Building a Legacy
Founded on February 12, 1914, Wallingford Auto Company is officially incorporated by President and Secretary E.B. Backes. Edward, the grandson of Michael Backes (founder of M. Backes Fireworks Co.) chose to sell Buick, the real first success story of the auto industry, which also holds credit for being the brand responsible for the foundation of General Motors. Located at 65 North Colony Street in Wallingford Connecticut, The Wallingford Auto Company was the first new automobile dealership built in town. Throughout the decades, Edward Backes bought and sold other franchises, but always kept Buick because of their quality reputation.
John B. Backes, better known as Jack, purchased the dealership from his father in 1955. He expanded and relocated the business in 1977 to its current address of 1122 Old North Colony Road in Wallingford, Connecticut. In 1979, J. Christopher Backes bought the dealership from his father. Due to continued success, an expansion of the facility occurred in 1987 with the Service Department addition. Chris acquired GMC in 1997, adding another quality product with a long history of success since its inception in 1912. Throughout the decades, the Backes family and their businesses have been a mainstay in Wallingford. Not only have they served the community through various local organizations, they have served their customers well by selling quality brand products and by providing excellent customer service. The experience and knowledge of a business owned and operated by the same family since 1914, in conjunction with the evolution of automobiles, is why Wallingford Buick GMC remains one of the nations oldest family-owned dealerships.
And here we are today! If you'd like to add to our history and contribute to our growth, please take a look at our open position on the Careers page and apply today!
