1988 BMW Dealership Left Untouched.

Posted 10 Aug 2011 by UltimateBlogger

For some twisted reason we’re all attracted to the mysterious allure of an abandoned building. In Oakville, Ontario there stands a building that for a petrol head trumps even the eeriest of places. At only a stones throw away from our dealership in Ajax, Ontario we’re surprised we haven’t heard about this place before. Sifting through the forums on MaxBimmer we’ve been able to formulate some sort of idea of what has gone on.

The story goes as follows. In 1988 the dealer, located on Royal Windsor Drive and operating under the name “Citation Motors”, had his concession license revoked due to unknown reasons. They then moved to Toronto under the name “Downtown BMW” which in 2002 closed up shop. The owner, apparently a well-off German business man, seemed to have no interest in selling the place, or even the inventory, as everything seems to have been left behind intact. One hundred percent frozen in time is the only description that seems fitting when describing this ultimately interesting place. In the showroom you’ll notice an E28 and 635csi BMW in absolute mint condition. Well, mint may be the wrong word to use as the rubbers have probably given away and the gasoline has made a mess of things inside the mechanical bits. ‘Unused’ may be a better word to describe these twenty-three year old cars. Especially the 635csi, which apparently only has 68 or 6000 kilometers on the odometer, depending on which source you believe. Also note the typical 1980’s showroom interior furnishings, architecture, and design.

Around the back you’ll find the shop, which in similar fashion to the showroom has remained completely untouched. Frozen in time and packed with BMWs. From one individual’s account who has had the privilege of visiting the dealership we can conclude with a certain degree of confidence that another mint dark blue 635csi, a 1984-77 733i, a dolphin blue E21 or 2002, and another 635csi on a hoist, rest inside. You can make out what other cars are back there by carefully analyzing the pictures below. The Toyota 4Runner may not be original 1980’s, but the three sets of keys on the wall certainly are.

Rumor has it that once or twice a month an individual in a black E28 pulls up and spends some time in the back. Apparently the owner once quoted someone who was interested in the white 6 Series a price of $75,000. That was about five years ago. Adding to the mystery that surrounds this dealership, many have come forward claiming to know the owner, yet none of their stories seem to match up.

It’s important to note that we refrained from using names or speculating beyond a certain degree of doubt. We hope this is appreciated by anyone involved. If someone should have any recent information about the story behind this dealership or its inventory, please do let us know in the comments below.

Road trip anyone?

30 Responses to “1988 BMW Dealership Left Untouched.”

1. Abandoned BMW Dealership Becomes Time Capsule says:

   August 11, 2011 at 1:12 pm

   [...] photos and details of this eerie, abandoned car dealership can be found on the Endras BMW website. The folks at Endras uncovered details about the dealership via the MaxBimmer [...]
2. Steve says:

   August 11, 2011 at 2:46 pm

   I live in Hamilton ON, I’d totally be down for a road trip to this place! Love BMWs, especially the older models.
3. 1988 BMW Dealership Left Untouched. Endras BMW Toronto & GTA BMW … | Total GT says:

   August 11, 2011 at 4:18 pm

   [...] the original here: 1988 BMW Dealership Left Untouched. Endras BMW Toronto & GTA BMW … Posted in BMW, News Tags: bmw, dealer-catering, dealership, gta, leasing-or-financing, [...]
4. The story behind a ghost BMW dealership says:

   August 11, 2011 at 7:47 pm

   [...] folks over at Endras BMW published a story today on a mysterious BMW dealership in Oakville, Ontario. The story of the ghost [...]
5. Shane says:

   August 11, 2011 at 8:50 pm

   I live at the Mississauga/Oakville border. This is quite close to me. In other words, yes, road trip please :p
6. Short Term Lease says:

   August 11, 2011 at 10:47 pm

   I wonder what will happen to the place in the future. It is bad enough that the cars weren’t used for many years. Perhaps the owner could replace the necessary parts like the wheels and fresh paints then the cars would be good enough to sell. As for the dealership, maybe it will be good if they will renew it and import some cars so that they could make it active again.

