A Ford factory mechanic from Kansas named Merle “Smitty” Smith moved to San Diego with his wife Edith.  Leading up to WWII, he worked as the foreman of electrical maintenance for the aircraft builder known as Convair. As the men on his shift were drafted to the war, competent women replaced them. Eventually, his entire staff was female. Being a proud American, he went down to the Army recruiter’s office to check on his draft status. They discreetly informed him that he would not be drafted because Convair needed a high level of continuity in his department. His contribution to the war effort was best served at home.

During the war, people did not make significant investments because they were never sure if their number would be called.  Smitty had a burning desire to open an automotive repair facility. In 1945 he had an opportunity to purchase a Rio Grande Gas Station. It was on the corner of Adams and Oregon Streets. He worked weekdays at Convair and weekends at the shop. Like the village “Smithy”, he was just as likely to shoe your horse or weld your barstool, as he was to fix your car. It was not long before he gained a reputation as an honest mechanic who delivered excellent work at reasonable prices. 

In 1949, he moved his Service down the street to its current location at Adams Ave and Hawley Blvd., where he served Richfield gas. Smitty expanded the operation many times over the years, and we now exclusively specialize in automotive maintenance and repair.

Smitty’s grandson Mike Magers started pushing a broom and stocking shelves at an early age. The two were inseparable for many years. The young apprentice eventually became an ASE Master Tech. Mike shared Smitty’s passion for automotive excellence and customer satisfaction. Their philosophy is that referrals and trust are the best advertising. Mike bought the business in 1995 and does everything he can to live up to his grandfather's legacy.

Mike bought a house in Normal Heights and raised his kids here. It’s no wonder he was involved in so many community services – he served as President of Adams Elementary PTA, Normal Heights Planning Group, Safe Neighborhoods, and the Adams Avenue Business Association. He serves on the Normal Heights Community Development Corporation to this day.

Mike’s oldest son Enrique Dudley got his start as a Service Writer Assistant.  In 2005, Mike’s wife Debbie passed the payroll torch to Enrique and he ran with it. Again, the apprentice became the master and now Enrique does payroll, bookkeeping, tax accounting, IT, HR and has shifted into management. Enrique and Mike are working out a gradual succession plan to ensure a seamless transition that will put Enrique as San Diego’s only 4th generation automotive shop owner.

Smitty's proudly stands as San Diego’s oldest family-run automotive repair facility. Mike, Enrique, and the rest of Smitty’s family continue Grandpa’s tradition of honesty and unreasonable hospitality- treating every car as if it were their own.