Edgar L. McCoubrey
Encyclopedia
Edgar Louis McCoubrey was an automobile dealer and 10th Mayor of Palm Springs, California.
as a credit manager. In 1936 McCoubrey and a partner, Charles W. Dutton, acquired a dealership, Rubidoux Motor Co. (now Dutton Motor Co.), in Riverside, California
, where they sold Oldsmobiles, Cadillacs and GMCs. The partners opened Palm Springs
' Plaza Motors in 1938 with the same makes, adding Pontiac and Buick in 1996. A famous customer who got away was Elvis Presley
. One day Elvis, dressed in his all black signature style, including black silk shirt, black leather jacket, and black wrap-around sunglasses, strolled into Plaza Motors and demanded a black Cadillac on the spot. "We explained that we didn't keep black cars in stock because of the desert climate," McCoubrey said. "He wanted it that day. We could order one for him, but he didn't want to wait."
in 1956. As Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce President, McCoubrey received President John F. Kennedy
during a 1963 visit. McCoubrey was a Delegate to the Republican National Convention from California, 1972.
in 2001. The Edgar McCoubrey Memorial Scholarship Award was established in his memory.
Early years
McCoubrey was born in St. John's, Newfoundland. He immigrated to the US on August 26, 1920, and became a naturalized citizen on February 6, 1940.Career
McCoubrey began his automotive career in 1926 with General Motors Acceptance CorporationGeneral Motors Acceptance Corporation
Ally Financial Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, United States at Tower 200 of the Renaissance Center. The bank slogan has more than 15 million customers worldwide and provides a range of financial services including auto financing, insurance, mortgage services, and...
as a credit manager. In 1936 McCoubrey and a partner, Charles W. Dutton, acquired a dealership, Rubidoux Motor Co. (now Dutton Motor Co.), in Riverside, California
Riverside, California
Riverside is a city in Riverside County, California, United States, and the county seat of the eponymous county. Named for its location beside the Santa Ana River, it is the largest city in the Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area of Southern California, 4th largest inland California...
, where they sold Oldsmobiles, Cadillacs and GMCs. The partners opened Palm Springs
Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs is a desert city in Riverside County, California, within the Coachella Valley. It is located approximately 37 miles east of San Bernardino, 111 miles east of Los Angeles and 136 miles northeast of San Diego...
' Plaza Motors in 1938 with the same makes, adding Pontiac and Buick in 1996. A famous customer who got away was Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
. One day Elvis, dressed in his all black signature style, including black silk shirt, black leather jacket, and black wrap-around sunglasses, strolled into Plaza Motors and demanded a black Cadillac on the spot. "We explained that we didn't keep black cars in stock because of the desert climate," McCoubrey said. "He wanted it that day. We could order one for him, but he didn't want to wait."
Politics
McCoubrey was the 10th Mayor of Palm Springs, California, April 19, 1966 - April 24, 1967. He was chairman of a rally hosted for Dwight D. EisenhowerDwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower was the 34th President of the United States, from 1953 until 1961. He was a five-star general in the United States Army...
in 1956. As Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce President, McCoubrey received President John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy
John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy , often referred to by his initials JFK, was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963....
during a 1963 visit. McCoubrey was a Delegate to the Republican National Convention from California, 1972.
Death
McCoubrey died in Palm SpringsPalm Springs, California
Palm Springs is a desert city in Riverside County, California, within the Coachella Valley. It is located approximately 37 miles east of San Bernardino, 111 miles east of Los Angeles and 136 miles northeast of San Diego...
in 2001. The Edgar McCoubrey Memorial Scholarship Award was established in his memory.