Lithgow was an attractive proposition

Story and Photo: LEN ASHWORTH

FROM the time the first rickety creations wheezed into town, startling soon to be unemployed horses and terrifying neighborhood dogs, the automobile dealerships have been tightly held by a select number of leading Lithgow business families.

Over 120 years or so there were household names — the Leans, Tobins, Bennetts, Braceys, Gillards, Genders, Austen, Butta, Evans, Newhams, Allans — in the mix offering what became in later years an ever shrinking choice of manufacturers.

Even Finleys, of Finleys Fine Furniture fame, were selling Buicks at one stage.

Only two remained serving the Lithgow district, both held (until now) by long term family interests.

So when one dealership changes hands with a new arrival in town it’s big news for those who love to keep up to date with their business community.

Which brings us to the big news of the week with the disappearance of the D and J Ford and Kia signage that has been part of our streetscape for over 50 years.

The new guys on the block are Hugo Machado and John Drakoulis who although new to Lithgow have a combined 47 years experience in the motor trade with a Toyota dealership at Quirindi and Isuzu outlet at Sutherland.

So what brought them to Lithgow apart from the obvious attraction of a well established and well regarded dealership?

“We like regional centres,” says dealer principal Hugo Machado, who also has extended family connections here.

“The sense of community is important to us and we find people in regional centres are more appreciative of face to face service requirements.