World’s First Auto Wash!

Serving the city since 1951, this full-service car wash’s pink neon sign is among Seattle’s most beloved and recognizable landmarks. What few people realize is that the original owners, Archie, Dean and Eldon Anderson, actually invented the automatic car wash! That’s right, the Elephant Car Wash was the first automatic car wash ever; and what’s more, the Elephant has remained an innovative and thriving Seattle business for over 65 years.