Almost as good as new

It wasn’t easy getting the antique 1965 and 1966 Plymouth cars into the Shawano Auto Sales showroom. The cars, being displayed as part of SAS’s 50th anniversary of selling Chrysler vehicles, are bigger than most current models. It wasn’t much easier getting the vehicles. “For us to get the two cars was a stroke of luck,” said Jeff Roloff, SAS president. The antique cars were sold brand new by the dealership after founder Earl Roloff, Jeff’s father, signed with Chrysler on Oct. 31, 1963. The white 1965 Plymouth Sport Fury was purchased by the late Harry Bucholz on Sept. 25, 1964. “This was a fancy car back then,” Roloff said. It still is fancy and in perfect condition, with all its original parts. In 1989 Bucholz sold it to an unknown party who then sold it to current owner Gene Rollin, of De Pere. The Roloffs developed a relationship with Rollin, who, like SAS, works a wrecker at the Shawano stock car races. The gray 1966 Plymouth VIP was top of the line in its time. It was sold to Arnie Gast, who was then the Tilleda postmaster. It was then sold to Edwin Kroening. Twenty years ago a man from the Kroening estate walked into the showroom and asked Jim Lackner, parts manager at the dealership, if anyone would be interested in purchasing it. Lackner and his wife, Paula, secretary at the dealership, bought it and now drive it only in the summer. The car is also in perfect condition with all its original equipment. “It’s a garage queen,” Jim Lackner said. The dealership initially sold Chryslers, Plymouths and Valiants. Chrysler, now owned by Fiat Group, is the only brand still in existence. Shawano Auto Sales, which now sells Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles and Ram Trucks, is pleased with the Fiat Group’s efforts. “We’ve seen an increase in innovative products and improved quality, making our vehicles competitive in the global marketplace,” Roloff said. Started by Vi and the late Earl Roloff, Shawano Auto Sales is now run by their four children: Jeff, president; Rick Roloff, vice president; Paula Lackner, secretary; and Pam Schmidt, treasurer. “The community has been very supportive,” Jeff Roloff said.