RALEX
Autoservice History
 One of the greatest events in a person's life is the realization of one's dreams, especially childhood dreams. Faith in those dreams over a period of many years and their realization is, simply, in my case, a love of
automobiles.
At the age of 11, my dream was to grow up to be a specialist in auto repairs. Day to day, hour to hour, I had a wish to expand and perfect my knowledge. I searched for references articles, and books, and repaired many kinds of automotive parts in my spare time. School vacations passed in reading books and perfecting my knowledge. Years passed. With time came experience and the first successes.
In 1964, I was accepted to and began studying at the Leningrad Technological Institute.
After graduation, I returned to Kishinev (Moldova) and began my career at the main garage in the capacity of department head. At the time, it was a modern firm, which, in a short while was reorganized for service of the first automobiles manufactured by the Volga car factory -
ZHIGULI.
Production and manufacture grew and successes on the job resulted in a promotion to head the department responsible for go-cart racing, and the service and preparation of rally automobiles
MOSKVICH, LADA-ZHIGULI. Automobiles were also prepared for circuit racing in 1972-1974 in Leningrad, Riga, Kiev and other large
cities.
In 1974, I moved to Israel and began working in Dimona, in which a new garage for
FIAT - TORINO opened. My documents and education were officially recognized for work in Israel. In the same year, at the request of the main
FIAT branch in Israel, I was transferred to main garage in Beer-Sheva in the capacity of auto
engineer.
A successful beginning, diligence and quick promotion in my new life lead to the decision to open my own enterprise in Ashdod. In Ashdod, for the first time, the official opening of the
VOLVO, BMW,
ALFA-ROMEO, LANCIA autoservice. A dream coming true in a new
country!
In 1975. the garage acquired equipment for the most modern diagnostics. Here began the first difficult steps in the management of a young enterprise. Diligence and accuracy brought the first successes, in spite of the terrible government bureaucracy. Successes in automotive service allowed the possibility to continue building "buggy" sport
cars.
In 1976, we began restoring LANCIA-ZAGATO,
LANCIA-FULVIA automobiles.
In 1977, we restored automobiles MG MIDGET and
SPITFIRE-TRIUMPH.
In 1979 - 1980, we started restoring autos of a more serious class -
JAGUAR - 1.5, an automobile manufactured in 1938 and a
JAGUAR - 420 G, a business class automobile of the 1970s.
In 1979, new equipment for quality restoration work was introduced in our garage. This was the latest technology in automobile
mechanics.
In 1981 - 1982, in connection with growth and quality service, the garage received permission to work with cars manufactured by
CITROEN and PEUGEOT (see Certificates and
Diplomas).
In 1983 - 1984, MATRA - SPORT -
BAGERA, MG-COOPER, ALFA-ROMEO,
FORD-ESCORT-S, LANCIA-COUPE automobiles were prepared for participation in races in
Ashkelon.
1986 - The firm received the name "The Most Beautiful Garage in Israel", 1st place (see Certificates and Diplomas). In the same year, a
PORSHE, recognized as the most beautiful car (see Journal Photo), was
restored.
The mid-80s were the most difficult times for the garage. This was a period of economic decline and terrible inflation. The working hours of the garage increased to 18-20 hours/day to pay off bank loans. The firm suffered losses difficult to imagine, and at the same time had to maintain popularity, but, most importantly,
quality.
At the end of the 80's, inflation fell. A period of many sleepless nights, difficulties, and struggles with an unjust banking system in a bureaucratic country. Diligence payed off, and this the collective had plenty. In the course of a short period of time, our situation improved and the company began to plan for the
future.
In 1989, the garage changed its location: the entrance to Ashdod. The new quarters were in terrible condition, almost dilapidated. The team began to restore the building while at the same time performing the everyday work required of a
garage.
In 1989-1990, and the beginning of 1991, we restored a series of
CHEVROLET (see journals) automobiles. At the same time, the popularity of the main
PEUGEOT and CITROEN agency fell, which reflected on its affiliated agencies all over
Israel.
In mid-1991, an agreement was signed for a local TOYOTA agency in Ashdod. During a short period of time, a sales center was opened. The facade of the building was repaired and redone by members of the garage
staff.
1992-1993 were dedicated to the organization of modernized services (computerization) and exhibitions of classic cars were organized in the neighbouring cities. The popularity of Japanese cars grew and sales
increased. TOYOTA gradually increased its market share.
In 1992 garage staff produced equipment for testing and diagnosis of injection engines. In the years that followed, in spare time, appeared the opportunity for restoration of classic
cars.
1993 - restoration of an AUSTIN (1960s model), a
MORRIS-8 (1927), and a 1940s MERCEDES- 38
(see photo)
1996 was a successful year. In this year, we finished restoring a
CHRYSLER NEW-YORKER. The work received a prize in America (see journals, newspapers, diplomas). The same car received 1st Prize in Israel (see journal) and in 2002, received 1st Prize in
FIVA (FEDERATION INTERNATIONAL des WECHICULES
ANCIENS).
In 1998, the Car Museum was opened in Ashdod. The same year, the agency finished restoring a
DODGE (1924) and successfully completed the "London (England) -Ashdod" Rally (see journals,
photo).
In 1999, the company introduced the newest computer system available for diagnosis and inspection of automobile chassis and automobile body. The company also received special permission from the Ministry of
Transport.
2000 - the completion of restoration of a VOLVO-AMAZON.
In 2001, the agency organized a carting group in the AMAL school in Ashdod. Assistance in welding and the manufacturing of fiberglass parts for students of the school.
In 2002, FIVA recognizes the restoration work on the NEW-YORKER as the best - 1st
Place.
2003 - Preparation of the CHRYSLER-NEW-YORKER for participation in the
MERCEDES-CHRYSLER exhibition in Germany.
Erection of the Monument to Mechanics at the entrance to Ashdod.
Participation in a competition for the creation of a monument in memory of Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut. Our project was chosen by the Ashdod municipality as the best in the city (see photo).
The completion of restoration work on a 1950s model of PEUGEOT 203 (see restoration work).
2004 - Completion of restoration work on the
CHEVROLET BLAZER (complete restoration) and the
FIAT
1x-9 BERTONE
Completion of a project for TEXACO Corporation.
2005 - Restoration work on a 1960’s – 1970s
WOLKSVAGEN (body work ,
anti-corrosive work, painting)
2005 -
Automobiles of RALEX in Nes
Ziona
2005 -The
RALEX
celebrates 30 years
2006 - Completion of restoration work on the
tractor FIAT.
2007 - Parad in
Ashdod city celebrate 50 yers
2007-
oner visit members of club 5
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