Warren & John McEleney
With a 1904 Curved Dash Oldsmobile, 
part of McEleney Classic Automobile Collection.

1914

June of 1914, Emmett and Leo McEleney opened an automobile 
dealership at 21 Main Avenue on the river front in Clinton, Iowa.

The first franchise held by the McEleney brothers was the Jeffrey automobile. After World War I, the Dealership added franchises including Oakland, Rickenbacker and Rio.

1926

First expansion took place with the 5,000 square foot addition to the west of the original structure.  The Oldsmobile franchise was added, marking the beginning of the McEleney association with General Motors.

1936

McEleney Motor Company in 1936.

1942

During World War II, a six lane bowling alley (called the Olds Bowl) was installed in the former showroom area for the duration of the War, as automobile production was halted. (This picture from 
the Clinton Herald, Jerry Ramig's Bowling Section)

1950

A third expansion took place with 6,500 square feet added to serve the fast - growing customer base. McEleney Motors grew to nineteen employees.

1957

Another building addition allowed McEleney Motors to deal with increased service demand. A used car merchandising center was constructed.

1958

Chevrolet and Cadillac franchises were acquired in a downtown Clinton location.

1961

Extensive new construction completed to house all operations at one location at Main Avenue.  Two new buildings and a second used car display center were added.  The Company grew to include sixty-one people.

1964

The Fiftieth anniversary of the Dealership was commemorated - a rare event in the automotive industry. McEleney Motors and McEleney Chevrolet are merged into one operation, franchised with Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Cadillac.

1968

Service and parts facilities were remodeled and updated.  A six-bay, drive through truck center was added.  At the same time, a quick service complex was added to allow for light mechanical service, tire sales, automatic car wash and gasoline sales.

1973

Recognizing the growth and significance of the import vehicle market, the Toyota franchise was added.

1976

McEleney Motors celebrated fifty years association with Oldsmobile and General Motors.

1986

A new outdoor vehicle display center was created, encompassing more than 117,000 square feet, providing display for over 400 new vehicles.

1988

Franchises for Buick, Pontiac and GMC Truck were added making McEleney Motors one of the nations largest full-line General Motor dealers.

1989

Beautiful new construction is completed of showroom and sales offices along with extensive remodeling of new vehicle display and customer reception.  This year makes the seventy-fifth anniversary of McEleney Motors, still at the original location at 21 Main Avenue.

1992

Completion of the Used Car Office and paving of the Used Car Lot is completed.  We now have room for in excess of 200 used vehicles.

1996

McEleney Autocenter becomes a GM-Certified Dealer, your assurance that a McEleney used vehicle is the best value on the market.  Our 82nd year in operation and our 70th year with Oldsmobile and General Motors.

2000

McEleney Family purchases land on Clinton's South-West End
for the future "All New McEleney Autocenter."  Construction to start
sometime in 2001. 

2001
McEleney Toyota wins the prestigious Toyota Presidents Award.

2002
Our new location on Lincolnway opened June 3rd, 2002.   
this is our 88th year in continuous business. 
 
McEleney becomes a Toyota Certified Used Car Dealer.
And McEleney Toyota wins the prestigious Toyota Presidents Award.

2003
McEleney Toyota wins the prestigious Toyota Presidents Award.

2004

June 1, 2004  marks McEleney's
90th year of operation.

2005
McEleney Toyota wins the prestigious Toyota Presidents Award.

2006
McEleney Toyota wins the prestigious Toyota Presidents Award.

2007
McEleney Toyota wins the prestigious Toyota Presidents Award.

2008
McEleney Toyota wins the prestigious Toyota Presidents Award.

Today

The third generation of the McEleney family proudly adheres to a tradition of leadership in the community, pride in quality products and service that customers can depend upon.  McEleney, with over 70 employees, represents one of Iowa's largest dealerships.  We are proud of our technologically advanced equipment and outstanding facilities.  However, the key to our success is the quality and pride of our employees, dedicated to providing the most pleasant ownership experience possible to you, our customer and friend!