OLDS - The first handwritten Motocar Automotive invoice marked Nov. 19, 1984, sits in a frame on the wall of Lyn Lamb’s office.
It was for Kinnear Farms and listed bulbs, Autolite spark plugs and filters for a total of $23.10. It marked the start of his business on the corner of Highway 27 and Highway 2A offering parts and service. On Nov. 30, nearly 37 years to the day, the thriving business will close.
Building a business and a better community were top priorities when Lyn moved to Olds in 1969. Retirement and relaxation weren’t even a consideration. Lyn recently accepted an offer so he can now do both.
In 1984, Olds’ population was just under 5,000, Brian Mulroney was prime minister, Peter Lougheed was our premier, a new Camaro Berlinetta could be bought at Duffin GM in Olds for $14,250, and Lyn Lamb was launching a business he was well suited to run – he’d been operating similar ventures, including a Ford dealership, since he arrived.
This was long before laptops, smart phones, Netflix, and vehicles dependent on computer chips for operation. Back then engines needed frequent oil changes, gaskets, tune-ups, timing adjustments and carburetor recalibrations -- and you could do it yourself.
Lyn adapted, adjusted and grew. In the early 1990s he added a full mechanical shop. Conducting business with integrity and honour has always been key. Cutting corners and squeezing wallets were never his style. His many long-term employees – Larry and the two Randys, share the same values. Randy Smith has been behind the parts counter and working with Lyn for more than 40 years.
Tens of thousands of parts have been sold and vehicles repaired. The main entrance on Highway 2A uses the same door and hardware since it was built. The original part of the building remains -- virtually unchanged since it was built decades before Lyn arrived in town. The well-built door and its hardware, like this well-built business, have stood the test of time. Lyn’s always considered friendship, community support, and family equally important to Bumper to Bumper Motocar’s success as the parts, service and repairs it has offered.
Dec. 1 will mark a new chapter for Lyn, his wife Micki, and his staff. It will be a considerable adjustment for them, the community and the Motocar faithful.
