Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Another stellar Somerville business is going away.

If you need a water pump, alternator or generator for your 67 Dodge Dart with a 225 slant six engine, you better get down to Nissenbaums Used Auto Parts, 480 Columbia St., before December 1. The 112-year-old business is closing its doors forever.

Nissenbaum’s was founded in 1910 and is now run by the 4th and 5th generation. Joe and his brother Allen, along with Joe’s son Neil, now operate the huge recycled auto parts empire that has been a staple in our community for over a century. I was lucky enough to be part of Nissenbaum’s 100th birthday several years ago. Also at the celebration we’re “Click and Clack,” Tom and Ray Magliozzi.

I was pleasantly surprised when Allen called me the other day to remind me that they were closing their doors for good on December 10. “Nissies” is leaving The Ville.

Allen says, “Somerville was a blue-collar community and everybody had a car that they needed parts for, but today they’re all on bicycles drinking lattes!”

The land will be used to build lab spaces and eventually become part of an extension or part of Kendall Square reaching into Somerville.

After a lifetime in the car parts business, Allen says he’s just going to take it day by day. It was great hearing from Allen and catching up.

Nissenbaum’s Used Auto Parts goes down in Somerville business royalty. Their awesome car crusher will go hungry. Thank you and best wishes!

Left to right: Jimmy Del Ponte, Allen Nissenbaum, Ray Magliozzi, Joe Nissenbaum, Tom Magliozzi and Neil Nissenbaum. — Photo by Joey Del Ponte