Mathis Motors

[64V19816]

I’m here but they seem closed...

[Noxnabaker]

They used to sell "ant"s..?

[64V19816]

The last occupant was a very disorganized antique shop, probably 20 years ago. There’s a Donzi stored in the back, lots of other “stuff” but many broken windows, many boarded up. No real sign of any activity....the emblems are in very good shape, in fact with the right benefactor the place could be restored. ••••. I wouldn’t doubt if “the right person” was talked to a Studebaker show could come to pass there. Behind the building is their back lot, still open and grassed. Amazing to stand in the front parking lot and envision generations of New Studebakers parked there.

[rockne10]

... with the right benefactor the place could be restored.

It's major drawback is location, location, location.
It's in the center of a blighted neighborhood.

I wouldn’t doubt if “the right person” was talked to a Studebaker show could come to pass there..

I believe there are at least seven of those terra-cotta medallions on the building.

[Al from Eatonville]

Maybe a dumb question, but just where is this old dealership building located? Thanks in advance.

[64V19816]

It is on US Rt 322 in Pleasantville NJ, about 4 miles from Atlantic City. On a major highway.

[57pack]

I was in the Mathis dealership many years ago . Met the “younger” Mr. Mathis. He was a WW2 AAF veteran. As was my dad.
He sold me a lovey Studebaker Cars neon sign. I have since donated it to the Studebaker National Museum.

[rockne10]

Take a walk around the building.

https://www.google.com/maps/@39.3873...7i16384!8i8192

[Al from Eatonville]

Thank you so much for the additional information about location. I don't see myself in that part of the country for some time, if at all, but very definitely something to check out should I find myself in New Jersey.

[57pack]

It was quite a amazing building, such a shame it’s in a “bad” neighborhood and has been left to rot.
There was a huge Studebaker
mural on the back wall of the showroom and a gorgeous inlaid tile mosaic on the floor of a 1920’s Studebaker. May be still there under the junk and dirt.
Mathis Motors also had another dealership building in Egg Harbor City. I haven’t been able to locate where it was. I’m suspecting it was on the corner of US 30 and NJ 50. There was a Chevrolet dealer there some twenty years ago. Building and lot were torn down and a Dunkin Donuts is in that location.

[swvalcon]

If wasn't in a S hole area it would be a great place to remodel into a restaurant.

[64V19816]

Being where it IS, is what has saved it. Otherwise it would have been demolished for an office or retail development. There’s not much going on around there now, the AC Casino boom is over, probably little urge to demolish it but that sneaky devil fire has a way of doing away with untended big old buildings. Probably only minor damage would end up with it leveled.. who knows maybe somebody here will hit mega millions lottery buy and restore the place, buy Every Stude off eBay and become a dealer.

[rockne10]

A building like this, properly restored and offering a needed service in the area, is often the impetus to further neighborhood improvement and economy.

[StudeRich]

OK Brad, I don't believe it is possible to Photoshop all those Studes. in there, so WHAT's the Deal?

[56 Rando]

The South Jersey chapter had a cruise to go there probably 10 years ago now. That picture was taken that day. We probably had a dozen nice studes go on the cruise to Mathis. There wasn't anyone there, we just decided to take a ride and get some photos. I was there with my 56J. Cool old building, so sad its just sitting abandoned.