Bob Smith Motors
Bob Smith Motors
Bob Smith Motor Company began selling cars in 1958 at 69th and Paseo. Over time, it relocated to 65th and Prospect, 65th and Troost, and 76th and Troost before settling at 215 W. Gregory Boulevard at Wornall Road in Kansas City, Missouri.
Its iconic, mid-century neon arrow beckoned customers onto the used car lot where Bob Smith proudly “represented cars honestly and priced them fairly,” as he always had and would continue doing for more than 60 years.
LUMI researcher Steve Hartwich dates the Bob Smith neon to the early 1960s and personally recalls seeing it at the 65th and Troost location in 1966. Said Bob’s 61-year old son, David Smith, “That sign is as old as I am.”
Bob Smith was as robust in life as his neon sign was alluring. Originally from Topeka, Bob was a “tough as nails” Kansas State University linebacker in the early 50s before serving in the United States Air Force. He and college sweetheart Janis were married 63 years and raised three children. Bob coached youth football and played an active role in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bob was devoted to his faith, active in his church, and humbly grateful for 49 years of continuous sobriety thanks to the love and fellowship he found in 12-step recovery.
Bob Smith Motor Co. closed soon after Bob Smith passed in 2019 at the age of 85. New owner Hawk Automotive was happy to retain the iconic sign for the few years before LUMI’s Nick Vedros became aware of its availability. Commenting on the sign’s weather-worn condition, David Smith mused, “It was always in good shape…it seems like the paint came off as soon as Dad died.”
The sign was rescued on a chilly November day in 2023. After complete restoration, it will again warm onlookers’ hearts and illuminate all to the business that was Bob Smith Motor Co.
Bob Smith Motor Company began selling cars in 1958 at 69th and Paseo. Over time, it relocated to 65th and Prospect, 65th and Troost, and 76th and Troost before settling at 215 W. Gregory Boulevard at Wornall Road in Kansas City, Missouri.
Its iconic, mid-century neon arrow beckoned customers onto the used car lot where Bob Smith proudly “represented cars honestly and priced them fairly,” as he always had and would continue doing for more than 60 years.
LUMI researcher Steve Hartwich dates the Bob Smith neon to the early 1960s and personally recalls seeing it at the 65th and Troost location in 1966. Said Bob’s 61-year old son, David Smith, “That sign is as old as I am.”
Bob Smith was as robust in life as his neon sign was alluring. Originally from Topeka, Bob was a “tough as nails” Kansas State University linebacker in the early 50s before serving in the United States Air Force. He and college sweetheart Janis were married 63 years and raised three children. Bob coached youth football and played an active role in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bob was devoted to his faith, active in his church, and humbly grateful for 49 years of continuous sobriety thanks to the love and fellowship he found in 12-step recovery.
Bob Smith Motor Co. closed soon after Bob Smith passed in 2019 at the age of 85. New owner Hawk Automotive was happy to retain the iconic sign for the few years before LUMI’s Nick Vedros became aware of its availability. Commenting on the sign’s weather-worn condition, David Smith mused, “It was always in good shape…it seems like the paint came off as soon as Dad died.”
The sign was rescued on a chilly November day in 2023. After complete restoration, it will again warm onlookers’ hearts and illuminate all to the business that was Bob Smith Motor Co.