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History of the Dealership
Symes Cadillac was founded in January 1949 as Jack Symes Motors at the corner of El Molino and Green Street in the theatre district of Pasadena. The founder, Jack Symes, was a native of Great Britain who immigrated to the U.S. via Canada. He spent his entire working career in the automobile business managing the Don Lee Company, which was the Los Angeles distributor for Cadillac. When the FTC broke up the GM Distributorships, Mr. Symes was awarded the dealership in Pasadena.
William Symes, Jack’s son, became the dealer in 1952. Bill Symes grew up in South Pasadena and attended Stanford University where he played football in the 1941 Rose Bowl. He became a well-known television and radio sportscaster in South California, broadcasting the USC and LA Rams football games. He moved the dealership to its present location in 1971. He is a past president of the Pasadena Automobile Association, The California Motor Car Dealer Association and National Automobile Association.
John Symes, Bill’s son, entered the business in 1971 after attending the University of Oregon. He spent a number of years in the service and parts, used car and new car departments before becoming President and General Manager. John has also served as President of the Pasadena Dealer Association and the California Motor Car Dealer Association. Both Bill and John are Pasadena Rotarians and are active in the Community, sitting on various boards.
Symes Automotive, in its desire to grow again, acquired the Land Rover Franchise in 1990, Toyota in 1992 and Saab in 2000.
Symes Automotive is an Automotive Tradition in Pasadena and is committed to the growth and development of the community it serves.
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