Minnesota Motor celebrates 85 years

By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Thursday, August 23, 2007

When Minnesota Motor Company became the official Chevrolet dealer for Fergus Falls and the surrounding area back in 1922, vehicles came in two sizes. One was called the Baby Grand and the other, the 490, which sold for $490.

“Things have really changed a lot over the years,” said Dick Brimhall, son of founder Marsden George Brimhall and father of current dealer-operator Steve Brimhall.

Dick Brimhall’s first name also is Marsden but his family chose to use his middle name to avoid confusion.

“The Chevrolet, even 85 years ago, had features such as over head valve engines and independent wheel suspension designs — later adopted by many car manufacturers,” Dick Brimhall said last week as Minnesota Motor Company put the final touches on preparations for its 85th anniversary celebration this week.

Marsden George Brimhall took over the dealership from A.A. Trovatten in 1922. Marsden died in 1959. His son, Dick Brimhall, worked 60 years at the dealership, from 1939 until his retirement in 1999. He was the dealer-operator for 42 of those 60 years.

“We had wonderful employees and loyal customers during my active years here,” Dick Brimhall said, “and I’m proud to say that continues to this very day.”

While Dick Brimhall worked as dealer-operator, his brother, the late Bradford Brimhall, served Minnesota Motor Company as CFO. Brad’s son, Tom, has taken over the CFO position at the auto dealership. Steve Brimhall’s son, Matt, is the used car manager and represents the fourth generation of Brimhalls working at Minnesota Motor Company.

The auto dealership operated from downtown Fergus Falls on 117 South Court Street, across from the parking lot behind what is now the Viking Cafe, from 1922 until 1974. That year the headquarters was moved to the site on Pebble Lake Road in southeast Fergus Falls where Minnesota Motor Company operated its used car lot.

The main building was remodeled in 1997 and a new Quick Service Center - accessory, quick lube, car washes and detail shop were completed in June 2004.

By 1952 Minnesota Motor Company’s employee count grew to 48 and today there are close to 80 people who work at the complex along Pebble Lake Road.

Minnesota Motor Company has sold Chevrolet since 1922, Buick since 1924 and Cadillac since 1941.

“We’re proud to be the area’s oldest, family-owned auto dealership,” Steve Brimhall said. “Every customer today is just as important as that first one back in 1922.”

He said that for four generations Minnesota Motor Company has strived to offer a great product line and superior service.

“We believe in building lifelong relationships with our customers,” Steve Brimhall said, “along with 100 percent customer satisfaction and continuing a tradition of integrity, honest dealing and superior service we’ve offered since 1922.”