Ferman Chevrolet Truck Service and Ferman Oldsmobile, Washington Street

Ferman Chevrolet Truck Service and Ferman Oldsmobile, 401-409 Washington Street

Ferman Chevrolet Truck Service and Ferman Oldsmobile, 401-409 Washington Street. 1948. Burgert Brothers. Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System

When Ferman Chevrolet's new truck service department opened in June of 1948, it did so with a 2-day caravan show of 25 trucks mounted with the latest equipment available to promote the brand. The $100,000 convoy featured everything from light delivery rigs to large, heavy-duty haulers in the Chevy line. Ferman’s Oldsmobile showroom at the west end of the building opened at the same time. The 66,000 sq. ft. building constructed a heavy-weight bearing second floor to handle vehicles and a ramp from Washington Street to access it. Ferman already had an Oldsmobile and Chevrolet dealership a block away at 407 Jackson St. and has been in the car business for 53 years.

By the 1960s, this location was the Ferman Chevrolet service center. In 1976, the location reverted to truck service with another grand opening of the Ferman Truck Center. It was Ferman's final act here. In 1979 this location was the campaign headquarters for Bob Bondi for mayor, and in 1980, it was the Hillsborough County Jimmy Carter presidential election headquarters. Today, it is part of the 102 S Marion St parking area. W. Fred Ferman started in Tampa with a bicycle and sporting goods shop in 1895. Ferman Auto Group now represents 12 new American, European, and Asian car brands in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco Counties.

102 S Marion Parking Garage. 2021. © Chip Weiner

From Burgert Brothers: Look Again, Vol. 1

Construction at Ferman Chevrolet, 401-409 Washington Street. 1947.. Robertson and Fresh. Courtesy of the University of South Florida digital collection

The Ferman Chevrolet Truck Service shop, 401-409 Washington Street. Date unknown. Robertson and Fresh. Courtesy of the University of South Florida digital collection