About Us
Welcome To Tipton Ford Brownsville
Tipton Family History
Starting in 1923, the Tipton family has proudly sold and serviced Ford vehicles in Brownsville, Texas. From its humble beginnings to its operations today, the Tipton family’s history is one of perseverance and dedication to its customers.
In 1923, M.J. Tipton Sr. moved to Brownsville, Texas, to work as a bookkeeper for Drew Patterson, the local Ford franchise owner. After learning about new Ford automobiles being delivered to Houston, assembled there, and driven to South Texas, Tipton’s interest grew in the automotive industry. He eventually became a shareholder of the Ford franchise in Brownsville along with Patterson, John T. Pipkin, and O.A. Manske.
In the 20s and 30s, partially-assembled Ford vehicles were delivered by train to Houston. Brownsville Ford employees would travel to Houston, complete the assembly, and then drive the cars to Brownsville on unpaved roads and through the sand dunes of the King Ranch.
In the late 1940s, there was a fire in the downtown store on Elizabeth Street, and in 1947, a new, two-story dealership was built on 955 East St. Charles in downtown Brownsville. The new dealership featured a modern showroom, service, body shop, and parts department upstairs. The new and used cars were displayed across the street from what is now the City of Brownsville’s Permits and Inspections Division.
Pipkin Ford continued to grow, and in 1952, Maurice Tipton Jr., M.J. Tipton Sr.’s son, returned from serving in the Korean War to join the family corporation as a salesman. He worked his way up to become General Manager. In 1957, M.J. Tipton Sr. became the sole stockholder of the Brownsville Ford dealership and renamed it Tipton Motors.
Through the 60s, new vehicles were delivered via train on the Union Pacific rail line near the Gladys Porter Zoo. When a shipment of cars arrived, Tipton Ford’s mechanics would head to the rail station to help unload them and drive them back to the dealership. Jim remembers seeing the first 1965 Mustang and 1966 Bronco unloaded from the Pacific Railroad train.
In 1972, Tipton purchased 17 acres of land, which would eventually become the current location of Tipton Ford. Then in 1979, M.J. Tipton Sr. retired at 79 and sold the business to his son, Maurice Jr., who became the dealer principal. During this time, Maurice Jr.’s sons, Jim and Jeff, joined the family business and worked their way up through the company.
Tipton Ford continued to thrive, and in 1985, construction began on the current Ford store at 3840 North Expressway. In 1986, the new dealership was completed, and Tipton Ford celebrated with a grand opening party. At the time, there were 42 employees. Jeff served as Service Manager at the new store, and Jim was Sales Manager.
In 1995, Maurice Tipton Jr. retired, and Jeff Tipton took over as President. In 2008, Jeff relocated to College Station with his family, and Jim Tipton took over as President. Jim’s son, Nick, joined the family business in 2005. He worked his way up from the pre-owned department to becoming the Service Director in 2009 and Pre-Owned Manager in 2011. Nick eventually moved on to manage the new Tipton Hyundai in 2013 and the newly acquired Boggus Tipton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in 2019.
In 2013, the current Ford store was remodeled to meet Ford’s evolving standards. It currently employs 155 people and serves a vital role in the growing city of Brownsville and Cameron County.
Mission Statement
Tipton Auto Group is a family owned and customer driven organization. Our business is to meet the transportation and service needs of the general public while employing knowledgeable and enthusiastic people who are totally committed to exceeding customer expectations.
Your New Ford Dealership Serving Brownsville, San Benito, Los Fresnos, South Padre Island, and Harlingen, TX
At Tipton Ford, we want your experience to always be a positive one. From the moment you step inside our car dealership in Brownsville, TX to find the latest Ford cars for sale, we’re here to help put you behind the wheel of the right new or used car for you. But, we don’t consider that the end.
Easy And Comfortable Financing Options
Our Ford dealership offers a wide range of other services as well, which you’ll experience from the moment you choose your next vehicle. For instance, our team of Ford lease and auto loan specialists make it a priority to help you drive home in the vehicle you’ve chosen on your terms.
Maintenance And Repair You Can Trust
Even after you drive off the car lot as a new Ford owner we aim to please by offering comprehensive care via our Ford service and repair center. Buying or leasing a vehicle from us ensures that you get top-notch maintenance as we use quality Ford-Certified auto parts that you can buy, as well. It’s just another way we look out for you, and further your connection with your ride. Tipton Ford’s Service Center can be contacted online or via phone at 866-704-1179.
We’re Here For YOU!
How can drivers from Harlingen, San Benito, Los Fresnos and South Padre Island experience all this? Well, plenty of ways. Tipton Ford Brownsville can be contacted online or via phone at 866-855-0319. We also love visitors, so stop in to our new or used car showrooms in person. We can be found at 3840 N Expressway Brownsville, Texas. We’re happy to continue the conversation, discuss new Ford models, and answer any questions you might have. ¡Hablamos español también!