Hurry in, NOW!

I drive on Highway 100 every day for work and noticed that a wrecking crew set up shop in the parking lot. Naturally, wanting to be a hero and preserve this place for tomorrow’s youth, I sprung into action and had to snap some photos. The dealership was closed for some time, though I’m not quite sure how long. Prior to its closing it was a general bargain lot type dealership promising EASY CREDIT APPROVAL-BAD CREDIT OKAY and LOW-LOW FINANCING WITH NO MONEY DOWN, among a lot filled with Studebaker stationwagons, Jesus Mobiles, and rusty Chevy Cavaliers.

Let Brookdale Ford help get you into your next trouble-prone car!

You’d think a bargain dealership like this would survive. This IS the red-light district of the Twin Cites area known as Brooklyn Center, and many frugal car lots make their home within the city limits. The bargain lot formerly known as Brookdale Ford just couldn’t survive for some reason. It’s not like Lexus is going to swoop in and buy up this dealership on THIS side of town. Nope. Not when the majority of your customers want to come in to “ghost ride one of the whips.”

A chain-link fence helps keep the riff-raff out

I grew up in this area, so I passed this dealership on a regular basis. When my parents were looking to buy a new mini van, we were dragged to the dealership for an afternoon of free hot dogs, balloons (for the kids), and high-pressure sales. I tried lobbying my parents to get a mini-van with wood paneling because I thought it was SO COOL. Luckily my parents had a bit more taste than I did as a 10 year old, and went with a gray mini van, sans wood paneling.

Ring the scam alarm - I don't see a "huge selection"!

I bought my first car at Brookdale Ford, back in 1995 – a used, 10-year old Honda Accord with an out-of-order radio that broke down on me 3 months later.

Dude, where's my car?

A punched-out sign is a common sight in this Twin Cities suburb

Back in the day, it was just like any other car dealership. It had the same low-life playboy huckster salesmen you’d find at any dealership, pouncing on you the minute you entered the lot. Helium-filled balloons would pepper the lot, and you’d often see a giant inflatable gorilla waving in the breeze, atop of the building, beckoning the passersby to stop in and see what all the hullabaloo is about. Radio stations would have on-location promotional broadcasts at Brookdale Ford, and try to lure you down to the wild party with the promise of free bratwursts and hot dogs! The wacky DJ would give away free t-shirts, hats, bumper stickers, and beer can koozies featuring the radio station’s call letters, all while playing “today’s best hits” as you shop for a new vehicle.

If Denny Hecker owned this dealership, this would've never happened.

Sadly, those days are gone. Apparently, this area is being razed to make way for a “lifestyle center” that will resemble Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove. O RLY? Lifestyle Center and Brooklyn Center are two phrases just don’t work well together. Unless this new lifestyle center is going to include a 24/7 Check Cashing place, a Family Dollar, a liquor store, and an Aldi, I don’t think it’ll be a hit. But we’ll see. I doubt Pottery Barn is stomping down the doors to become a tenant.

Your new ride awaits!

This body shop once helped THOUSANDS of Ford F150s with peeing Calvin decals get back on the road

***Updated 8.27.08 – The demolition is complete.

Brookdale Ford as it stands today.