Allen Auto Sales has been providing quality used cars to the community since 1945. It all started when James Allen, Sr. began the business around the same time “the boom came,” and the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant opened, providing many jobs and economic opportunities to Western Kentucky. The years have since passed, and Allen Auto Sales continues to be the longest-running used car dealership in Paducah, serving many generations of longtime customers.
The business started with three used cars, which James Allen, Sr. purchased from a gentleman to launch him into the used car business after selling his land to the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant. “He was buying and selling cattle, and that turned into buying and selling cars,” says James “Jimmy” Allen, Jr. “From the 1940s to 1950s, the car brands were only American brands. It was all General Motors, Ford, or Chrysler with no foreign makes or models. Back then, all of the cars cost about $600, and they all came in black. You didn’t have many choices, but you could select between two doors, four doors, and between cars, station wagons, and trucks.”
Things have changed since the early days of the business. Allen Auto Sales has relocated to multiple locations across Paducah as it has grown and expanded over the years to carry many makes and models of used vehicles. As Jimmy says, “we turned my Dad’s original 3-car inventory into the expanded inventory we have today.” The car lot was originally located on Kentucky Avenue and then moved to Broadway until finding its home along Jefferson Street, where it has resided for more than 50 years.
In 1968, Jimmy joined his father’s business and soon after purchased the business to continue his father’s legacy in the used car business. Jimmy always had a love for cars. His first car was a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, and his all-time favorite vehicle is a Corvette. It didn’t take long for him to expand his passion for cars through selling quality used vehicles and caring for customers of his family’s business. He particularly enjoyed selling used cars of all makes and models. Selling used cars, in particular, gave the business a sense of independence to do business as they wished and the ability to hand pick cars that were in good, quality condition and sought after by their customers.
“It’s a seven-day-a-week job, but my wife often reminds me that I will never retire because I love it. I believe that’s probably true because if you love what you’re doing, you won’t want to retire.”
Jimmy plays a key role in selecting each and every vehicle sold at Allen Auto Sales. The cars come from reputable dealers, that the business has long-standing relationships. Once the cars arrive at the lot, they are assessed and quality checked by the team. After an evaluation, each vehicle is assigned a warranty to give customers peace of mind when purchasing the vehicle of their choice.
Today, the family business includes three generations of the Allen family. Jimmy and his team members continue to provide the same quality service and customer care as his father before him. As a result, creating longtime customers that keep coming back for quality used vehicles.
Visit www.allenautosales.com for more information and to see the current selection of used cars, SUVs, and trucks available. Allen Auto Sales welcomes customers to browse their inventory in person at 1225 Jefferson Street, where you can request a test drive of the vehicle of your choice.
