ABOUT US
483-1999


The History
The History of Bill Lewis Chevrolet & First Team Churchland

This brief overview of the first 50 years cannot even begin to reveal the Bill Lewis Chevrolet story, and doesn't pretend to do that. What should be noted, is that a family business launched five decades ago has succeeded and grown to included this 63,000+ square foot dealership. We're delighted that you're able to be here to help us celebrate the beginning of the next 50 years.

1946
August 8th of this year W.O. Lewis and Charles M. Davenport incorporated
Davenport-Lewis Chevrolet Corporation
Davenport left Detroit, Michigan as Assistant Service Manager for the
Chevrolet Motor Division.
Lewis came to Portsmouth from Amelia where he was in the lumber business.


1947
World War II had ended and because of pent up demand for new vehicles,
business boomed immediately.
January 7, T.E. Lige Davenport joined the company as Truck Sales Manager and was appointed Secretary Treasurer of the corporation.


1955
The used car operation moved to Alexanders Corner.


1956
The Parts and Service facility was built.
Lewis Wood, W.O.'s nephew, began full time employment
as he worked on the new building.


1962
January, Charles M. Davenport passed away.


1963
The name changed to Lewis Chevrolet Corporation.


1965
The Used Car operation was returned to the main facility
.


1967
Lewis Wood was named Vice-President and General Manager


1969
Ashton Lewis joined the company full time, having worked in the Parts & Service operation nearly every Saturday since the age of 8.


1970
Lewis Chevrolet Corporation acquired the Heavy Duty Truck Franchise.


1971
Febuary, Lewis Wood left to take over Hampton Chevrolet.


1974
Ashton was named co-dealer with W.O. Lewis.
The name changed to Bill Lewis Chevrolet.


1977
W.O. officially retired and Ashton became sole owner.


1978
Ashton felt a move was in order and that it shoud be done within 5 years.


1980
March, W.O. Lewis passed away.


1984
Having learned of the proposed I-664 and Western Freeway, Ashton envisioned a Chevrolet Sales and Service facility in the heart of Hampton Roads that could serve customers from all over the region.

December
He bought 20 acres.
The first shovelful of dirt was turned.
Site preparation began.


1985
Site preparation continued.


Many days of meetings and talks with other dealers around the country helped formulate the plan for this sales and service facility. The final plan was designed to be totally oriented to efficiency, both for our valued employees and our valued customers.


1986
January saw the first piling driven. It finally took 572 pilings to keep the entire facility above ground.

DECEMBER 12 THE ACTUAL MOVE BEGAN.
1997
March: Name changed from Bill Lewis Chevrolet to First Team Chevrolet-Nissan