The History of John Darke Ltd

Mr John Darke worked for the Bristol Aeroplane Company as an aircraft engineer.  It was this role that brought him to the Lincolnshire and Yorkshire area.

Always immaculately presented Mr Darke had a great interest in anything with an engineering connection, especially cars and motorcycles.

History of John Darke
John Darke begins in 1946

It all began in 1946

Mr John Darke began his business at Red Garage in Marshchapel, Lincolnshire in 1946.

 

 

Goggomobils, Hillmans, Humbers and Sunbeams

The business moved to the Wolds market town of Louth, Lincolnshire in 1956 occupying the same site the business operates from today. 

The Louth site initially started by selling Goggomobils along with Hillmans, Humbers and Sunbeams from the Rootes Group which later became Chrysler Talbot.

 

Fuel Forecourt

Situated on the original A16, John Darke Ltd has sold fuel to both locals and commuters from our forecourt, working with some of the worlds biggest fuel suppliers. The company vision has stood the test of time, "to offer a first class product, using the latest technology, while delivering the best level of customer service". 

1982 Volvo Arrives

In 1982 the company took the Volvo franchise and became known nationwide for delivering the very best levels of customer service.

John Darke Ltd operated the Volvo franchise at its sites in Grimsby Road Louth and Cheshire Road Lincoln. 

2008, Ford Comes To Louth

In 2008 the business was awarded the Ford Retail Franchise and now offers a full range of new Ford cars, an extensive stock of Ford and Volvo used vehicles, alongside a Ford Approved Service Centre, Volvo Specialist Service Centre, insurance approved bodyshop and vehicle hire.

John Darke Louth
John Darke trading for 75 years

Trading for over 75 years

In 2021 John Darke Ltd celebrated 75 years of trading. We remain an independent family-run company that prides itself on offering a fair, open and personal approach to doing business. With many loyal customers following along the way, John Darke Ltd is the name that you can trust.

Customer Reviews
Sales  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
Excellent service, very helpful and friendly
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Tracey Clark  |  22/11/2023
Service  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
Very pleased with the repair and MOT that was carried out on our car, also the time taken was very good and our car came back lovely and clean
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Stanley Antoniak  |  20/11/2023
Sales  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
We would like to say THANK YOU to you all, especially PAUL CANVIN, for making the purchase of our lovely FORD FIESTA a pleasurable experience and also to THANK YOU to DAVE MANN for a professional job on the GEN 3 CERAMIC coating, it will enhance our car for a long time to come and we would certainly recommend JOHN DARKE and STAFF to anyone
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Alan & Sue Bratley  |  18/11/2023
Sales  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
You always listen to what's important, make the service personal and feels easy to do business with you
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Rebecca Young  |  19/11/2023
Service  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
Plan perfected, car picked up at agreed time, work completed, returned at agreed time, polite couriers and administration staff highly satisfied customer
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Stephen Goldthorpe  |  17/11/2023
Service  |  4 out of 5 Star Rating
I had several points that I wanted checking as my car was having an m.o.t. at the same time as a major service. The service advisor and service manager recorded those concerns ,which were all addressed satisfactorily. My car was returned, along with documentation to my home. All the staff I had contact with were friendly, approachable and professional
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Anonymous  |  13/11/2023
Service  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
Good service even tho there were issues with parts delivery being late
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Russell Millington  |  13/11/2023
Service  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
Just great service as usual.
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Jonathan Higgins  |  13/11/2023
Sales  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
Good Professional Service
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Virginia Bang  |  10/11/2023
Service  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
Always excellent service. We have purchased many cars off you and we travel to you to have them serviced. You are efficient with excellent advice. Above all you are lovely to deal with. We had 2 new cars from you this year. Which were special. One wanted for many many years and the other to celebrate being 21, graduating and securing an amazing job. On each occasion you made the collection special.
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Ann Avison  |  10/11/2023
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Contact our team

Our team are always glad to help with your enquiry. You can reach us via phone, email or you can visit us at our showroom.

4.8 (based on 175 reviews) View available reviews
A16 Garage, Grimsby Road, Louth, Lincolnshire, LN11 0EA
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