Kelley Blue Book, the legendary publication providing new- and used-car information, went digital a long time ago. But Bob Kelley, its onetime publisher who died May 28 at age 96, displayed a cheeky sense of humor about the online transformation, according to his son-in-law Charlie Vogelheim.
"He embraced technology," Vogelheim said, "but he would say with kind of a wry smile, 'If you drop the book, it still works.' "
Kelley died at his home in Indian Wells, Calif. Funeral arrangements will be private.
"He was a real affable person. Very, very nice, kind, quick to smile," Vogelheim told Automotive News. "I am reminded of that by the many comments that I've received since he's passed."
Vogelheim said the family even received condolences from editors at rival publications.
"I have heard from editors from NADA, from Black Book, from [Galves], that were thankful to have ever known the man and be with him," he said.
Kelley was born in 1927 in Los Angeles, a year after his uncle Les Kelley formally launched Kelley Blue Book. Bob Kelley's father, Buster Kelley, managed the business for many years before his son became publisher in the 1960s. Bob Kelley led the publication's journey to the Internet and its expansion to computer-based products. He retired in 2000.
Cox Automotive's Autotrader marketplace and consumer information website purchased Kelley Blue Book in 2010. Cox recognized Bob Kelley's contributions to the business, calling him "a true pioneer in the automotive industry" whose legacy extended far beyond the signature publication.
"From its humble beginnings to the comprehensive online resource we know today, Bob's impact has been immeasurable," Cox Automotive said in an email statement to Automotive News. "As we honor Bob's memory, we also recognize our responsibility to continue building on his legacy. Bob's passion for informed decision-making will always guide us as we navigate the ever-evolving automotive landscape."
Today, Kelley Blue Book also is known as KBB.com.
Kelley started at the family's adjoining Kelley Kar Co. dealerships as a lot boy doing odd jobs. He attended the University of New Mexico's naval aviator training program during World War II and afterward rejoined Kelley Kar Co., where he handled appraising, reconditioning, pricing and selling hundreds of used cars per month. His expertise helped determine the values published in Kelley Blue Book, according to his obituary.
The U.S. government recognized Kelley Blue Book as an official guide, and it was used to establish pricing for used cars during World War II, when no new vehicles were being manufactured.
Kelley Blue Book was sold to family friend Charlie Cook in the 1960s, Vogelheim said. Kelley stayed on under a long-term management contract that ran for decades.
Kelley is credited with extending the publication's coverage to include imports, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, mobile homes, and classic and collector cars.
Vogelheim joined the company in 1985, ultimately becoming executive editor over a 20-year stint.
Kelley "expected the work to be done and the work to be done well, but he was a great mentor," Vogelheim said. "He was a low-key, below-the-radar guy who was responsible for a lot of innovation and a great working environment for anyone that was there."
