The Hansel family has a long history in the transportation business that began five generations ago in 1851 when Joseph Hansel founded Hansel Pioneer Carriage. Among his many successes in business was his patent for the Hansel Buggy. His son, Walter started his career in transportation selling bicycles. In 1899 he made the switch to selling a relatively new transportation machine, the automobile. By 1901 he opened the doors to the very first Cadillac dealership in California. Hansel and Ortman was the first auto dealership to bear the family name.
Walter’s son, the
late Walter C. Hansel, opened his first auto center in 1946. By 1961 the family
settled into Santa Rosa, California and Walter purchased Bishop Ford from Santa
Rosa’s former mayor Robert Bishop. Walter made the decision to name the store
Bishop Hansel Ford so that customers familiar with looking for Bishop Ford
wouldn’t become confused if they didn’t see the name Bishop. The Ford store was
located in downtown Santa Rosa on the site that is occupied today by Macy’s at
The Plaza.
In 1975, Walter moved the store to 3075 Corby Avenue and renamed the business Hansel Ford. The new store with the Hansel name was one of the first auto centers on what is now known as the Corby Auto Row. Today’s Hansel Ford Lincoln Mercury has Justin Hansel, the fifth generation to carry on the Hansel family automotive tradition, as its General Manager.
The leadership of the Hansel Group is in the hands of brothers, Henry and Stephen Hansel. Under their guidance they have built the organization into eight auto center locations representing twelve automobile manufacturers.
Each of the Hansel Auto Centers is well known for their achievements in
customer satisfaction at every level within the auto dealerships, from sales to
service and parts the Hansel Auto Centers place the customer first.

Our team at Henry Curtis Ford Mercury would like to thank you for visiting our website!
We have a strong and committed sales staff with many years of experience satisfying our customers' needs. Located in Petaluma, California, the staff at Henry Curtis Ford Mercury will help you find the Ford or Mercury vehicle you want. At Henry Curtis Ford Mercury we offer a searchable online inventory of new Ford or Mercury cars in Petaluma, along with well maintained used cars by today's top manufacturers. Come on in and take a test drive! Our sales staff will help you find that new Ford, Mercury or quality used car that you have been searching for.
For years, the financial staff at Henry Curtis Ford Mercury has offered expert advice for those seeking an affordable Ford or Mercury car loan or lease. Our service doesn't just stop there. Petaluma customers can come in and take advantage of our knowledgeable Ford or Mercury car repair technicians, and a fully-stocked inventory of Ford or Mercury auto parts.
Whether you are looking for a Ford or Mercury, or a pre-owned car or truck, Henry Curtis Ford Mercury is here to help. If you don't see what you are looking for, click on CarFinder and simply fill out the form. We will let you know when vehicles arrive that match your search! If you would rather discuss your options with our friendly sales staff, click on Directions for interactive driving directions. We are conveniently located at 1120 Auto Center Dr, Petaluma, CA. You can also reach Henry Curtis Ford Mercury any time by filling out our contact form or calling us at (800) 640-5303. The entire staff at Henry Curtis Ford Mercury looks forward to serving you!
1120 Auto Center Dr.
Petaluma, CA 94952