Stan Nixon Motors Ltd., on Main Street in Stayner recently closed its doors after more than 40 years in business.

Attempts to speak with founder Stan Nixon, a much-respected local businessman, were unsuccessful.

According to the company’s website, Stan Nixon Motors originally had four locations. They were in Creemore, Angus, Shelburne and Dundalk.

Information on the website states that in 1968 Nixon consolidated the four locations and opened the dealership in Stayner.

The company claimed on its site that it provided “high-quality vehicles at affordable prices to a growing list of satisfied customers.”

Nixon himself, according to information on the site, had been selling and servicing vehicles in Central Ontario for more than 50 years.

Stan Nixon Motors was a family business.

Nixon’s son, Paul, joined the dealership in 1976 and his younger brother, John, came on board in 1983.

Other staff came and went over the years.

The property, located on the south side of Main Street, at the corner of Superior Street, is now for sale.

The loss of the local business leaves Stayner with just four automotive dealerships.

Three of the dealerships are located on Main Street and sell used vehicles. The fourth, Hanna Motors, is a Ford dealership on King Street.

The last dealership to close in town was Ron McDermid’s a few years ago.

At the end it sold used vehicles but for many years operated under the General Motors banner.

The dealership was located at the corner of Main and Scott streets, where the Stayner Flea Market is now situated.

mgennings@simcoe.com