Earnhardt Auto Group Opens Its 1st Chevrolet Dealership

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Earnhardt Chevrolet will be open for business at 2121 N. Arizona Avenue, Chandler, Arizona on June 6, 2016.   It is the first time in the Earnhardt Auto Group’s 65 year history that they have owned a Chevrolet franchise.  

CLN Team with Tex Earnhardt

According to the auto group’s founder, Tex Earnhardt, “We’ve been trying to buy a Chevrolet store for many years and with the addition of this new store we now offer the most well rounded group of brands that any company can possibly offer to the citizens of Arizona.”  He explained that the Earnhardt’s purchased Thorobred Chevrolet, Arizona’s largest Chevrolet location, established in 1978.   It is a full service dealership that sits on 24 acres centrally located in Chandler, less than 5 minutes from 3 major freeways. 

The dealership will offer one of largest selections of Chevrolets in the Valley, plus GM Certified Pre-Owned trucks, SUVs and cars, as well as other used cars.  Chevrolets have historically received top vehicle of the year awards including 2016 Motor Trend Car of the Year for its Camaro and Truck of the Year for its Colorado.

Earnhardt Ford in Downtown Chandler

The first Earnhardt store was founded by the family patriarch, Tex Earnhardt in September 1951 in Chandler, Arizona.   At his original Ford dealership, Tex sold one car at a time.  Over the years, both the dealerships and Tex’ persona grew.  He became widely known for his great deals and as the cowboy car dealer who rode a bull.  Tex’ trademark slogan “that ain’t no bull” was the ultimate truth in advertising.  The “bull” he rode in the commercials was really a steer. 

Tex, 85, is still involved with his family‘s automobile business and visits the Earnhardt stores almost daily.  The Dealer Principal of Earnhardt Chevrolet is Derby Earnhardt, grandson of Tex Earnhardt.   “We promise our customers at Earnhardt Chevrolet the same great customer service and low prices that we’ve based our business on for the past 65 years”, he said.  Derby Earnhardt said that the store expects to sell 350 vehicles a month and employ over 150 people.   The dealership’s General Manager is Jason Gourd, who has been with the Earnhardt’s for 20₊ years.  “We are so excited to offer Chevrolet products and I hope you will stop in and see us.   You’ll be impressed with the award-winning vehicles, as well as the World Class service you will receive.  I personally guarantee it”, said Gourd.

Earnhardt Auto Centers is owned and managed by the Earnhardt family and is the oldest and largest family-owned automobile group in Arizona.  The organization sells 18 different automobile brands:  Ford, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Toyota, Buick, GMC, Scion, Cadillac, Honda, Volkswagen, Maserati – and now, Chevrolet at 20 locations through metro Phoenix.

Your No Bull Rodeo Rewards Representative is Wyn Earnhardt: 480-298-3148

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Last Updated on 03/11/2025 by Patrick OD O’Donnell

About the Author:

Patrick OD O'Donnell

Biography:

The moment a bull's gate swings open—that's when Patrick "OD" O'Donnell feels most alive. From his early days riding bareback through Arizona pastures to revolutionizing the bull riding industry as President of Bull Riders Only, OD has lived the Western lifestyle he now champions as Founder of Cowboy Lifestyle Network. Growing up in Casa Grande's sunbaked agricultural heartland, he didn't just learn about horses and ranching, he lived it daily, developing the instincts and grit that would later attract 4 million followers to CLN's authentic voice.

After his baseball days at the University of Arizona, OD saw something others missed: bull riding wasn't just a sport, but was compelling entertainment waiting for the right vision. Between 1990-1997, his leadership transformed local rodeo competitions into sold-out arena events that changed Western sports forever. Today, that same pioneering spirit drives CLN's coverage of everything from championship rodeos to the quiet heroism of ranch life. When he's not building the digital home for cowboy culture, you'll find OD supporting Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, leading CLN’s 25-year Christmas Toy Drive for Arizona kids, or sharing his love of horsemanship with special needs riders through Arizona's own Horses Help. Living proof that authentic Western values still have the power to transform lives.

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