Big M Automotive

Big M Automotive Classic Car Dismantler

(530) 473-2225

271 N. 7th Street

Williams, Ca 95987

Here is a short history on Big M Automotive.

John Fowlie has had an interest in antiques since he was a boy. Upon reaching his teens, he wanted a car from the 1950's, the bigger the fin the better! He finally settled on a 1956 Chevrolet and broadened his horizons afterwards.

After opening Advanced Automotive in 1985 he acquired a 1957 Mercury Convertible, and needed lots of parts to restore it. He cruised alleyways, junkyards, and by word of mouth, soon had 15 cars for parts. After restoring the Merc, many people wanted him to restore their vehicles. More parts cars were gathered and John began selling the spare parts in Hemmings Motor News.

In 1995, a decision was reached to sell the repair shop. The shop was sold in December of 1996.

John decided to open Big M Automotive in 1997 with Tom Indrieri, a friend he had met in Colusa, California while looking for parts cars. The two of them collected Mercury and Ford cars and parts, selling them and gathering more. Soon all cars from the 50's and 60's were being picked up and customers from around the world began buying them.

In 2000, John bought Tom's share of the business, and more property was purchased. The main office and parts warehouse is located north of downtown Williams, California, while the main yard is 1.5 miles south of downtown.

Currently there are 800-1000 cars for parts and others available for restoration. Good Clean Western Metal - the best there is! Because of the amount of cars, please be patient when leaving messages. He is the one man yard owner, receptionist, picker and packer.

John still ships worldwide and local. He takes pride in the quality of the parts that he sells, and is very honest in his descriptions of what he sells!

Click on the mailbox above to inquire on any parts you need or ask any questions that you may have. You'll always get a straight answer from him!

Big M Auto is located in Williams California, about 60 miles north of Sacramento and 100 miles south of Redding. You can see our yard from I-5. Yes, we are that Old Car Place off of I-5.

Here are the directions to find the office: From I-5 take the Williams exit. Turn west on to E Street for 0.4 miles. Turn right at the 3rd stop sign which will be 7th.St. Big M Automotive will be on your right about 0.5 miles up the street. To reach the yard from the office, go south on 7th Street for 1.5 miles. We will be on your left.

To find the yard from Sacramento, Take I-5 north to the Husted exit. Turn right on to Husted. At the stop sign turn left (north) for 0.8 miles. We will be on your right.