Lewis Auto Sales: The Saab Place (1960–Present)

Introduction

The history of Lewis Auto Sales in Lisbon, Maine, reflects the evolution of a locally owned automobile business through more than six decades of economic, technological, and cultural change. Established in 1960, the company developed from an independent automobile dealership into a specialized Saab dealership known throughout Maine and New England as The Saab Place. Operating from locations along Lisbon Street, including its earlier association with 8 Lisbon Street and its later Saab-focused location at 42 Lisbon Street, Lewis Auto Sales became an important part of Lisbon’s commercial history.¹

Unlike large automobile dealerships located in major cities, Lewis Auto Sales represented the traditional small-town dealership model that depended on personal relationships, customer loyalty, and specialized knowledge. During the second half of the twentieth century, independent automobile dealers played an important role in communities throughout Maine by providing residents with access to reliable transportation while contributing to the economic life of local commercial districts.²

The history of Lewis Auto Sales also demonstrates the ability of a small business to adapt to changing markets. Beginning as a used automobile dealership, the company eventually developed a specialized identity centered on Saab automobiles. This transition allowed the business to establish a unique reputation among Saab owners, who valued the vehicles for their safety, engineering, and distinctive design. Over time, the dealership became more than a place to purchase automobiles; it became a regional destination for Saab sales, service, parts, and expertise.³

The story of Lewis Auto Sales is significant because it documents the changing character of automobile commerce in small-town Maine. From its beginnings in 1960 through its later years as The Saab Place, the business illustrates how locally owned companies adapted to industry changes while maintaining strong connections with their customers. The history of the dealership provides insight into the importance of independent businesses in shaping the identity and economic development of Lisbon Village.

The Early Years of Lewis Auto Sales (1960–1970s)

Lewis Auto Sales was established in 1960 during a period when automobile ownership was expanding rapidly throughout the United States. The decades following World War II brought significant changes to American transportation patterns, with automobiles becoming increasingly essential for employment, shopping, and family life. In communities such as Lisbon, independent automobile dealerships became important commercial institutions because they connected local residents with the growing automobile economy.⁴

During this period, used-car dealerships played an especially important role by providing affordable transportation options for customers who could not purchase new vehicles. Independent dealers often competed through reputation, personal service, and knowledge of the vehicles they sold. Businesses such as Lewis Auto Sales relied heavily on repeat customers and word-of-mouth recommendations, creating relationships that extended beyond individual automobile transactions.

The company’s early presence at 8 Lisbon Street represents an important stage in its development. This location reflects the dealership’s origins as a broader automobile sales business before its later specialization with Saab vehicles. The presence of Lewis Auto Sales on Lisbon Street also demonstrates the importance of the corridor as a commercial area where locally owned businesses served residents of Lisbon and surrounding communities.⁵

During the twentieth century, Lisbon Street supported a variety of businesses that reflected the changing needs of the community. Automobile-related businesses were especially important because they supported the increasing dependence on personal transportation. Dealerships, repair shops, and service stations became recognizable landmarks within small towns, contributing both economically and socially to local identity.

As Lewis Auto Sales developed, the company established itself as a reliable automobile dealer while preparing for a transition that would eventually define its reputation: specialization in Saab automobiles.

The Saab Place Identity and Regional Reputation (1970s–2000s)

The transformation of Lewis Auto Sales into The Saab Place marked the most distinctive period in the company’s history. During the late twentieth century, Saab automobiles developed a devoted following among drivers who valued engineering innovation, safety features, durability, and performance in challenging climates. These qualities made Saab particularly attractive in northern New England, where drivers often faced difficult winter conditions and valued vehicles designed for reliability.⁶

As the dealership became associated with Saab automobiles, Lewis Auto Sales developed a specialized reputation that extended beyond the immediate Lisbon community. The business became a destination for Saab owners throughout Maine and surrounding states who sought knowledgeable sales assistance, repairs, parts, and service from a dealership familiar with the unique characteristics of the brand. This specialization distinguished The Saab Place from larger automobile dealerships that represented multiple manufacturers but often lacked the same level of brand-specific expertise.⁷

The success of The Saab Place reflected an important aspect of independent automobile businesses: specialization could provide an advantage in a competitive marketplace. While larger dealerships benefited from size and manufacturer connections, smaller businesses could compete by offering personal attention and technical knowledge. For Saab owners, a specialized dealership provided confidence that their vehicles were being serviced by people familiar with the brand’s engineering and history.

