LASALLE, Ill. – JC Whitney, the company with one of the most comprehensive selections of auto parts in the world, kicks off the celebration of its 100th anniversary this month. In addition to launching a dedicated centennial website today (www.jcwhitney.com/100), the year-long festivities will include custom Jeep and truck projects and appearances at shows and events across the country, culminating at the 2015 SEMA Show.
Founded in 1915 by Israel Warshawsky on State Street in Chicago, the company is most famous for its JC Whitney catalogs that, since 1934, have provided the single best and most complete resources for automotive parts and accessories – while also serving as a true rite of automotive passage for tens of millions of enthusiasts and hobbyists.
Today, through the catalogs and its popular online site (JCWhitney.com), the company provides consumers with “everything automotive,” including more than 6 million automotive applications from the latest model year back to the 1920s, and more than 1.2 million parts, from trucks to Jeeps to Modern Muscle and motorcycles – all at affordable prices and supported with expert, friendly customer service.
“What do I remember best about looking through the JC Whitney catalog? Dreaming about what I would do, if I only had that one special hobby car,” said Shane Evangelist, president of JC Whitney. “Now that I am a part of the company, I am proud of our deep and lasting heritage. We’re humbled to have played a part in helping people get the parts they need, and in helping them create some of those dream cars. That’s why we want our fans to be a part of this centennial celebration, because it’s really all about thanking them for opening up their garage to us.”
Project Garage
JC Whitney will kick off its centennial celebration with an open invitation to a custom build inside their garage. Project Garage will honor DIYers and shade-tree mechanics across America with the build-out of two Jeeps and a truck. Consumers are invited to visit the site, watch the build and send their ideas and inspiration.
Appearances Across America
From the SEMA Show to the Woodward Dream Cruise, JC Whitney will be appearing at shows and events across the country to show off the project vehicles and share the celebration with enthusiasts. Consumers can check out a full list of events on the 100th Anniversary event calendar at www.jcwhitney.com/100 and are invited to share their favorite car event to be added to the list.
“100 years ago, Israel Warshawsky began a company to help get people back on the road,” continued Evangelist. “Today, JC Whitney stays true to that mission, with the most comprehensive selection of parts in the world backed by dedicated and expert customer service. It has also grown up to be the company people use to make their cars run better, to look cooler and fit their personal style and imagination. I can’t think of a better way to ring in the next 100 years then returning the favor.”
