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 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 Department  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
Very helpful from moment walked through the door. Great local business. Paul went above and beyond as soon as we walked through the door as always, nothing was too much trouble.
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Ed F  |  25/04/2019
Sales Department  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
The staff are very helpful , made us feel welcome.
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Jayne  |  15/04/2019
Service Department  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
staff are all very helpful when you walk in
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David Parkinson  |  04/04/2019
Service Department  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
Able to book service for time convenient to me. Quick, efficient, informative and car was immaculate when I picked it up.
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Deb G  |  04/04/2019
Service Department  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
All round service was superb, the service advisor was particularly brilliant - I love my dealership
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A Ford Fiesta Owner  |  03/04/2019
Service Department  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
Excellent good old fashioned device very helpfull
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A Ford Kuga Owner  |  25/03/2019
Service Department  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
No delay at the friendly reception. Courtesy lift offered. Service explained and performed on time. Service and Mot results clearly detailed. No additional work or charges. Courtesy valeting performed.
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David C  |  14/03/2019
Service Department  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
John Darke Louth are a friendly local dealer, a family owned business which I have used for the past 6 years when I moved to Lincolnshire from South Buckinghamshire. I have bought 3 cars from this dealer and have the cars serviced by them and always received very good customer service.
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Christopher N  |  31/01/2019
Service Department  |  5 out of 5 Star Rating
Check completed.
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Richard S  |  30/01/2019
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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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