The dealership’s identity also reflected the relationship between automobiles and personal identity during the late twentieth century. Saab ownership often represented more than transportation; many owners viewed Saab vehicles as distinctive alternatives to more common automobile brands. The Saab Place helped support this community by maintaining a connection between owners, mechanics, and enthusiasts. In this way, the dealership became part of a larger regional network of Saab supporters.

By the later twentieth century, Lewis Auto Sales had become one of Maine’s best-known Saab specialists. The business maintained its Lisbon Street presence and continued operating as an independent dealership during a period when many smaller automobile businesses were disappearing due to increased competition from large automotive groups. The continued operation of The Saab Place demonstrated the value of customer loyalty and specialized knowledge in sustaining a small business.

The dealership’s longevity also reflected the importance of trust in automobile sales. Purchasing a vehicle represents a major financial decision, and customers often relied on local dealers whose reputations were built over many years. A business that remained in operation for decades benefited from relationships developed across generations of customers. Families who purchased vehicles from Lewis Auto Sales could return years later for additional purchases, service, or parts.

The history of The Saab Place therefore represents more than the story of a single automobile dealership. It reflects a broader pattern in American business history: the ability of small, specialized companies to survive by developing expertise and strong community connections. Lewis Auto Sales succeeded not by becoming a large dealership chain, but by maintaining a distinctive identity within a specialized automotive market.

Later Years, Adaptation, and Legacy (2000–Present)

The beginning of the twenty-first century brought significant challenges for Saab dealerships worldwide. Saab Automobile experienced financial difficulties and eventually ceased automobile production, changing the landscape for businesses that specialized in selling and servicing the brand. For many Saab dealers, the end of new vehicle production created uncertainty about the future of their operations.⁸

Lewis Auto Sales adapted by continuing to support Saab owners through parts, service, and technical knowledge. Rather than ending its connection with Saab automobiles, The Saab Place maintained its relationship with customers who continued driving existing Saab vehicles. This adaptation reflected the flexibility that had allowed the business to survive for decades.

The later history of Lewis Auto Sales demonstrates the importance of legacy businesses in preserving specialized knowledge. As automobile manufacturers change and older vehicle models become less common, independent specialists often become important sources of information, parts, and repair expertise. Businesses such as The Saab Place preserve knowledge that might otherwise disappear as larger dealerships focus on newer vehicle models.

Although the physical dealership location eventually closed, the legacy of Lewis Auto Sales remains connected to the Saab community. The business represents an era when independent dealerships were important landmarks along local roads and when specialized automotive knowledge created strong connections between businesses and customers.⁹

The history of Lewis Auto Sales also contributes to the broader commercial history of Lisbon. The business was part of a generation of locally owned enterprises that helped define the character of Lisbon Street. From its early years at 8 Lisbon Street to its later Saab-focused operation at 42 Lisbon Street, the company’s movement and evolution reflect the changing needs of both the automobile industry and the community it served.

The property history demonstrates how commercial buildings can carry layers of meaning over time. The locations associated with Lewis Auto Sales were not simply places where vehicles were bought and sold; they were places where business relationships developed and where local residents interacted with a trusted community institution. The dealership’s history therefore provides insight into the social importance of small businesses beyond their economic function.

Historic Significance

The property history of Lewis Auto Sales, including its locations at 8 Lisbon Street and 42 Lisbon Street in Lisbon, Maine, is significant because it represents the evolution of a locally owned automobile business over more than six decades. Established in 1960, the dealership reflects the importance of independent automotive businesses that served small communities during the second half of the twentieth century. Through its transition from a general automobile dealer to The Saab Place, the business demonstrated the ability of a local company to adapt to changing markets while maintaining a recognizable identity and strong customer relationships.

The history of Lewis Auto Sales also reflects the changing nature of automobile commerce in Maine. The dealership operated during a period when independent dealers provided essential transportation services to residents while competing with larger regional and national automotive companies. By specializing in Saab automobiles, Lewis Auto Sales developed a unique role within the automotive community, becoming a destination for customers seeking specialized knowledge, parts, and service. Its long association with Saab illustrates how small businesses could succeed by developing expertise and serving a dedicated customer base.

