Our History | Chevrolet Dealership Legacy in Orangeburg, SC

Thank you for wanting to learn a little more about our dealership! These pictures range from the 1920's to the 1950's. Most were taken of the dealership when it was located in St. Matthews, SC.

Joe Fairey III of Fairey Chevrolet in Orangeburg, SC

On behalf of my entire staff at Fairey Chevrolet., I would like to welcome you to do business at my dealership. I would like to share with you a brief history of the dealership and my business philosophies.

My grandfather, Philip Fairey, started my family in the car business in 1926, in St Matthews, SC, with Fairey Motor Company. He bought and sold Chevrolets, gasoline, tires and appliances. He lived in an age where deals were consummated with a handshake and a man's word. My grandfather established the Fairey name as synonymous with honesty and integrity in Calhoun and Orangeburg Counties. Joe Fairey II (my father) became the dealer principal of Fairey Motor Company in 1949 and ran a strong well-respected dealership for over 40 years.

I signed the dealer agreement with Chevrolet in May 1989, and then purchased Courtesy Chevrolet( formally Wannamaker Motor Company) in April 1993 and moved the dealership to Orangeburg. We then purchased the Cadillac, Oldmobile divisions from Burg Cadillac-Olds. In April of 1996 we built a new facility and moved from Broughton Street to our current location that is directly across from The Regional Medical Center at 2885 St. Matthews Rd, Orangeburg, SC 29118.

I do not believe in deceptive sales practices. When our customer goes home and studies their signed contracts they find no surprises with regards to interest rates, life and A&H insurance, no hidden fees, or any other deceptive ploys that have become so prevalent in our industry. It is my opinion that these practices are very short sighted and while they may work once, you most likely will not, and should not, get a chance to sell that customer again.

I am very proud of my employees and the low turn over rate. At least 60% of our staff have been with me 10 years or more; another third have been with me 3 years or more. I believe in supporting my employees through their happy times and their hard times. I treat them with respect and the courtesy that I want them to treat our customers with. I promote a professional and fun atmosphere at the dealership in which to work and conduct business. Humor is good for moral.

I believe in marketing the dealership, not just price. For years, my dealership has been a sponsor of the American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" of Orangeburg/Calhoun Counties. My dealership also supports organizations such as Boy Scouts of America, South Carolina State University, Claflin University, Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, Orangeburg-Wilkinson High, Orangeburg Prep, Calhoun County High, Calhoun Academy, Dixie Youth Baseball, TRMC Foundation and numerous sports teams, charity golf events, yearbooks ads, etc, etc... The majority of our marketing dollars are spent maintaining a positive image of a dealership that supports and cares about its community. I am very confident this approach sells more cars than the $5.00 used car sales and other gimmicks that I find deceptive and annoying.

In conclusion, if you are reading this as a current customer, then thank you for your business. If you are reading this as a perspective customer, then I feel confident that if you do business at our dealership you will find it a very comfortable and enjoyable experience and will always receive solid value for your money. If you are ever disappointed with your experience here, please feel free to tell me, or any member of my staff, and we will make every effort to correct it.

Thank you for visiting our website,

Joe Fairey III
President