A historic family-run Volkswagen repair shop in Connecticut is at risk of shutting down after a court-ordered eviction, sparking a significant fundraising campaign.
Freccia Brothers Garage, a Greenwich fixture since 1922, has been ordered to vacate its longtime home following a bitter family trust dispute.
Now, after operating for more than a hundred years, the multigenerational business is scrambling to gather funds to find a new location and preserve its legacy.
Currently run by mechanic Frank Freccia III, his daughter Guinevere Freccia, and veteran VW expert Dave D’Andrea Jr., this five-generation establishment is a testament to the journey from horse-and-buggy carriage repair to specializing in vintage Volkswagens.
‘The garage opened in 1922. My family emigrated from Italy and constructed the garage from scratch,’ Guinevere shared with the Daily Mail.
‘They arrived with nothing and started by painting horse-drawn carriages, creating signs, and monogramming…we were among the first dealerships. I believe we might be one of the oldest continuously operating dealerships in the U.S.,’ she continued.
Famed for its distinctive building, the shop has been a community fixture, featuring ‘Lilly the Car,’ a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle that became a social media icon, and boasts a strong commitment to preserving automotive history.
Freccia Brothers Garage (pictured), a Greenwich, Connecticut fixture since 1922, has been ordered to vacate its longtime home on West Putnam Avenue following a bitter family trust dispute
The five-generation-owned business – operated today by mechanic Frank Freccia III, (left) his daughter Guinevere Freccia (right), and longtime VW specialist Dave D’Andrea Jr. – stands as a living relic of the evolution from horse-and-buggy carriage repair to vintage Volkswagen expertise
‘We’ve had people come in from Vermont. We’ve had people call from Florida. We’ve had people call from all over. We’ll consult on jobs if they’re further away,’ Guinevere said of the business’ lasting impact.
But after the passing of Frank Freccia Jr. (‘Skip’) in 2018, the family’s future at the location was thrown into doubt.
A legal dispute over the family trust – spearheaded by Theresa Freccia, Skip’s widow – led to court proceedings over control of the building.
The Connecticut courts ultimately sided with Theresa, affirming her ownership and authorizing eviction.
The family’s appeals to the shock ruling have since failed, and they have been ordered to vacate the premises.
In response, the Freccias launched a fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $250,000 to help secure a new location and preserve the legacy of the garage.
‘For years, we have been embroiled in a legal family trust dispute over ownership of the building … we lost the dispute and the family member who won has decided to immediately evict us,’ the family wrote on their GoFundMe page.
Within just a few days, over 150 contributors donated nearly $30,000.
With its iconic building at 246 West Putnam Avenue, the shop has long served as a community landmark with a deep devotion to preserving automotive heritage. Pictured: Frank Freccia III sits in the back of a Volkswagen
‘The garage started in 1922. My family came over from Italy and literally built the garage building from the ground up,’ Guinevere told the Daily Mail. Pictured: Freccia Bros Garage in Greenwich, Connecticut
But after the passing of Frank Freccia Jr. (‘Skip’) in 2018, the family’s future at the location was thrown into doubt. Pictured: Family members with Frank Freccia III (far right) of the Freccia Bros Garage in Greenwich, Connecticut
In response, the Freccias launched a fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $250,000 to help secure a new location and preserve the legacy of the garage
‘The last thing people want to see is another bank, another fast food restaurant,’ Guinevere said, noting that three out of the four trust beneficiaries would like to see the shop continue ‘as my grandfather wished.’
‘That’s what we’re fighting for. I couldn’t just disappear on my customers. We’ve been there for happy times in their lives. We’ve also been there for some of the saddest times in people’s lives, and it wouldn’t be fair just to disappear.’
Over its century-long history, Freccia Bros Garage survived the Great Depression, WWII, and economic downturns – most recently thriving during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The shop has also become well known for community initiatives, including artistic holiday displays, toy drives, and fundraisers.
The shop has long served as a community landmark – complete with the popular ‘Lilly the Car,’ a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle turned social media mascot. Pictured: Guinevere Freccia with ‘Lilly the Car’
Over its century-long history, Freccia Bros Garage has survived the Great Depression, WWII, and economic downturns – most recently thriving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pictured: The Connecticut shop’s mascot, ‘Lilly the Car’
Frank Freccia III and Guinevere work together on a vintage VW inside the historied Greenwich shop
The shop has also become well known for community initiatives, including artistic holiday displays, toy drives, and fundraisers. Pictured: Freccia Bros Garage collects Easter Baskets for Kids in Crisis and the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County in March 2023
‘We’ve done fundraisers for a kid with cancer. We’ve collected over a thousand toys for Christmas for kids in foster care. We’ve supported Lucky Dog Refuge.
‘And while the shop was in a good position, I just wanted to pay it forward. And I think all of the good we’ve put out into the world has helped our story spread,’ she told the Daily Mail.
Now facing displacement from their historic site, the family is relying on the GoFundMe campaign and community support to carry on the business in a new location.
Now facing displacement from their historic site, the family is relying on the GoFundMe campaign and community support to carry on the business in a new location
As for the fate of the building, Guinevere declined to speculate. ‘I can’t confirm or deny what Teresa is going to do, but I can say that is not, it is not financially needed and it should be put into the trust,’ she said
‘Share our GoFundMe, follow us on social media,’ Guinevere urged. ‘We’re not planning on going anywhere.’
‘If you’ve ever walked into our garage … you know it wasn’t just about cars. It was about community, family, and doing things the right way. We’re devastated. But we’re not giving up.’
As for the fate of the building, Guinevere declined to speculate.
‘I can’t confirm or deny what Teresa is going to do, but I can say that is not, it is not financially needed and it should be put into the trust,’ she said.
