Our History

Minnesota Motor Company was originally founded as a Ford dealership in 1917 by Mr. A.A. Trovaten of Barnesville, MN. In 1922, the Ford agreement was cancelled and Minnesota Motor Company became the original Chevrolet dealer in the area. At that time, Marsden G. Brimhall acquired one third of the capital stock and became the Dealer Manager of the company. With the modest start in 1922 of 16 new Chevys, Minnesota Motor Company was on its way to becoming the number one dealership in the area. In 1923, 74 Chevrolets were sold - 46 of them by Mars Brimhall! Buick and Cadillac franchises were added in 1924.

The original buildings were at 117 & 123 South Court Street in Fergus Falls. In 1949, a more modern sales and service building was built at that location. When Mars Brimhall passed away in 1959, his two sons, Richard (Dick) and Bradford continued to run the family business.

In 1975, Minnesota Motor Company moved to its present location on South Pebble Lake Road. In 1995, a building expansion and remodeling project was completed at that site. Although Richard and Bradford have both retired from their work at the dealership, their sons, Steve and Tom, continue to manage day to day operations. And now Steve's sons, Matt and Ben, have become an integral part of the management team as well.

In 2003, Minnesota Motor Company completed an expansion and remodeling project incorporating the lot and building to the south of the existing property. The facility includes a quick lube center, car wash and reconditioning area, accessories shop, and more. Recently, the sales and service building was remodeled for a third time and finished in 2013.

The Brimhall family has truly seen many changes through the years, but through it all, their commitment to taking care of people has remained the same. They are proud to be one of the country's oldest family-run auto dealerships.

They are dedicated to the people, the businesses, the proud history and the bright future of Fergus Falls and Otter Tail County.