The predecessor of Sutton and Sons Chevrolet started out as Select Auto Sales, Inc. 49 years ago. In June of 1960, Jim Sutton Sr. and his wife, Lupe, founded Select Auto Sales, Inc. as a used car dealership in Anaheim, California, just north of Disneyland. After five years he decided to find a a new car franchise. The only feasible franchise to acquire in the area at that time was Fiat. By 1967, The Suttons were operating the second largest Fiat dealership in the nation. By 1969, Select Auto Sales, Inc. was the leader in retail sales for Fiat! In 1970, Jim Sr. started a new company, Select Vans, which became the first assembly line van conversion company, building surfer and camper vans.

Jim and Lupe's three sons, Ross, Jim II, and Gary were growing and became interested in the business - washing cars, painting the buildings and always anxious to help. From the beginning they seemed to enjoy the automobile business. When each of the boys turned 16, they not only received their driver's license but also their Sales license on the same day! This enabled them to go on to the line competing with older and more experienced sales people. They proved to be adept and able salesmen.

In 1983, a family decision was made to sell the auto dealership. The Gasoline crisis hit hard and it was time to cut losses. The boys finished college and Select Auto Sales , Inc. continued, but as a small retail and wholesale used car operation. As each son returned from their Universities, the Suttons worked together to purchase a new car dealership in the Orange County area. At that period of time, however, the new car business had recovered and dealerships were expensive.

In 1988, after a number of deals in California did not pan out, an ex-salesman, Ned Loomis from Hailey, Idaho, called to tell the Sutton family about a Chevrolet store in Hailey being available. The dealership was selling about 90 cars per year and the family wondered if they could all survive financially. Upon further examination, the town ( Sun Valley Area ) was obviously growing and there was abundance of activity.The Chevrolet dealership was affordable and they were confident they could build sales up to over 30 sales per month! They renamed the existing dealership Select Auto Sales, Inc. dba Sutton & Sons Chevrolet and started selling Chevrolets and used cars on July 28,1988.

The new dealership got off to a fast start and within 90 days, was selling 30 to 40 units a month. The existing service department was small but accumulated a loyal following, and with Suttons' help, the service business grew along with sales volume. The Suttons' work ethic and commitment to their customers became known as the "Sutton & Sons Difference." By, 1990, Sutton & Sons was selling an average of 60 units per month. Jim Sr. knew that four dealerships in the small Wood River Valley were too many. The Chrysler Jeep dealership was not doing well. They contacted Chrysler and expressed an interest in the franchises. Shortly thereafter, the dealership closed its doors, and Sutton & Sons acquired all six franchises: Chrysler, Jeep, Eagle, Dodge, Dodge Truck and Plymouth. The Suttons also acquired the other GM dealership with its franchises: Cadillac, GMC Truck, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Buick. There was immediate boost in sales and service and from that time forward, only two dealerships have operated in the Wood River Valley.

Today, Sutton & Sons is still experiencing growth. In the last six years, sales and service profits have tripled. Each month they now sell 80 to 100 units . The Suttons carefully select their employees, hiring only the best. They have increased their employment from 10 to 34 employees, seeking out the best employees that share their high standards, commitments and desires to succeed. In fact, several employees followed them from California. Sutton & Sons makes their employees part of their family.

Sutton & Sons now draws approximately 30 percent of their customers from out of the valley because of their excellent selection, competitive pricing and superior service. Satisfied customers refer friends and relatives from all over the country. Sutton & Sons can drop ship cars and trucks to many of their customers in California and many other States. Selling 80 plus cars a month in the Wood River Valley with just 15,000 residents is quite an accomplishment. We intend to offer our professional and courteous service to our internet customer.