The legacy of Lewis Auto Sales extends beyond automobile sales. The business represents a period when locally owned companies helped shape the character of commercial streets throughout Maine. From its early operation at 8 Lisbon Street to its later identity as The Saab Place, the dealership contributed to Lisbon’s commercial history through decades of service and community connections. The story of Lewis Auto Sales demonstrates the lasting impact of independent businesses and their ability to preserve local identity while adapting to economic and technological change.

Conclusion

The history of Lewis Auto Sales in Lisbon, Maine, is a story of adaptation, specialization, and community connection. Beginning in 1960 as an independent automobile dealership, the business developed into The Saab Place, one of Maine’s most recognized Saab specialists. Over the years, the company successfully adjusted to changes in the automotive industry by focusing on customer service, technical knowledge, and a distinctive brand identity.

The movement between locations, including 8 Lisbon Street and 42 Lisbon Street, reflects the growth and changing needs of the business. Each location represents a different stage in the company’s development, from its early years as a general automobile dealer to its later reputation as a regional Saab destination. Together, these locations document the history of a business that remained connected to Lisbon while serving customers throughout Maine and New England.

The story of Lewis Auto Sales illustrates the broader importance of small businesses in local history. Although automobile industries and consumer preferences changed dramatically over time, the dealership maintained its significance through personal relationships and specialized expertise. The legacy of The Saab Place continues as an example of how independent businesses can adapt, endure, and become important parts of the communities they serve.

Footnotes

1. Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Brownfields Remediation Site List, listing Lewis Auto Sales at 8 Lisbon Street and Lewis Auto Sales Saab at 42 Lisbon Street, Lisbon, Maine.

2. U.S. Department of Transportation, The History of Transportation in the United States: The Automobile Era (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation).

3. The Saab Place, “Lewis Auto Sales, Inc. — Since 1960,” company history and Saab parts information.

4. James J. Flink, The Automobile Age (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1990).

5. Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Brownfields Remediation Site List, Lewis Auto Sales property records.

6. Saab Automobile AB, Saab Brand History and Vehicle Development Records; see also Saab historical publications describing vehicle design and engineering.

7. The Saab Place, “Lewis Auto Sales, Inc. — Since 1960,” company history and Saab services.

8. Saab Automobile AB entered bankruptcy proceedings in 2011 after financial difficulties and the cessation of new vehicle production.

9. The Saab Place, “Home Page,” describing continued Saab parts support and the company’s connection to Saab owners.

10. Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Brownfields Remediation Site List, listing Lewis Auto Sales at 8 Lisbon Street and Lewis Auto Sales Saab at 42 Lisbon Street, Lisbon, Maine.

11. The Saab Place, “Lewis Auto Sales, Inc. — Since 1960,” company history and Saab parts information.

12. U.S. Department of Transportation, The History of Transportation in the United States: The Automobile Era (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation).

13. James J. Flink, The Automobile Age (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1990).

14. Saab Automobile AB, Saab Brand History and Vehicle Development Records.

15. The Saab Place, “Home Page,” company information regarding Saab parts and customer support.

Bibliography

Government Records and Publications

Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Brownfields Remediation Site List. Augusta: Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Maine Department of the Secretary of State, Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Licensed Used Car Dealers List. Augusta: State of Maine.

Town of Lisbon, Maine. Personal Property Tax Commitment Books. Lisbon, Maine: Town of Lisbon.

Business and Industry Sources

The Saab Place. “Lewis Auto Sales, Inc. — Since 1960.” Lisbon, Maine.

The Saab Place. “Home Page: Saab Parts and Customer Support.” Lisbon, Maine.

Saab Automobile AB. Saab Brand History and Vehicle Development Records. Trollhättan, Sweden: Saab Automobile AB.

Historical Sources

Flink, James J. The Automobile Age. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1990.

U.S. Department of Transportation. The History of Transportation in the United States: The Automobile Era. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation.

