A 21 Year Rainbow Auto Anniversary!

Twenty-one years ago, on April Fools Day, Larry Watson began an ambitious and unique venture: a full service automobile repair facility specializing in Volvos, located in a country setting.  Today, Rainbow Auto Service LLC, situated in a scenic corner of Washington State's Whatcom County, has become a regionally respected resource for lovers of the legendary "Swedish Bricks". 

Rainbow has grown from a modest one-man operation to one with three full time professional mechanics possessing all of the skills, tools and parts necessary to service and repair the latest and earliest models.  Rainbow is unique in its ability to balance a Volvo owner's car repair needs with their repair budgets through the use of its used parts resources and flexible repair solutions.The technical expertise of Rainbow's ASE (Automotive Service Excellence). Certified technicians, and a tradition of trusted service keep Volvo owners coming back year after year and spreading the word to friends and coworkers.

Rainbow Auto has developed the ability to service the latest Volvo models while respecting and supporting the passion of long time owners to their vintage and family heirloom vehicles.  The Volvo reputation for safety and mechanical reliability has resulted in one of the most loyal automotive brand followings, especially in the Pacific Northwest.  Rainbow has been here to meet the special needs of Volvo owners. Rainbow’s goal of quick service keeps in stock many of the parts you need today to get on down the road. Providing service to people from Island county to whom leaving their home is an all day trip, so that they can go home the same day with all car worries handled.

Larry and his crew have developed a reputation for being able to solve the quirky problems associated with nurturing well-loved older Volvos, many of which are handed down from parents or grandparents to next generation of Volvo lovers.

The crew of Rainbow Auto Service is skilled and experienced.  Larry E. Watson, the owner and facilitator, has worked on cars since 1974.  He is frequently overheard providing emergency problem solving suggestions and car care tips over the telephone, and he believes that an informed driver travels farther and more safely.

Rainbow’s Driveability and Electronics Technician Brian Lunde,is a BTC grad has been with Rainbow since 1999.He is ASE Certified in all 9 service areas, including Advanced L1 Engine Performance and Air Conditioning.

Under Car Technician, David Johnston, is a graduate of Bellingham Technical College (BTC) Automotive  program, and has been with Rainbow since 2001.

Chris Morgan, a promising young technician/intern and BTC Automotive Technology student, has been part of Rainbow Auto Service since 2005. The BTC internship program aims to provide experience and mentoring to aspiring automotive students.

Larry’s commitment to his staff, and appreciation of his employee's efforts, has resulted in a four-day work week and four-week paid vacation, as well as health benefits, which is not typical for similar small businesses in the trade.

For almost two years Rainbow has been licensed to sell automobiles, resulting in a steady stream of reasonably priced vehicles available to shoppers looking for the right mix of style and price. See the display of a variety of used and consignment vehicles for sale, including rare Volvo classics. 

Rainbow's rural location allows the space to warehouse a wide selection of new and rare used parts and is a pilgrimage destination for Volvo restoration enthusiasts.  Following the launch of the rainbowautoservice.com web site, Volvo parts have been sold online and shipped to Volvo aficionados across the United States and Canada

You can drop by Rainbow Auto Service at 2729 Jensen Road, Bellingham, Monday through Thursday 8:00 am to 6:00 PM, visit the rainbowautoservice.com web site or contact Larry  at 360-734-6117 or volvosetc@aol.com.

Rainbow plans to have an open house this summer in the garden to thank all the people who have made this journey so pleasant. Watch the website for details

Rainbow Auto Service, LLC

Larry E Watson

2729 Jensen Rd

Bellingham WA  98226

360-734-6117