Colussy Chevrolet marks 90 years in business

To say that Colussy Chevrolet has enjoyed longevity as a franchised new-car and truck dealership is something of an understatement. The family-run operation on Washington Pike in South Fayette Township was established 90 years ago, in 1918, which makes it the oldest continuously operated Chevrolet dealership of its kind in America. More significantly, business is still going strong.

Brothers Tim and Jon Colussy are the third generation to guide the fortunes of the Chevrolet dealership. The family saga actually began in 1902, when Louis Colussy and his family arrived from Italy and settled in Bridgeville, Pa. Of the six boys in the tight-knit family, young Albert showed a knack for repairing cars and trucks. In 1918, the enterprising young man bought three Chevrolets from the Bridgeville Feed Company. Taken by their design and performance, 18-year-old Albert applied for and was awarded the Chevrolet franchise in Bridgeville. Eventually all six brothers were involved in the business of selling Chevrolets.

A setback came in 1927, when a fire destroyed the Colussy’s garage, the apartment above it and 31 Chevrolets. Undaunted, the family rebuilt on the same spot. A sign in the new Colussy showroom read: “Every six seconds someone buys a new Chevrolet.” In 1934 three of the brothers organized another dealership, but Arthur, Albert and Gilbert stayed together with Chevrolet.

When Albert retired in 1972, Gilbert and Louis “Skip” Colussy took the helm of the dealership. The name was changed to Colussy Chevrolet, Inc. At nearly the same time, a new facility was built outside Bridgeville in South Fayette Township.

In 2000, Skip Colussy relinquished the reins of the dealership, turning them over to sons Tim, who is now president, and Jon, who is vice president. “Our father did a great job of planning a succession,” said Tim, “which is something a family business too often fails to do.”

With 50 employees, Colussy Chevrolet now occupies a four-acre site. Two facilities include the Chevrolet dealership, a service center, a commercial truck site and a newly built Collision Center.

How has the family dealership managed to be successful for 90 years? “We certainly feel we’ve been blessed,” said Tim Colussy. “We’ve also really been customer focused, so we do a lot of repeat and referral business.”

The family has stayed true to the Chevrolet brand for what is nearing a century, and has never added other franchises. “We’ve always felt Chevrolet is a good franchise to have, with broad market appeal: trucks, SUVs, sports cars, crossovers—all the bases are covered.”

At the moment, said Colussy, the product line is strong and getting stronger. The economical 2008 Cobalt, “a good, affordable small car,” has been very popular in the Pittsburgh market. The 2008 Malibu has earned accolades. As for 2009, the scheduled return of the Camaro has created lots of anticipation.

The South Fayette Township dealership, meanwhile, will continue to do business as it has always done it. “We pride ourselves,” said Colussy, “on making each customer a customer for life.”