   /kristen
   Short Term Lease
7. Layne says:

   August 11, 2011 at 11:00 pm

   The car in the far back is an e21, you can tell by the door handle. I can’t tell if it’s blue or grey, but there’s no ‘dolphin’ blue for e21’s.
8. Abandoned BMW Dealership Becomes Time Capsule : TheTunerScene.com says:

   August 12, 2011 at 2:06 am

   [...] photos and details of this eerie, abandoned car dealership can be found on the Endras BMW website. The folks at Endras uncovered details about the dealership via the MaxBimmer [...]
9. The story behind a ghost BMW dealership | labmw.com says:

   August 12, 2011 at 2:32 am

   [...] folks over at Endras BMW published a story today on a mysterious BMW dealership in Oakville, Ontario. The story of the ghost [...]
10. Jordan C. says:

    August 12, 2011 at 6:47 am

    Well, in the service area photograph, a 1994-1998 vintage Chevy/GMC C/K truck is in the foreground (you can tell the vintage by the cab brake light). Uhhh, if the dealer closed in 1988, HOW did that truck get in there? You shouldn’t believe EVERYTHING you see on the net!
11. linerider says:

    August 12, 2011 at 7:24 am

    Cool. 1988 BMW Dealership Left Untouched. Endras BMW Toronto & GTA BMW Dealer looks great, and I’m glad i’ve found something here worth adding to my favorites.
12. 中信房屋 says:

    August 12, 2011 at 8:04 am

    Whats up ! Love your . thanks for sharing it with everyone
13. Stephen says:

    August 12, 2011 at 11:26 am

    Now with this story getting so much press (on jalopnik.com now…) wonder how long before thieves show up, break in, and steal the cars. Can’t believe it isn’t vandalized yet!
14. Dave L says:

    August 12, 2011 at 12:07 pm

    Google maps street level photos clearly show the white 635 csi sitting on the showroom floor at Citation Motors.
    Was the csi imported into Canada? Were these perhaps grey market cars?
    DaveL
15. Brian says:

    August 13, 2011 at 3:15 am

    this is so cool….what will happen to the inventory? i am sure the engines are ruined after sitting all those years.
16. Fredda Andreason says:

    August 13, 2011 at 6:09 am

    I just added this site to my bookmarks. I like reading your posts. Thank you!
17. heated jackets says:

    August 13, 2011 at 6:18 am

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18. Marcos Doiron says:

    August 13, 2011 at 6:36 am

    Hi there I like your post
19. Aftermarket Leads » The story behind a ghost BMW dealership says:

    August 13, 2011 at 7:19 am

    [...] folks over at Endras BMW published a story today on a mysterious BMW dealership in Oakville, Ontario. The story of the ghost [...]
20. Mold says:

    August 13, 2011 at 7:25 am

    WINNING
21. Kathi says:

    August 13, 2011 at 10:31 am

    I really enjoyed read this. Keep these types of posts coming
22. Report: Why was this BMW dealership abandoned in 1988 with cars still inside?Audi Alloy Wheels | Audi Alloy Wheels says:

    August 14, 2011 at 4:15 pm

    [...] Source: Endras BMW, 2 via AutoNorth, [...]
23. AUSmotive.com » BMW dealership frozen in time says:

    August 14, 2011 at 8:22 pm

    [...] [Source: Endras BMW] [...]
24. sulk says:

    August 14, 2011 at 10:31 pm

    It’s still there, I dropped by tonight and took a look, both cars are in the same spots as they were in those pictures (circa 2004?)

    The grass is cut now, and theres a light on inside, so it’s definitely being maintained by someone, but it’s so empty inside other than the cars.
25. Report: Why was this BMW dealership abandoned in 1988 with cars still inside? | ȘTIRI MOBILE DE ULTIMA ORĂ says:

    August 15, 2011 at 9:09 am

    [...] Source: Endras BMW, 2 via AutoNorth, [...]
26. Harry says:

    August 15, 2011 at 9:12 am

    Jordon that GMC truck is a late 80’s model
    (im a big GM truck nut) look’s like its been sitting there awhile too judging by the dust on it. I wouldnt mind getting my hands on it…….lol
27. Paranormal says:

    August 15, 2011 at 10:48 am

    I definitely enjoy all things paranormal!
28. Devin Orsborn says:

    August 15, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    Well done, and well put.
29. George says:

    August 15, 2011 at 2:15 pm

    I drive by here several times a week. I’ve been in the showroom when I went looking for FIAT parts (Citation used to be a FIAT and ALFA dealership). I always figured he left those cars in there to spite BMW because they might still be subject to a warranty when they are eventually sold. The grounds are always maintained; grass cut, snow ploughed. When I was there, there was a fellow working in the “parts dep’t” but he was the only employee. This was back in the early 90’s.
30. Lolita Wical says:

    August 16, 2011 at 8:00 am

    i had to go through it again since i could not grab the entire escence of the post in one go.That was a very articulate and logical point you make there.I appreciate you letting me know your thinking on this.