I am from Massachusetts and I recently purchased a '66 Skylark in Ontario. The dealer emblem is from Rumble, and I was wondering if anyone in this forum has any history on this dealership. I also would love to obtain any dealer literature, keychains, or whatever that has the Rumble name on it. Lastly, I would love to get a copy of the original window sticker for my car. I understand the dealership still exists as Brennan's. Do I need to contact them, or is there a resource directly at GM of Canada? I apologize for all the questions, and thank you for reading this thread.
Yes I can tell you a bit, it was our local dealer and where my LeMans came from and the area where we have lived since birth.
Leaside was town which was part of Metropolitan Toronto in the 50's. It's approximate boundary was Glenvale Blvd on the north, the Don Valley to the south, and Don Mills Rd. to the east with Bayview Ave. on the west.
Rumble was on the west side of Bayview two blocks north of Eglinton so technically it was not in Leaside, rather the actual City of Toronto.
Leaside was a more marketable name so that's what they took. Today Leaside is a Middle to Upper Middle class nieghbourhood and it is common to see homes sell for $1,000,000 in this area. It's central location make it idea for Toronto's financers, Lawyers and Fund Managers. It is a mere 10 minute drive down the Bayview extention to Bay Street the financial heart of Canada.
You will not find too many Buicks in Leaside these days, rather Accuras, BMW, Audi and Mercedes carry the day. You are also assured to see a few exotics this time of year.
The dealer existed from post war until the early 90's when Brennan took over and was among the most famous Buick Pontiac dealers in Toronto known for it's radio jingle:
Ramble into Rumble, you'll see !
Most Toronto baby boomers will be able to sing this jingle for you.
Rumble supplied cars to Leaside High School on Hanna Road, basically at Eglinton and Bayview, south east side for Driver Training. When I attended there we were allotted two 4 dr 1974 LeMans and two 1974 4dr. Buick Centry cars for our school. I always chose the LeMans but on Rodeo day we had to drive all cars through various events set up in the parking lot and sponsored by Rumble. The top drivers from each class competed in skills sessions with trophies being handed out and a BBQ afterward. My kids have all attended Leaside high but today the driver training is done in Toyotas.
Brennans did not survive the GM Canada restructure and for the past year the dealership has been vacant. This past week a furniture store has taken up residence.
It is actually ideal because the huge curved showroom window is idea for display purposes. Brennan's never lived up to the reputation of Rumble so it was no surprise to me that it was shut down.
As far as memorabillia goes I may have an extra dealer nameplate but that's about it. I hope this has been informative, please feel free to PM me if you would like more.
-- Edited by 73SC on Thursday 19th of August 2010 11:55:14 PM
Thanks, 73SC. Thar is just what I was looking for. It is nice to have a little backstory on the dealership my car came out of, especially since I am so unfamiliar with the area.
Just as a FYI, I bought the Skylark from a gentleman in Gilford.
I do know of another car in Toronto not yet in our registry, a 1965 Custom Sport Convertible that came form Rumble seen below. Certainly looking forward to getting details on your Skylark and photos too!
Looks like 73SC beat me to it with a pic of the dealer nameplate. I do have original keys on an original Rumble key fob that I'll try and remember to post a pic of. I also have my original bill of sale from Rumble.
-- Edited by norontcan on Saturday 21st of August 2010 10:25:16 AM
I just received a packet from GM Canada that gives some background on my Skylark, and apparently Aztec Bronze Metallic is called Riviera Red on U.S. built cars, which is why I was confused. I am very impressed with all the info they provided, and in only a weeks time.
Would you know if that wrecked Skylark is still around, and if it is near you?
I need a pair of the lower rocker moldings that run from the bottom of the rear wheel well to the rear bumper, left and right sides. They are hard to find for a '66 and I remembered your post.
If you know this car is still around , do you think you get a phone number of the owner?
My grandather, John Drummond was serivce manager at rumble for years!
I'm trying to find any information about him or the dealership. Trying to learn my family history. Does anybody have any other information about Rumble or John Drummond (John Bruce Mclaren-Drummond)?
73SC wrote:ARE THEY STILL SELLING GAS FOR THAT PRICE ??
Yes I can tell you a bit, it was our local dealer and where my LeMans came from and the area where we have lived since birth.
Leaside was town which was part of Metropolitan Toronto in the 50's. It's approximate boundary was Glenvale Blvd on the north, the Don Valley to the south, and Don Mills Rd. to the east with Bayview Ave. on the west.
Rumble was on the west side of Bayview two blocks north of Eglinton so technically it was not in Leaside, rather the actual City of Toronto.
Leaside was a more marketable name so that's what they took. Today Leaside is a Middle to Upper Middle class nieghbourhood and it is common to see homes sell for $1,000,000 in this area. It's central location make it idea for Toronto's financers, Lawyers and Fund Managers. It is a mere 10 minute drive down the Bayview extention to Bay Street the financial heart of Canada.
You will not find too many Buicks in Leaside these days, rather Accuras, BMW, Audi and Mercedes carry the day. You are also assured to see a few exotics this time of year.
The dealer existed from post war until the early 90's when Brennan took over and was among the most famous Buick Pontiac dealers in Toronto known for it's radio jingle:
Ramble into Rumble, you'll see !
Most Toronto baby boomers will be able to sing this jingle for you.
Rumble supplied cars to Leaside High School on Hanna Road, basically at Eglinton and Bayview, south east side for Driver Training. When I attended there we were allotted two 4 dr 1974 LeMans and two 1974 4dr. Buick Centry cars for our school. I always chose the LeMans but on Rodeo day we had to drive all cars through various events set up in the parking lot and sponsored by Rumble. The top drivers from each class competed in skills sessions with trophies being handed out and a BBQ afterward. My kids have all attended Leaside high but today the driver training is done in Toyotas.
Brennans did not survive the GM Canada restructure and for the past year the dealership has been vacant. This past week a furniture store has taken up residence.
It is actually ideal because the huge curved showroom window is idea for display purposes. Brennan's never lived up to the reputation of Rumble so it was no surprise to me that it was shut down.
As far as memorabillia goes I may have an extra dealer nameplate but that's about it. I hope this has been informative, please feel free to PM me if you would like more.
-- Edited by 73SC on Thursday 19th of August 2010 11:55:14 PM
It was either here or another thread that someone asked if there is a recording of the old Rumble radio ad somewhere. I found this awesome link of an old CHUM clip at rockradioscrapbook.ca/rivers-tribute.html . On the left hand column click on the Tom Rivers, CHUM February 21, 1970 (31:57)
About halfway in there's a clip of the Ramble into Rumble ad. It's great listening for memories.
Enjoy,
Tim