From American Avenue to Cherry
Jim acquired the Jaguar franchise in 1961 as well and over the years, Boulevard had franchises in Long Beach for several car lines including Opel, Lincoln, Mercury, Merkur, Saab, Subaru and even the short-lived Sterling.Jim Willingham is legendary in the automobile business for his contributions to both his community and his industry. His civic involvement includes being President or Chairman of… Rotary of Long Beach, Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross LB Chapter, Long Beach Water Commission, Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees and the LB Convention/Visitors Bureau, just to name a few.
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Jim Willingham began selling automobiles on American Avenue at Ed James Studebaker in 1950. After stints working at C. Stanlee Martin Oldsmobile and Masters Pontiac, he worked for Charlie Campbell at "Campbell Buick". Charlie made him a partner (and eventually sold him the business) in Feb 1961. Campbell had just recently moved the dealership from Anaheim Street to its brand new facility at 1881 American Avenue. At the time, this was considered "the" place to buy a car in Southern California. After the street was changed to "Long Beach Boulevard" to really get the city on the map, Jim changed the name to Boulevard Buick. This photo is the Buick showroom, circa 1967.
In 1961 Boulevard acquired the Jaguar Franchise and over the years went through several incarnations as Boulevard British Cars.Jaguar had gone through several mergers and over the years Boulevard sold and serviced Triumphs, MG's, Rovers as well as Jags.In 1986, we acquired Monterey Jaguar/Rolls-Royce/Ferrari. The store was originally on Del Monte Avenue, right on the beach north of Fisherman's Wharf. In 1990, we built a new facility in the Seaside Auto Mall in the neighboring town of Seaside. The store had since had franchises for Saab and Infiniti. Jim sold a majority interest to a great dealer, Sam Linder and it is now known as Monterey Jaguar/Land Rover.