>Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2000 08:29:48 -0700
>To: "Wright, Larry" <larry.wright@usop.com>
>From: Dick Barker <dickbarker@earthlink.net>
>Subject: Re: Garage Lifts
>
>Larry, et al,
>
>After Chrysler closed down the Rootes operations (International
>Automobiles) on the Left Coast, Ian Garrard made his livelihood selling
>garage lifts. The brand he sold (and later also his son) was
>Space-O-Matic. In those days, the car-stacker was a new concept, and
>there was very little demand for such a contraption in a private
>garage. But car dealers found them pretty useful. I remember a Honda
>dealer here in San Diego that had a little lot alongside a building across
>the street from his main dealership. Ian figured a way to fit about 20
>lifts in there, and presto--the dealer had parking for 40 little cars in a
>space that previously had been unusable. In those days I think each lift
>cost about $2000. Or they could be leased. Ian did a pretty brisk
>business in recycled Space-O-Matics, too. Many of his installations were
>of a temporary nature, and after a user was finished with the unit, Ian
>would have it completely overhauled, repainted, etc., and recycle it at a
>pretty good profit. In looking for a lift for your own use, you might
>keep an eye out for a reconditioned unit. Most of them have seen very
>little use, and are in very good condition.
>
>After Ian's untimely death, his son, Stuart, kept the Space-O-Matic
>business going for a while. But I think he eventually sold it. I don't
>know who bought it, or what the brand name is now (I am fairly certain it
>was changed), but I think "Space-O-Matics" are still out there.
>
>I have often thought myself of installing a garage lift. You've had a
>beer in my garage Larry. So what do you think? Should I put the Tigers
>on the left or right hand side? Either way, the LM car could go on the
>top, the street Tiger on the bottom, and I could also park my new F-150
>SVT Lightning in the garage where it belongs. One thing is for sure. If
>I was buying a lift for my Tigers, it would have to be a genuine
>"Space-O-Matic" by Ian Garrad.
>
>Dick Barker
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