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The Reutimann family has always been in the automobile business, Emil John Reuti-
mann, Sr., being trained as a mechanic in his native Switzerland. Emil Reutimann, Jr.,
started the racing legacy and, in recent years, some members have been in education, land
development, land sales, auto repair, and racing. Nascar racer David Reutimann, a fourth
generation Zephyrhills "Reutimann," is presently making the area proud with his
racing abilities.
Emil and his bride Amalie came to Zeph-
1.. yrhills in 1915 setting up an auto repair shop
called Zephyrhills Auto Company. Their daughter
• Matlida (always called Tillie) describes the first
shop as, . . .a mere shed with one gas pump."
Over the years, that shed grew several times.
' In about 1925, one of the first Chevrolet dealer-
' • % ships in Florida was established by Mr. Reuti-
r mann, Sr. The name Reutimann Chevrolet
came into being in about 1954 when
ownership of the dealership went
• from Reutimann Sr. to Jr.
Kam:: The racing legacy began with Emil
Jr., as the first 00 racer and contin-
ued with Buzzie, Wayne and Dale
s •
r Reutimann. The lives of Emil
• .' Sr., and Dale were cut short
' . - - - - in 1973 when a drunk driver
* •y: - ; ' crossed into the opposite lane
killing them and a family friend,
`' ' Gordon Stone. However, many
• • generations of family members
i. j � �= } .b ._ P.._� _ have kept the traditions and his-
.�.�
• tory of great family alive.
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