Tonkin & Gee: Two Family Legacies

The Tonkin Family of Dealerships began in 1960, with a $100,000 loan to Ron Tonkin from First National Bank in Portland, Oregon. This was used to purchase the first dealership – Ron Tonkin Chevrolet – that still calls the city home today. By 1965, success led Mr. Tonkin to purchase a fine-acre plot on what was then the edge of Portland proper, on what is now 122nd Street.

A year later, Tonkin Gran Turismo was founded, and in less than a decade became the most successful Ferrari dealership in the United States. Success here and in the original Chevrolet store led to swift expansion, including another Chevrolet store, Saabb, Alfa-Romeos and Maseratis.

Ron Tonkin became one of the best-known leaders in the automotive industry, earning numerous awards and commendations. His auto group continued to grow with his success, eventually encompassing Acura, Alfa-Romeo, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ducati, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Ram, and Toyota.