Richard “Dick” Lussier and Lewis Auto Sales: A Legacy of Independent Automobile Sales in Lisbon, Maine

Introduction

The history of Lewis Auto Sales in Lisbon, Maine, is closely connected to the life and career of Richard “Dick” Lussier, a respected local automobile dealer whose name became synonymous with used-car sales in the community. For approximately seventy years, Lussier was associated with the automobile industry in Lisbon, establishing a reputation as a knowledgeable dealer who valued honesty, personal service, and long-term relationships with customers. Known locally as “Dick of Lewis Auto Sales,” he represented a generation of independent business owners who helped define the commercial character of small-town Maine.¹

Founded in 1960, Lewis Auto Sales developed during a period when locally owned automobile dealerships played an important role in communities throughout the state. Before the expansion of large automotive chains and regional dealership groups, independent dealers provided residents with access to affordable transportation while building their businesses through reputation and personal connections. Lussier’s career reflected this traditional model of automobile sales, where trust between dealer and customer was central to long-term success.²

The history of Lewis Auto Sales also illustrates the changing nature of the used automobile industry. While the dealership began during an era when independent dealers dominated many local markets, it continued operating into the twenty-first century despite increased competition from larger automotive businesses. Through decades of change, Lussier maintained the dealership’s identity as a locally operated business focused on customer service rather than corporate expansion.

The Career of Richard “Dick” Lussier

Richard Lussier became one of Lisbon’s best-known automobile dealers through his long association with Lewis Auto Sales. His career represented the importance of personal relationships in small-business success. Customers often returned to independent dealers because they trusted their knowledge of vehicles and appreciated the personal attention that larger dealerships sometimes lacked.

Throughout his career, Lussier specialized in the sale of pre-owned automobiles, helping residents find dependable transportation at affordable prices. Used-car dealers played an important role in communities such as Lisbon because they provided options for buyers who needed reliable vehicles but did not purchase new automobiles. Businesses like Lewis Auto Sales served an essential function by connecting customers with vehicles suited to their needs and budgets.³

Lussier’s reputation extended beyond automobile transactions. His name became closely associated with the business itself, and many community members recognized him simply as “Dick of Lewis Auto Sales.” This connection between owner and business was common among successful independent dealerships, where the personality and reputation of the owner became a major part of the company’s identity.

Lewis Auto Sales and Independent Automotive Commerce

Lewis Auto Sales represented a traditional form of small-town commerce that depended on customer loyalty and community reputation. Unlike large automobile dealerships with extensive advertising budgets and multiple locations, independent dealers relied heavily on repeat customers, referrals, and their standing within the community.

In 2011, Lussier gained attention when he advocated for changing the terminology used to describe used-car dealerships. He supported the term “preowned” rather than “used,” arguing that the newer terminology better represented the quality and professionalism of independent automobile retailers. His comments reflected a broader effort among small dealers to emphasize the value of their services and challenge perceptions that independent used-car businesses were less professional than larger dealerships.⁴

The position reflected Lussier’s broader philosophy of automobile sales: that a dealership’s reputation should be based on honesty, knowledge, and customer relationships rather than the size of the operation. This approach allowed Lewis Auto Sales to remain part of Lisbon’s commercial landscape for many decades.

Community Role and Lasting Legacy

Lewis Auto Sales became an important part of Lisbon’s commercial history by providing transportation services while contributing to the economic activity of Lisbon Street. Independent automobile dealerships often served as recognizable landmarks within small communities, and their presence helped define the character of local business districts.

The continuation of Lewis Auto Sales into the twenty-first century demonstrated the durability of locally owned businesses. Even as automobile sales changed and larger dealership networks became more common, the company maintained its connection to customers through personal service and decades of experience.

Richard Lussier passed away in 2015 at the age of 90. His obituary recognized him as a respected automobile dealer who dedicated much of his life to serving customers through Lewis Auto Sales.⁵ His career represented an era when family-operated dealerships were important community institutions and when business success was built through personal relationships developed over generations.

The legacy of Lewis Auto Sales remains an important part of Lisbon’s commercial heritage. The dealership’s history reflects not only the sale of automobiles but also the values associated with independent businesses: trust, familiarity, and commitment to community service. Through Richard Lussier’s leadership, Lewis Auto Sales became more than a dealership; it became a familiar part of Lisbon’s identity.

