A historic family-owned Volkswagen repair business in Connecticut is on the brink of closing after a court upheld an eviction order, 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. 

Facing eviction after more than a hundred years of operation, the multigenerational business is urgently raising funds to find a new venue and preserve its heritage.

The five-generation-owned repair shop, currently run by mechanic Frank Freccia III, his daughter Guinevere Freccia, and longtime VW expert Dave D’Andrea Jr., represents a living testament to the transformation from horse-and-buggy carriage repairs to vintage Volkswagen specialization.

‘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. 

‘They came with nothing. We started by painting horse-drawn carriages, signs and monogramming … we were one of the first dealerships. I think we’re actually one of the oldest continuously operating dealerships in America,’ she added. 

With its iconic building, the shop has long served as a community landmark – complete with the popular ‘Lilly the Car,’ a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle turned social media mascot – and a deep devotion to preserving automotive heritage. 

‘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. 

‘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.

‘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.

‘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.