In 1952, brothers Bill Swope (right) and Sam Swope (left) moved to Kentucky and began retailing automobiles. The first dealership was a Dodge-Plymouth store and was established in Elizabethtown on Mulberry Street across from the present day Elizabethtown Police Headquarters. This dealership has evolved into Swope Chrysler Dodge Jeep and is located in the Swope Auto Center on US31W just north of Hardin Memorial Hospital.
First dealership located on Mulberry Street in Elizabethtown Kentucky. circa 1952
TODAY That was 60 years ago. Today the Swope's operate approximately 24 dealerships across the state and hold 19 separate franchises. We are the state's largest retailer of automobiles and trucks, satisfying the needs of over 20,000 people just last year. Our dealership operations provide employment for nearly 1,000 Kentucky and Indiana residents.
TWO GROUPS The Swope Family of Dealerships operate in Elizabethtown and Radcliff, Kentucky under the leadership of two of Bill Swope's sons, Carl Swope and Bob Swope. These stores represent; Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Nissan, Toyota, Ford, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai, In addition to our dealerships, Bill Swope has assembled a world class collection of vintage automobiles and has opened a museum in Elizabethtown known as the Swope's Cars of Yesteryear. Our museum is free to the public and is open Monday through Saturday with seasonal hours. Visit our website to view the cars and for more details.
The Sam Swope Auto Group operates mainly in Louisville, Lexington and Richmond, Kentucky under the leadership of Dick Swope and Patti Swope. Dick is also the son of founder, Bill Swope; Patti is the daughter of founder, Sam Swope.