Welcome To Colonial Motors!

by Susan Happel

 

They invested $5,000 in their Chrysler dealership on June 6, 1966 and lost $8,000 in their first three months of operation. That is how Bill and Donna Lou Saunders began their business at the corner of South Main and Huron streets in downtown Milford.

 

In 1977, the Saunders chose to leave the Chrysler franchise and change their business to become Classic Autos Ltd. Throughout all the years of rearing their offspring - Jeff, Brian and Shannon - the youngsters grew up working at the dealership. From cleaning restrooms and polishing floors to installing brakes, changing oil and waxing the cars, the younger Saunders grew up in the business. It was only natural that when Bill and Donna Lou decided to move to Indian River, they sold the business to Jeff and Brian in 1983.

 

Until last August, the two brothers ran the business successfully, relying on the fine family reputaion of high standards, superior customer service, trust and good business ethics. But last summer, Brian answered the call to become a youth pastor at the Highland United Methodist Church. Jeff bought out his brother and launched his new firm with his wife Sharon and daughter Nicole. Sharon handles the bookkeeping, and Nicole does marketing, sales and title clerk duties.

 

On any typical day, there are 50-60 late model, high-end cars on their lot. Like his father, Jeff shares a fondness for special interest cars, as evidenced by a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner in the showroom. Today, selling cars on the internet has become a major part of their business. "We sell cars all over the country as this map shows," said Jeff. "Often they come in , handle the paperwork and then go out and see the car they have bought."

 

Jeff is especially proud of the fact that Colonial Motors has just been named the 2006 Michigan Independent Quality Dealer of the Year. In 2001, Colonial Motors was named business of the Year by the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce and in 2006 voted People's Choice Dealership of Huron Valley by the community.

 

For many families in the Huron Valley, Colonial Motors has been their "home" dealership, buying 30-40 cars in a family. After all, the showroom is like home, where one can have a fresh cup of cofee and talk about cars with family friends.

(Left to Right) Founders Bill & Donna Lou Saunders, graddaughter Nicole Saunders, owners Jeff & Sharon Saunders, staffers Scott Wiknich (sales) and Michael Kalil (detial technician.)