A History of Dreams, Growth, and Community for Over 100 Years…
In the early 1900s, two men by the names of Samuel Hitchcock, Manager of the Automobile and Bus Company, and William T. Richardson, owner of Kenwick Terrace, shared a vision of bringing the growing automotive industry to Sarnia. That vision became reality in 1910 with the opening of the Sarnia Garage.
Nine years later, in 1919, they purchased the Ford Garage from J.W. Harold of Sarnia. In 1920, the garage located at 260 North Christina Street became Hitchcock and Richardson Ford Sales and Service, followed shortly thereafter by the Universal Car Sales and Service Company.
In 1927, Lambton Motors Limited was formed when Albert Gort and Nobel Duff obtained the Ford franchise.
By 1934, prominent local physician and surgeon Dr. Calvert M. Carruthers became the new owner and President of the newly incorporated Lambton Motors Inc. During this period, John D. Murray served as Vice President and eventually purchased the dealership from Dr. Carruthers in the early 1940s. In 1952, Murray relocated the company to 200 Vidal Street.
In 1959, the dealership was purchased by Richard A. Coltman. As the business continued to grow, the company outgrew its facility and, in 1964, moved to the southwest corner of Indian Road and Confederation Street — the location that continues to serve the community today.
In 1980, Harold J. Hall purchased the dealership. Continued growth led to the acquisition of additional property at Campbell Street and Indian Road in 1990, allowing Lambton Motors Limited to further expand its operations. In 1997, the company added the Carstar Collision franchise.
In 1998, Robert Ravensberg became a partner in the company, acting as Vice President of Sales, and was later appointed Vice President and General Manager in 2005.
The year 2000 brought the addition of the Fast Lane Centre and drive-thru car wash. By 2005, the facility had been upgraded to meet Ford’s “New Millennium Standards,” positioning the dealership for continued success while enhancing the experience for both customers and staff.
In 2022, the dealership entered a new chapter under the ownership of Ryan Finch and the Finch Auto Group, continuing the dealership’s longstanding commitment to customer service, employee development, and community involvement throughout Sarnia-Lambton.
Today, Sarnia Ford Lincoln proudly begins its next chapter as part of the Progressive Auto Group under the ownership of Dan and John Whitton. With deep roots in the automotive industry and a strong commitment to customer experience, community involvement, and long-term growth, the Progressive Auto Group is honoured to continue the legacy built over more than a century.
From its beginnings with Samuel Hitchcock and William Richardson to today, Sarnia Ford Lincoln has remained an important part of the Sarnia-Lambton community and automotive landscape. This legacy would not have been possible without the dedication of the employees, customers, and community members — past and present — who have supported the dealership throughout its history.