The Ruxer Ford Story
It began with a man, his drive to succeed in life and business, a work ethic instilled in him by hardworking German parents, and the ability to "think differently and work a little harder."
Jacob Ruxer was the father of 12 children and operated a blacksmith shop in the small town of St. Meinrad, Indiana, where he also sold Banner Buggies. In 1921, Jacob was presented with a new business opportunity and became a Ford dealer.
His first Ford sale was a Model T to Henry Vaal for $418 in cash. Henry returned to Ruxer for his next vehicle, a Model A, in 1928. Customer loyalty was as important to Jacob then, as it is today. Over the next few years, Jacob expanded the business by acquiring franchises for Star and Durant automobiles.
During these early years, Jacob's second-oldest son, Alvin, was busy developing his sales skills selling Firestone tires in Evansville, Indiana. Alvin soon grew tired of "big city" life and returned to St. Meinrad with a plan.
In 1928, at the age of 21, Alvin convinced his father, Jacob, to sell him the Ford franchise. For the next eight years, Alvin applied the sales knowledge he had gained selling tires to the automobile business while paying close attention to his Ford factory representative.
The Ford representative soon convinced Alvin that his business had outgrown sleepy St. Meinrad and encouraged him to move to Jasper. In 1936, Alvin moved his operation to the heart of downtown Jasper, where he could establish a proper showroom, parts department, and service station.
World War II and a New Opportunity
Everything came to a screeching halt with the onset of World War II as automobile production shifted from building cars to producing bombers and other wartime equipment.
When automobile engine production effectively ceased, Ford allowed its dealers to become Authorized Rebuilders. Alvin jumped at the opportunity.
The first engine rebuild began in the wash bay of the original dealership and took approximately two weeks to complete. Mechanics stayed late to keep up with the growing demand, and every job was done "by the book," following Ford's specifications and manuals.
The second engine took a week. Before long, the Ruxer team could remanufacture an engine to factory specifications in about a day.
Business was booming, but fate and timing were about to knock on Alvin's door once again.
The Beginning of Jasper Engines
At the end of the war in 1945, Ford cancelled all of its dealer remanufacturing contracts so it could restart its previously idled rebuilding operations.
Business was too good to give up. Almost overnight, Alvin and his brother Oliver made the decision to become independent engine remanufacturers.
With a move to a larger building, a conservative business approach, and strict quality standards, Jasper Engine Exchange was born.
That small operation would eventually become what is known today as Jasper Engines, the largest independent remanufacturer of engines, transmissions, differentials, and stern drives, as well as a significant employer in southern Indiana.
In 1989, the Ruxer family sold its interest in the company to the management team Alvin had wisely handpicked years earlier.
A New Generation of Ruxer Ford
In 1976, Alvin and Oliver decided it was time to retire from the Ford business. They sold the dealership to three of its employees: Doug Abbett, Oliver's son-in-law; Will "Willie" Weinzapfel; and Norman "Sandy" Sendelweck.
Ruxer continued operating in the same downtown Jasper buildings, selling Ford vehicles and serving generations of local customers.
In 1979, Ruxer obtained the Ford heavy truck franchise. That same year, work began on what is now Ruxer's current location. The new dealership gave Ruxer the space and capabilities to expand its heavy truck business and begin servicing the trailers those trucks were pulling.
Ruxer continued to grow, acquiring the Autocar franchise and partnering with trailer manufacturers such as MAC and Stoughton.
The company also expanded into Evansville with Ruxer Truck Center, serving customers throughout southwestern Indiana, southeastern Illinois, and western Kentucky.
Today, Ruxer Ford in Jasper serves customers across the region, working on all makes and models of heavy trucks and trailers while also offering new and used cars and trucks.
Ruxer is proud to have some of the most knowledgeable and highly trained certified technicians, collision repair experts, and parts specialists in the Tri-State area.
Giving Back
In retirement, Alvin gave back to the community that had supported him throughout his life. He donated millions of dollars to Memorial Hospital, the Vincennes University Jasper Center, and numerous other local charities and community organizations.
Alvin died in 1991 at the age of 82.
Next Generation
Will "Willie" Weinzapfel retired from Ruxer in 1996 and passed away in 2012 at the age of 73. Norman "Sandy" Sendelweck retired in 2006 and passed away in 2024. Doug Abbett passed away in 2013 after a short illness and was the last of the three original partners.
Today, Doug's sons, Philip and Nick, carry on the family tradition their great-grandfather Jacob began in 1921.
More than 100 years later, the same principles that built Ruxer remain at the heart of the business: Honesty, Hard Work, Community, and Family.
Those values have guided generations of the Ruxer family and
its employees. They remain the foundation of how we work, how we serve our
customers, and how we contribute to the communities we call home.
More About Ruxer Ford
Proudly Serving Drivers Throughout Southern Indiana
If you're in the market for a new or used vehicle, you've come to the right place. At Ruxer Ford, our team is committed to helping you find the right vehicle for your needs and providing the exceptional service you deserve.
We proudly serve drivers throughout Jasper, Washington, French Lick, Huntingburg, Petersburg, Loogootee, Ferdinand and communities throughout Southern Indiana. More than simply selling vehicles, we're dedicated to building lasting relationships with our customers and supporting you long after you drive your vehicle home.
Find Your Next Ford
Whether you're looking for capability, comfort, performance, or versatility, our showroom offers a wide selection of the latest Ford vehicles. Explore popular models such as the Ford F-150, Super Duty, Explorer, and Ranger, along with the newest vehicles Ford has to offer.
For those looking to get the most value for their money, our selection of quality certified pre-owned vehicles offers a variety of makes, models, and price points to fit a wide range of needs and budgets.
Financing Made Easy
Once you've found the right vehicle, our experienced finance team is here to help make the next step simple. We'll work with you to find financing or leasing options that fit your needs and budget.
From the moment you walk through our doors to the day you drive away in your next vehicle, we're here to make the buying experience as straightforward and enjoyable as possible.
Service You Can Count On
Our commitment to you doesn't end when you purchase your vehicle. Our experienced service department is here to help keep your Ford running at its best for years to come.
From routine maintenance to more extensive repairs, our technicians are dedicated to providing quality workmanship and dependable service. We use genuine Ford parts to help ensure your vehicle receives the quality components it was designed for.
Proud to Serve Our Community
At Ruxer Ford, we're proud of our long-standing connection to Jasper and the surrounding communities. Our goal is simple: to provide our customers with quality vehicles, knowledgeable people, dependable service, and an experience they can trust.
Whatever your automotive needs may be, Ruxer Ford is here to serve you.
Located in Jasper, Indiana, we're just a short drive from Washington, French Lick, Huntingburg, Petersburg, and communities throughout the region.
Come see what Ruxer Ford can do for you today.
