In recent years, with inventory dropping to near record lows and prices rising to record highs for years amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen more than one longtime Ford dealer close up shop, unfortunately. That list includes Hillier Ford in Escalon, California, which shut down last year after 50 years in business, as well as Worthington Ford in Southern California, a famous and beloved Ford dealer that rose to fame thanks to its humorous advertisements. Now, another Ford dealer has shut down after a full century in operation, too.
That dealer is Sunnyside Ford in Holden, Massachusetts, according to Spectrum News 1, a business that just celebrated 100 years of operation back in March. Sunnyside originally opened up as a service shop for the Model T and other vehicles way back in 1923, and one year later, became a full-fledged Ford dealer, but unfortunately, changing times recently prompted President Dan Harrington to make the difficult decision to close a business that’s lived under the care of three generations of family ownership.
“It’s definitely been more complicated in the last 10 years or so, but I’m 74, so it’s time to retire,” said Harrington. “I remember the times, you know, you get in the car, you turn the key and boom, you forget your left gear and nothing jumps forward. Well, now they won’t do that on you. A lot of safety features that are great, some are a pain, I know a lot of people don’t like them, but they’re for the benefit of everybody.”
Thus, Sunnyside Ford won’t live on to see a fourth generation of ownership, it seems, as its last day of operation will be November 22nd. It’s a sad and unfortunate end to a century-old business, but as we’ve seen on numerous occasions over the past couple of years, changing times have prompted several others to make similar decisions as well.
Comments
Well, GOOD LUCK to Everyone in the Family. It’s a real Shame, but when it’s TIME you know it Deep Down. Have some Fun with the Family, and Forget about the FORD Business! They seem to have forgotten about their already paid Customers, (LIKE US)…. So… Be done with it, Don’t look back, and Enjoy the rest of your life. Sound’s like you had a decent life so far. Go take the Grandkids out to a NICE DINNER! Good Luck. By the way, We purchased a 2022 F-150 (LOADED TO THE HILT), and it’s had it’s fair share of Issues and Recalls. And we PAID $2500.00 Over MSRP For a total of $87 thousand +++. We basically took it in the SHORT’S!!! THANK YOU F O R D!!!
Closed instead of sold? Says something about the value of a Ford franchise.
Need a bigger V6 option in the Bronco.
Engines are too small now.
Bought a new 150 in 2010 from them..great transaction,reasonably price,good financing.Went there to buy new this year..totally different vibe,aggressive salesman,store was dead,not a good feeling.Purchased from Ira-who took over Prime in Auburn..trucks were flying off the lot-good inventory.
RIP sunny side, got my 22 single cab short box V8 ordered here, meh service and sales experience shut this place down no other reason, I asked if they could program my 20” wheels to the truck NO, it’s not possible Speedo MPH was a little off with my larger wheels and yes it can be reprogrammed they just did not know how or most likely did not want to, paid MSRP btw
Places that are in business usually make their customers happy for little things or atleast point them in the right direction as in go this other place, they can get it done etc
No one beat you over the head to overpay, did they?