Footnotes

1. Richard R. Lussier obituary, Sun Journal, July 2015, recognizing Lussier’s long career as owner of Lewis Auto Sales.

2. James J. Flink, The Automobile Age (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1990).

3. U.S. Department of Transportation, historical materials regarding automobile ownership and the role of independent automobile dealers.

4. Bangor Daily News, “Used-Car Dealer Plates Get Name Change,” April 25, 2011, discussing Richard Lussier’s comments regarding the term “preowned” automobiles.

5. Richard R. Lussier obituary, Sun Journal, July 2015.

Bibliography

Newspapers and Periodicals

Bangor Daily News. “Used-Car Dealer Plates Get Name Change.” April 25, 2011.

Sun Journal. “Richard R. Lussier Obituary.” July 2015.

Government Records and Publications

Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Brownfields Remediation Site List. Augusta: Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Town of Lisbon, Maine. Personal Property Tax Commitment Books. Lisbon, Maine: Town of Lisbon.

U.S. Department of Transportation. The History of Transportation in the United States: The Automobile Era. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Transportation.

Books and Historical Sources

Flink, James J. The Automobile Age. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1990.

Business Records and Company History

The Saab Place. “Lewis Auto Sales, Inc. — Since 1960.” Lisbon, Maine.

The Saab Place. “Home Page: Saab Parts and Customer Support.” Lisbon, Maine.

Appendix

Richard R. Lussier (1925–2015) was a longtime Lisbon resident and was known locally as “Dick of Lewis Auto Sales.” His obituary identified him as a well-known and respected automobile dealer whose career spanned approximately seventy years, although it did not provide his residence address.¹ The Maine Department of Environmental Protection lists “Lewis Auto Sales” at 8 Lisbon Road, Lisbon, and separately lists “Lewis Auto Sales Saab” at 42 Lisbon Street, Lisbon, confirming two locations associated with the dealership’s history.² A 2011 article discussing Lussier’s effort to change the terminology used for automobile retailers from “used car dealer” to “preowned car dealer” identified him as the owner of Lewis Auto Sales in Lisbon. The article emphasized his belief that independent automobile dealers provided professional service, customer trust, and quality vehicles, although it did not provide a residential address for Lussier.³

Footnotes

1. “Richard R. Lussier Obituary,” Sun Journal, July 2015.

2. Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Brownfields Remediation Site List, listing “Lewis Auto Sales” at 8 Lisbon Road, Lisbon, Maine, and “Lewis Auto Sales Saab” at 42 Lisbon Street, Lisbon, Maine.

3. “Used-Car Dealer Plates Get Name Change,” Bangor Daily News, April 25, 2011.

Bibliography

Bangor Daily News. “Used-Car Dealer Plates Get Name Change.” April 25, 2011.

Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Brownfields Remediation Site List. Augusta: Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Sun Journal. “Richard R. Lussier Obituary.” July 2015.

Richard R. Lussier (1925–2015) played an important role in the commercial history of Lisbon, Maine, through his long association with Lewis Auto Sales. Known locally as “Dick of Lewis Auto Sales,” Lussier represented the tradition of the independent automobile dealer who built a successful business through personal relationships, customer trust, and knowledge of the automobile market. His approximately seventy-year career reflected the importance of locally owned dealerships in small communities, where businesses often became recognized landmarks and important parts of everyday life.

Lewis Auto Sales evolved through multiple locations and phases of operation, including its listing at 8 Lisbon Road and its later association with Lewis Auto Sales Saab at 42 Lisbon Street. Under Lussier’s leadership, the dealership developed a reputation for providing reliable automobiles and personalized service. His advocacy in 2011 for the term “preowned” rather than “used” automobile dealer demonstrated his commitment to presenting independent dealerships as professional businesses built on quality and customer service.

The history of Richard Lussier and Lewis Auto Sales illustrates the lasting impact of locally owned businesses in Lisbon. Although the automobile industry changed significantly during his lifetime, Lussier maintained a connection with generations of customers and contributed to the commercial identity of the community. The legacy of Lewis Auto Sales represents an era when independent dealers were not only places of business but also trusted community institutions that reflected the character and values of small-town Maine.