LINCOLN DEALERSHIP IN COVINGTON LA IS CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF LUXURY

Lincoln dealership in Covington LA is celebrating 70 years of luxury and serving St. Tammany Parish. Since 1950 Baldwin Lincoln has provided trustworthy service and a family atmosphere.  Baldwin Lincoln offers a vast inventory of cars, trucks, RVs, and trailers to fit your needs and budget, but that is only the beginning. 

Lawrence J. "Chink" Baldwin, Jr., the founder of Baldwin Lincoln, served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a 1st Lieutenant during World War II. During the war, he was forced to abandon his plane and parachute into the jungle in New Guinea. Fortunately for Chink, he was found by an American missionary who helped him trek through the jungle to a small airstrip where he and his crew were rescued. This story was only the start of what Chink would accomplish in life. 

Following his return home from the war, Chink worked selling Buicks before he was awarded the opportunity to open a Lincoln-Mercury franchise in Covington. In September 1950 Baldwin Motors Lincoln-Mercury was opened in downtown Covington and became the first Lincoln dealership in Covington LA. Mr. Baldwin served on the Lincoln-Mercury National Dealer Council. He also founded the St. Tammany Leasing Co. and became an innovator in automotive leasing. After several years of operating in the downtown Covington location, Baldwin Motors began outgrowing its space and experiencing issues with the building. This is when the decision was made to move to Baldwin Motors to its current location on Highway 190 in Covington. 

Several years after moving to the new location, Lincoln ceased production of all Mercury models, leaving only Lincoln. By this time, Chink's son, John Baldwin Sr., played an important role in running the dealership. The Baldwins knew they needed a second franchise for the dealership and John knew Subaru was the right choice. Not only did Chink run a successful dealership, but he also instilled his love of cars and the value of hard work in his children, so it's no surprise John made the right decision in choosing the Subaru franchise. 

After Chink Baldwin's passing ay 91 years old, John, a U.S. Navy veteran, took over Chink's place as Dealer. In addition to running Baldwin Motors, John also served on the board of directors for United Way, founded the Feeding the Needy program, founded John Baldwin's Classic Sports Cars, participates in the British Car Club of America, and supports several charities and organizations serving St. Tammany parish. John makes sure to visit the dealership several times a week and always makes a point to say hello to customers, many of which he knows by name. 

Lincoln Dealership in Covington LA: Three Generations of Cars

A love for cars and the community runs deep in the Baldwin blood. For many years, John ran the dealership on his own and like Chink did with John, John taught his son, Richard, about the industry. Richard Baldwin is now the third generation of Baldwins to run Baldwin Motors. Richard earned his master's degree from the National Automotive Dealer Association and he continues the legacy Chink Baldwin started back in 1950. In only 70 years, Baldwin Lincoln grew from being a small Lincoln dealership in Covington LA to a successful company that is able to support and serve its community. Ask to see our "Inspiration Binder" next time you're in to learn all about the many ways we serve our community. 

Stay tuned for more information on our 70th anniversary celebration later this year.