Washingtonians Leonard P. Steuart and his brother Guy left elementary school at the beginning of the 20th Century and established a small delivery business. They bought a mule and cart and delivered coal to Washington neighborhoods in winter and ice blocks in summer. As of 1904, the brothers had become entrepreneurs, having created an insurance and taxi business, later to become Steuart Investment Company and a residential fuel supplier, later to become Steuart Petroleum Company.
One day in 1907 Leonard Steuart went to lunch while his brother stayed in the office. When Mr. Steuart returned, his brother Guy related details of a man who had called upon the office. The gentleman was selling new gas-powered automobiles and seeking businessmen to establish dealerships. The gentleman — Henry Ford, sold the Steuarts 100 new cars. The Steuart auto dealership opened at 14th and P Streets, Northwest.
The Steuart brothers branched off into separate businesses in later years. Leonard stayed in the auto and financial businesses and Guy went off to grow the petroleum business. Leonard and his wife had two daughters, one of whom married Harry Martens Jr.
People were interested in these podcasts
Mr. Martens served in the armed forces during WWII, after which he joined the family auto business. The 1950s saw establishment of Ford, DeSoto and especially Chrysler/Plymouth dealerships (eight total) under the L.P. Steuart name. The anchor location at 14th and P Streets, L.P. Steuart NW Chrysler/Plymouth, took on the Volvo franchise in 1957. Mr. Martens eventually took over the dealerships.
By the late 1960s the Martens dealerships added other import brands to its Chrysler and Volvo franchises. A decision was made that rather than go into the concept of “mega-dealership,” Martens would concentrate on just one in DC. That would be Martens Volvo/Chrysler/Plymouth, which had been moved to its present location on Wisconsin Avenue in 1969. In 1993 Volkswagen offered an existing franchise to Martens and the Chrysler/Plymouth operation was eventually sold off.
Harry Martens Jr. and his wife had five children, three of whom work actively in the dealership operations. Harry Martens III is in charge of the operation and proudly posts photographs of the original business in the showroom.
A visit to the service shop demonstrates the philosophy handed down by the Steuart and Martens families. Service advisors, technicians and others working there show an attitude of interest, concern and helpfulness that gives customers the distinct impression their needs will be met and everything will be thoroughly explained.
It’s one of the most well-run service shops around, from customer care to environmental concerns. “We were taught the right way by our grandfather and father. I’m trying to keep it going by taking care of the customers,” says Harry Martens III.
The NADA (National Auto Dealers Association) recognized Martens as the oldest continuously managed dealership in the country in 2004, when they created the Century Club Award and designated Martens as the Charter Member.
Martens Volvo/VW remains as one of the few automobile dealerships located within the city limits of D.C.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.