History of Torkelson Motors

Torkelson Motors was organized in 1926 in Elgin, Iowa by Clarence
Torkelson and his brothers Tom, Carl and Otto after securing a franchise to sell the Chrysler line of automobiles.   

The business was called Torkelson Bros. and was one of the very first
Chrysler dealers in Iowa.  Chrysler Corp. began operation in 1924 and had
established a reputation for innovative engineering and excellent quality. It
was the perfect match for the principles mandated by the Torkelson
Brothers.

The business grew and prospered for 23 years serving Elgin and the
surrounding area with the leadership of the original brothers.

In 1949 Clarence Torkelson's son Ivan & wife Eleanor, assumed ownership of the company and changed the name to Torkelson Motors.          

In 1978, their son Bruce and his wife Susan became partners in the
business. Torkelson Motors then opened their second dealership in Waukon on Highway #9. By 1986, the need for an expanded service department and additional vehicle display space brought about the construction of a new facility at the present location on Highway #76 North. As the business grew three additions were added to the original building in the succeeding years. Bruce manages the Waukon Facility today.

In 1985, Ivan's son Dirk and his wife Cindy became partners in the
business.  The Elgin dealership is now managed by Dirk, who has completely remodeled the facility and added a large addition to the service department.

The Torkelson Family association with Chrysler spans over 89 years and is and among the very first Chrysler dealers in the United States.  

"We are very proud to carry on the family tradition of sales and service excellence established by our grandfather in 1926 and look forward to continuing this commitment far into the future."

- Bruce and  Dirk Torkelson