For West Peoria residents and drivers along Farmington Road, the sight of a car perched high above Neal Auto Parts has been a familiar and quirky landmark for decades. Since 1987, a white 1982 Buick Regal has reigned atop a towering 50-foot arch, an unmissable beacon for the auto parts business founded 60 years ago by Harry Neal. But time and weather take their toll, and recently, the Neal brothers, grandsons of the founder, decided it was time for a change, bringing the iconic Buick down for a well-deserved retirement and preparing the sign for a new era.
The removal of the Buick was a noteworthy event in itself. After decades exposed to the elements, the car was carefully detached from its platform by Hardin Signs, the same company involved in the sign’s original construction. Dan Condre from Hardin Signs humorously noted the Buick’s flat tires as it was lowered to the ground, a testament to its long tenure in the sky. The condition of the car was, unsurprisingly, weathered. Years of sun, snow, and storms had taken their toll, but the enduring image of the car atop the arch remained firmly etched in the local consciousness.
The decision to renovate the sign wasn’t taken lightly. As Eric Neal explained, “The timing was right,” indicating a strategic move to update the business’s image. Kelly Neal further elaborated, stating that the old sign “was not the image we were looking for to promote our business,” suggesting a desire to modernize their brand while still retaining the landmark’s recognizable presence. The brothers recognized the arch’s value, not just as a sign for Neal Auto Parts, but as a defining feature of the Farmington Road Entertainment District, or FRED, as locals affectionately call it.
The arch sign is more than just advertising; it’s a symbol deeply intertwined with the local identity. The original article playfully questions if FRED would even exist without its “symbolic car-in-the-arch,” highlighting its importance beyond just directing customers to Neal Auto Parts for their car parts needs. Kelly Neal acknowledged this local attachment, stating, “We know people in this area are very familiar with the arch. We’d hear about it if we took it down for good.” This understanding of the sign’s community value underscores the careful approach taken with its renovation.
The history of the Neal Auto Parts sign actually predates the arch. Before the move to their current location at 3407 W. Farmington Road in 1986, the business utilized a Cadillac Seville mounted on a pole to attract attention. When they relocated, Bob Neal, Eric and Kelly’s father, sought something “a little different.” Serendipitously, Lutz Steel, a local metalworking company, offered an old Kroger’s arch, which became the foundation for the iconic structure we know today. The arch was firmly planted in 15 yards of concrete, a platform was constructed, and the search for the perfect car began.
The chosen vehicle was a 1982 Buick Regal, a “contract car” acquired from an insurance company with fire damage to its interior. Bolted securely to the platform, it became the long-standing sentinel of Neal Auto Parts. For decades, only birds ventured near it, until its recent descent. Dick Jackson of N.E. Finch, who operated the crane for the removal, expressed some concern about the car’s structural integrity after so many years exposed to the elements, but thankfully, the Buick remained intact during the process.
Upon closer inspection on the ground, the Buick showed its age. Rust was prevalent, the once vibrant door signs were faded, and its original color was obscured by time. Despite its weathered appearance, the doors surprisingly still opened, revealing the extent of its decay. Its dealer plates, dated 1987, served as a poignant reminder of its installation year. The Buick’s fate is sealed; it’s headed to the crusher, making way for a new automotive ambassador atop the arch. While rumors circulated about an Infiniti being the replacement, the Neal brothers remained tight-lipped about the new car, adding an element of anticipation for the refreshed sign’s unveiling.
The arch itself is slated for a fresh coat of paint, ensuring that the Neal Auto Parts landmark will continue to stand tall and attract attention for years to come. This renovation demonstrates Neal Auto Parts’ ongoing commitment to the West Peoria community and their dedication to providing quality car parts with a memorable and updated visual presence. For those seeking reliable Neal Auto Parts Car Parts and a piece of local history, Neal Auto Parts remains a fixture on Farmington Road, now with an updated landmark ready for the future.
