Alfred, Motor Sales is staffed by Bob Johnson, Don Miller and Otis Munson, salesmen; Fred Kaltenhauser, parts manager; Mary O'Neil, manager of accounting; Mrs. Gertrude Burrell, assistant in accounting; Dale Sallsbury, service manager; Floyd Hage, Bob Baird, Al Swigert, Les DeMouth and Tony Koloe, mechanics; Don Morrow, lubrication man and Cornel Stone, wash man.