Courtesy Chevrolet
Phoenix, AZ
Photo courtesy Rob Svirskas

Cruising along Camelback Road after dark brings you face to face with one of the grandest roadside neon treasures in the entire Southwest: the legendary Courtesy Chevrolet marquee. Anyone who loves classic American road trips knows that nothing beats the thrill of seeing a genuine space age landmark blazing across the desert sky, and this massive thirty-foot asymmetrical arrow does just that, pointing drivers straight toward the lot with pure mid-century optimism.

Courtesy Chevrolet
Phoenix, AZ
Photo courtesy Gorb70

The dealership first got its start in 1955 operating out of an old farmhouse down the road before constructing this permanent complex at 1233 E. Camelback in 1957. That was the very same year this multi-ton Googie marvel was planted along what was then the quiet, desert outskirts of Phoenix. Designed by co-founder Millie Fitzgerald and constructed by legendary Valley sign artisan Glen Guyett, the display became an instant roadside favorite thanks to its dazzling mechanical animation sequence powered by nearly 5,000 bulbs that brought the entire intersection alive.

Courtesy Chevrolet close-up of marquee
Phoenix, AZ
Photo courtesy Rod Holcomb

While local ghost hunters might be disappointed to hear there are no phantom Corvettes or spectral mechanics haunting the bays, the sign holds its own legendary pop culture status among roadside enthusiasts across the country. As modern Phoenix grew up around the lot, the beloved landmark remained a cherished survivor from the golden age of highway cruising. A recent preservation overhaul traded out the high-maintenance incandescent bulbs for an energy-efficient LED setup, flawlessly recreating the original 1957 flashing chase pattern so future generations of road trippers can enjoy the show.

UPDATE: Since these photos were taken, the huge marquee was threatened and removed from its original location. Fortunately, the sign was saved and moved to a new location on Camelback Road. The sign used to have incandescent bulbs which have since been replaced with LED bulbs like many other signs from yesteryear. 02-11

UPDATE: Courtesy Chevrolet remains open and thriving on Camelback Road, with its breathtaking 1957 animated Googie arrow sign fully preserved, blazing bright, and welcoming travelers into Phoenix. 08-26

Chevrolet Buick Pontiac (Closed)
Douglas, AZ
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

Cruising along G Avenue in Douglas brings you right past the historic storefront of Southern Arizona Auto, where classic roadside character meets over a century of borderland motoring history. For anyone who loves taking the back roads and tracking down forgotten commercial gems, spotting an authentic multi-brand dealership facade that still proudly champions long-lost automotive nameplates is the ultimate road-trip reward. It serves as an instant portal straight back to the mid-century golden age of the American highway.

Southern Arizona Auto
Douglas, AZ
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

The roots of this automotive landmark trace all the way back to 1908, easily making it one of the absolute longest-running continuous auto centers in Cochise County. In those early pioneer days of motoring, the showroom made a name for itself by delivering early high-end horseless carriages to the Southwest, operating as the premier border outpost for the Massachusetts-based Stevens-Duryea Company. As highway travel boomed and cross-country road trips became a national pastime, the facility grew into a high-volume General Motors dealership, completely tailored with wide showroom windows and an array of porcelain marquees that proudly showcased GM's legendary mid-century lineup: Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac.

Southern Arizona Auto
Douglas, AZ
Photo courtesy Devil Doll

The old building stands as a tangible time capsule of 20th-century automotive culture. While local ghost hunters might be disappointed that no phantom salesmen or spectral mechanics wander the showroom after hours, the exterior itself tells a poignant story of shifting pop culture and corporate evolution. Roadside travelers watched these classic brands vanish from modern roads, first when General Motors retired the 107-year-old Oldsmobile badge in 2004, and later when the iconic Pontiac division was shuttered in 2010. Following over a hundred years of continuous local service, the historic dealership finally closed its doors for good. The community ensured this heritage was never forgotten, dedicating a massive, stylized street-side mural honoring the local legacy with three vintage transport trucks spanning 1926, 1956, and 1972.

UPDATE: Southern Arizona Auto is permanently closed, and the classic GM brand marquees have been removed. The historic 1908 building structure remains standing along G Avenue and has since transitioned into new commercial uses. 08-26