June 2006 edition - copyright ©2006 Community Paper. All rights reserved.
See this article at www.Community-Paper.com/Archives/McNamaraMoves.html

McNamara Pontiac-Isuzu

Hal McNamara with his father, “The Big Chief” Dennis McNamara, and Dennis Haas

It looks so odd to drive down Colonial Drive and see an empty lot where McNamara Pontiac-Isuzu had their vehicle sales department. Kind of makes you feel empty inside. But never fear, the McNamara family has only expanded and moved their showroom to 11500 E. Colonial Drive at Alafaya Trail. The paint and collission repair center will remain at the corner of Westmoreland and Arlington Street. Why the move??? McNamara now is the GM Giant, with a huge selection of Buicks, Pontiacs and GMC vehicles!!!!

Dennis “The Big Chief” McNamara started the dealership in 1961 at the corner of Orange and Colonial Drive. In 1965, it was moved to 1010 W. Colonial, where the big Indian was recognizable as a landmark in College Park. At the time, College Park was so small the location was considered to be “way out of town”!

Both Hal and Dennis Sr. credit much of their success to the solid support from the Orlando community, especially College Park. They are very supportive of local community activities, including sponsoring Little League, church functions, public and private schools, College Park Festivals fundraisers and more. For 21 years, Dennis McNamara has funded the McNamara Employee of the Year, which is a component of the City’s M.E.R.I.T.S. Employee Recognition Program - there are four winners each year.

This is a bittersweet move... it is difficult to leave a place where you have been successful for over 40 years, but the McNamaras are excited about the new building and the addition of GM products, and wish to thank the College Park residents for their support over the years.

Visit them at 11500 E. Colonial Drive, or call 407-426-3000. Visit their website at www.TheGMgiant.com