Eby Ford History

Four generations of Eby family. (L-R) Mabel and Carl Eby, Reid Eby, Art Eby, and Todd Eby.

 

1922

Ralph Eby opens a Star & Durant Dealership in Wakarusa, Indiana. The small dealership also serves as a gas station selling Indiana gasoline.

1926

Ralph doubles the size of the dealership to accommodate the growing business.

1928

Added Chrysler franchise to the Star & Durant line up.

1929

Big changes. The Star & Durant company closes their doors and file for bankrupcy leaving Ralph with only Chrysler. Ralph decides to drop Chrysler and take on Buick and Chevrolet.

1932

Ralph is offered the opportunity to take on the Ford franchise and does so, trading Buick and Chevrolet for Ford.

1933

Ralph's son, Carl Eby, graduates from Wakarusa High School and starts working with Ralph at Eby Auto Sales the next day.

1934

Ralph's other son, Floyd Eby, joins the dealership.

1941-46

Ford stops producing vehicles and turns its attention to producing aircraft and various vehicles for the World War II effort.

1952

Ralph, Floyd, and Carl purchase the Ford Franchise in Goshen, Indiana, located on South Main Street. This dealership sold not only Ford cars and trucks, but Ford tractors as well.

1955

The Ford Dealership is moved from Main Street to 922 Lincolnway East in Goshen. Floyd leaves Eby Ford and opens Eby Mercury and Ford Tractors.

1962

Carl's son, Art Eby, joins Eby Ford. Soon after, he becomes the Dealer.

1972

Eby Ford acquires Lincoln and Mercury Franchises.

1975

Eby Ford builds a new facility at 2714 Elkhart Road, Goshen, to accommodate the ever expanding business

 

 

1986

Art's son, Todd Eby, joins Eby Ford Sales and starts "Learning the Business." This same year, Eby Ford earns its 25th consecutive "Distinguished Achievement" Award from the Ford Motor Company.

1989

Eby Ford Sales wins the highest award Ford offers for customer satisfaction, the "Chairman's Award."

1990

Eby Ford Sales is featured in "Dealer World" magazine as one of the best Ford Dealerships of its size.

1995

Eby Ford Sales is awarded its second "Chairman's Award."

1996

Eby Ford Sales customers win again as the dealership is awarded its third "Chairman's Award," as well as the "North American Customer Excellence Award."

1997

Eby Ford continues its tradition of customer satisfaction and is awarded its second consecutive "North American Customer Excellence Award."