In 1950, James R. Speck became the Dealer Principal of C. Speck Motors, Inc. He was attending the University of Washington after serving in the U. S. Army when his fathers health was not doing well. He returned to run the family business and guided the business from the early 1950's until his retirement in 1975. In those days, distributors located in Seattle and Portland wholesaled Chevrolet's to the dealers. Most vehicles had to be driven to Sunnyside for retail. It wasn't until the early 1950's that railcars were used to ship the vehicles to the city. However, it was the responsibility of the dealership employees to unload the cars at the rail sidings. James R. Speck was President of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association in 1966. He was a big supporter of youth activities in the town such as American Legion baseball, little league baseball and the school Patrol. When the City of Sunnyside wanted to purchase a Jaws of Life for the Fire Department he lead the fundraising to acquire the equipment plus donated a vehicle to use with the Jaws. He was a very giving and community minded individual with a big heart for those who were less fortunate.
In 1975, James C. Speck became the third generation to own C. Speck Motors, Inc. Two years later, his father, James R., passed away. He was selected to serve on the General Motors "Dealers Advisory Board" in 1985. The Nissan Franchise was added in 1985 and a separate showroom was built at the south end of the Sixth and Franklin location. During the late 70's and 80's business flourished and plans were made for a larger facility.
Moore Family Photo. Kathryn "Katy" Speck, daughter of James C. Speck, joined her father in the auto business in 1994. She married John Paul "JP" Moore. Katy Moore became Dealer Principal of C. Speck Motors, Inc. in 1998, making her the fourth generation of Speck's in the auto business.
In 2002, the Moore's were offered a piece of property off 395 in History Pasco, was operating as a Budget used car store. For approximately one year, the Moore's operated it as a pre-owned car dealership. In 2003, they added the Hyundai franchise. Speck Hyundai of Tri-Cities has established itself as a Premier Hyundai dealership in the Western Region. In Spring of 2022, Speck Hyundai moved to a brand new facility off Clearwater in Kennewick, Washington.
In the fall of 2018, Speck Family Dealerships added a new dealership to the family along with four new franchises! Mid-Valley Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Grandview is now Speck Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. Plans are to relocate the dealership to Sunnyside on the 10 acres next to C. Speck Motors. The new facility will add two express bays for the service department which will include underground lube bays. By adding these express bays Speck Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram will become a service driven dealership that will take care of guest needs quickly and proficiently!
In January 2019, the Moore's expanded Speck Family Dealerships once again by acquiring Speck GMC (formally Desert GMC) in Kennewick, Washington! Customer service is our top priority and we can't wait to serve the GMC community in the Tri-Cities. In late 2021, Speck GMC of Tri-Cities moved to a brand new facility off Sandifur in West Pasco.