ABOVE:  This 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr Coupe, owned by Rich Atwell, occupied a premier location in the dealership.

By Pat Corbett

Originally published in the March-April 2025 Lincoln and Continental Comments magazine (Issue # 383)

Photos courtesy of the author.

The Grand Re-Opening celebration of North Park Lincoln, located at 9207 San Pedro Avenue in San Antonio, was held on Thursday evening, Jan. 16, 2025, and was a delight for all who attended. Texas weather blessed the event with mild dry temperatures in the mid-60s to lows in the 50s.

We showcased the North Park Lincoln Dominion store’s Grand Opening in Comments Issue 361 (July-August 2021). The San Pedro store event coincided with the LCOC National Board Meeting at the Crown Plaza Hotel just up the highway. Jackie Gleason, a staunch Lincoln owner, would have responded to this event with, “How sweet it is!” I will comment using an old Lincoln advertising slogan, “Nothing could be finer!” 

Chad Binder, the general manager of North Park Lincoln at Dominion, extended an invitation to the LCOC National Board to join the 400-plus attendees in an event celebrating the latest remodel of the over-50-year family-owned Lincoln dealership location. Several open bars and heavy hors d’oeuvre lineups served the masses in grand fashion. I thought half-inch slabs of pork loin were an entrée to a full course meal and not a snack, but this is Texas, where everything is bigger. Even the ice cubes used to serve drinks were embedded with the Lincoln star. No detail was left untouched, and no expense was spared.

The 2025 Navigator prototype was on display, giving attendees a sneak peek at the latest innovations in automotive transportation. The full dash display of water falling with audio support, the full body-massaging seats, and a burst of aroma therapy essential oils allow the owner to give up their spa membership. The vehicle gives new meaning to roadside rest area.

ABOVE: Tables were set with care at North Park Lincoln, with room for guests aplenty from far and near.

Local Lincoln owners contributed their pristine cars for display. Scott Aronstein, Texas Gulf Coast Director, shipped his black-on-black 1963 Continental Convertible from Houston, which occupied a prominent corner in the air-conditioned owner delivery area. A unique feature of this dealership, this area is where the car is presented to the new owner. They are thoroughly educated in all the facets of their new ride before being handed the keys. Then, the dealership representative watches the new owners drive off into the sunset. Service to the Lincoln owner is just one reason North Park Lincoln has been the #1 Retail Dealer in the United States for several consecutive years, as well as consecutive winner, year after year, of the prestigious President’s Award for dealership excellence in many areas.

David Boullosa shared his impeccable 1979 Town Car, which is his daily driver.

ABOVE: Shrimp cocktail and Lincolns…nothing could be finer.

BELOW:  A meeting of the minds.  Members of the LCOC Board of Directors enjoy the grand reopening.

Being one of the largest land barges in American automotive history, it garnered lots of attention from the guests. This car is in 100-point condition. David also used this Lincoln to transport LCOC members between the event and the hotel.

Showcasing the main car showroom, a 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr Coupe, owned by Rich Atwell from Fredericksburg, Texas, is a flagship example of automotive craftsmanship and styling illustrating the rich history Lincoln has created over its more than 100-year history.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the Mariachi band, Los Galleros, with servers presenting shrimp cocktails to whet your appetite. Valet service whisked away your vehicle for safe parking in their multi-story parking garage. Entering the open-air service bay, transformed into a cocktail lounge, the guests were greeted by servers treating them like dignitaries at a presidential inauguration. There, the band, Finding Friday, entertained the guests with smooth rock and other familiar and popular dance music.

Mr. Kahlig delivered a special address and introduced several Lincoln executives, including Diane Craig, Lincoln Motor Company president. Also attending were the Director of Lincoln North America, Heidi Young; Head of Lincoln Sales, Client Experience, Service and Market Representation, Mike DeYoung; Head of U.S. Lincoln Retail Network Shawn McDermott, and Lorraine Alston, Central Market Area regional manager.

ABOVE:  Pat Corbett, Dan Stahle, and Scott Aronstein quench their collective thirst at North Park Lincoln.

BELOW:   Dedicating this place.  A crucifix is placed in a special location in the showroom.

Afterward, as in all his dealerships, the new facility was blessed by Father Norman Ermis of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. A crucifix was placed in a prominent location in the sales showroom. Following this special moment, the ribbon cutting featured Ms. Craig with Mr. Kahlig and other dignitaries officially opening the new facility. Ms. Craig mingled with the crowd while giving photo opportunities to those wishing for a photo.

All in all, the night was a special event that will be remembered for many years to come. The genuine hospitality, the warmth extended by the staff and its management, and the hard work of General Manager Diego Iturbe, which is just an extension of the relationship the dealership has with its customers, are just a few of the reasons why attendees will think fondly of this evening for years to come. When dealing with North Park Lincoln, you become part of the family, not just another customer.

ABOVE:  Scott Aronstein’s 1963 Lincoln Continental convertible.

BELOW:  Time to celebrate! LCOC Board Members and Lincoln CIPs share a joyous moment.  (Photo courtesy of Carl Villone.)

Pat Corbett is an LCOC member from Manchaca, Texas.