MARCELINE, Mo. -
It's a Hollywood ending fitting for the Chevrolet dealership from Walt Disney's hometown. General Motors told Cupp Chevrolet they would be one of the thousands to close its doors. But the dealership in Marceline, Missouri fought back to stay alive.
The dealership opened in 1927 and keeping Cupp Chevrolet open was no Mickey Mouse effort.
"Everyone jumped on and it just kept building," Robert Cupp said.
Adding horsepower to the Cupp family's fight were more than 3,500 letters of support sent to General Motors. That's more than the population of Marceline.
"This goes beyond Marceline, Lynn County," Cupp said. "It goes several counties wide and everyone takes it personal."
If the Cupp dealership had to close, it would leave only one new car dealership in a four county area.
"When you think of the economic impact, you think well, we're not going to sell cars in town but it trickles down," Mayor Bill Stuart said. "Affects restaurants, convenience stores, and it's un-ending."
The Cupp family wanted to be there for their customers, their 18 employees and their town.
"We didn't think it was fair," Bobbie Cupp said. "Not only for us but for the other dealers across the United States."
The Cupp's loyalty was returned, making this small town dealership possibly the only one in the state of Missouri to win a GM appeal to stay open.
"In a small town, there are so many things going the opposite way," Mayor Stuart said. "And you look at it as a victory. It's been a long time since we've had a happy day."
Thanks to that community support, the family is hoping to be here another 80 years.
The dealership opened in 1927 and keeping Cupp Chevrolet open was no Mickey Mouse effort.
"Everyone jumped on and it just kept building," Robert Cupp said.
Adding horsepower to the Cupp family's fight were more than 3,500 letters of support sent to General Motors. That's more than the population of Marceline.
"This goes beyond Marceline, Lynn County," Cupp said. "It goes several counties wide and everyone takes it personal."
If the Cupp dealership had to close, it would leave only one new car dealership in a four county area.
"When you think of the economic impact, you think well, we're not going to sell cars in town but it trickles down," Mayor Bill Stuart said. "Affects restaurants, convenience stores, and it's un-ending."
The Cupp family wanted to be there for their customers, their 18 employees and their town.
"We didn't think it was fair," Bobbie Cupp said. "Not only for us but for the other dealers across the United States."
The Cupp's loyalty was returned, making this small town dealership possibly the only one in the state of Missouri to win a GM appeal to stay open.
"In a small town, there are so many things going the opposite way," Mayor Stuart said. "And you look at it as a victory. It's been a long time since we've had a happy day."
Thanks to that community support, the family is hoping to be here another 80 years.
