There is a lot of talk this week about where our economy goes, with or without, the $700 billion dollar bailout.

Whatever happens on Capitol Hill, it will be too late to save Bell Motor Company in Leonardtown, Maryland.

Leonardtown has 2,000 people and this long-time resident, the self-professed second oldest GM dealership in the world.

Gary Bell's father's started Bell Motors with his brother back when a Chevrolet cost $585 bucks.

"It started in 1923, and it's all I've ever really known," said Gary Bell.

"Six days a week, every week, six days a week," said Frank Bell.

At that rate, Frank Bell has logged more than 18,000 days at the dealership. The good days are now numbered.

"We know every soul in Leonardtown, every soul in the county as a matter of fact, almost. It was beautiful for the last 50 plus years and it's hard to leave," said Frank.

Last week, Bell Motor Company decided to close.

"Some of the reasons we're doing what we're doing is because of the banking industry," said Frank.

The company's interest rates went up, customers felt the credit crunch. Bell Motors focused on repairs, trimmed its staff, but next month will be its last.

No one's exactly sure the last day the dealership will be open for business, or who will replace it, but one thing is certain: very soon, for the first time since the Coolidge administration, the Bell family will not be a part of Leonardtown's business.

"My family was born and raised here. We always dealt with Bells, and we hate to see them go," said customer Jay Mattingly.

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