In the beginning...

Reg Smith, father of Garry and Warren, was born in 1903. His work career prior to establishing a used car business was primarily mechanical automotive. However, Reg also learnt motor cycle work including smash repairs, wheel lacing etc. His automobile technical skills included mechanical, body, painting, hoods and side curtains.

In 1930 Reg started a business, Smith's Motor Smash Repairs in Fitzroy and with the depression hardening, he closed it and returned to motor trimming and mechanical repairs on contract. In the 1930's, with the advent of wireless and sound pictures, Reg formed Smith's Radio Pty Ltd and sold wet batteries and electric radios door to door.

Reg later opened a shop in Ivanhoe, then moved to Fairfield and then Collingwood before changing to the Fitzroy side of Smith Street and opening a branch at Footscray.

In 1948, Reg started a Used Car Yard in Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn under the name of Reno Auto Sales Pty Ltd. This business prospered and was moved to Richmond, and various other outlets were opened. Reg Smith had taken up motor sport as a hobby and was a most regular contender in all its aspects - circuit racing, hill climbing, trials etc. in a number of different makes of car.

On 2nd October, 1960 Reg was competing at Bathurst in a Porsche, and had broken the "Flying Quarter Mile" record, when his car left the circuit, crashing into a tree. Unfortunately Reg was killed instantly.

Growing with Melbourne...
In total, nine businesses were then continued to be run by Warren Smith and after a period of consolidation, continued to prosper and expand. In the late 1960's Warren Smith had many used car outlets across Melbourne, trading under various names and became one of the largest ever independent used car dealers in Victoria.

1969 Holden...
In February 1969, Garry and Warren Smith became a General Motors-Holden Dealer and took over the long established business of Williams & Sons in Atherton Rd, Oakleigh. One of the conditions upon appointment by GMH involved closing various used car outlets. Prior to taking on the GMH franchise 8.5 acres was acquired in Dandenong Rd, Oakleigh from Evans Brothers. Previously the property was a brickworks and quarry. A complete new dealership was built, opened in early 1969 and became a showplace for the automotive industry.

1988 HSV...
To continue our growth as an Automotive Retailer, Garry and Warren Smith announced our appointment as the first HSV Dealer. Garry and Warren Smith have been the largest HSV Dealer in Australia for the past 5 years.

Leading the way...
The Garry and Warren Smith group sells approximately 5,000 vehicles per year, making us one of the largest automotive retailers in Melbourne. Garry and Warren Smith holds the number one market share in Melbourne over five product categories.