Change of ownership papers await Coromandel car yard
The land and building housing one of New Zealand’s oldest car dealerships, in the middle of a bustling provincial town, have been placed on the market for sale.
The block in Thames is home to Linn Motors, which manages the Isuzu and Hyundai marques in the area, selling family cars, farm utes, and light commercial vehicles.
Linn Motors’ presence in the Hauraki Plains/Coromandel area began in 1938 when the company opened a small service station in Paeroa.
The company expanded into selling vehicles after World War II, subsequently opening its Thames location and becoming the largest car sales business in Thames Valley.
As part of their succession plan, owners Clive and Marie Linn sold part of the company to new directors Brian and Carmel Trebes. However, while the Linns retained the land and buildings for many years, they are now looking to
enjoy their retirement and have placed the property on the market.
The freehold land and building at 417-429 Pollen St are for sale at auction on March 14 through Bayleys Ngatea.
Salesperson Josh Smith said the L-shaped site on three separate titles
comprises a combined landholding of 1534sq m, occupied by some 290sq m of showroom, office and automotive workshop space.
“The Linn Motors property has a prominent street frontage onto Pollen St, featuring two separate entry-exit points to drive new and used vehicles on to and off the sealed display yard. The main singlestorey showroom encompasses an openplan display area for new vehicles, separate administrative office space, a parts warehouse, as well as a staff lunchroom and bathroom amenities. At the rear of the building is the modern high-stud four-bay workshop, with access coming off a service lane running along the back of the property.”
Linn Motors is currently on a five-year lease with three further five-year rights of renewal, paying $72,500 per year plus GST and operating expenses.
Thames Coromandel District Council has identified Pollen St for a multi-milliondollar stormwater, wastewater and general water pipelines upgrade. However, following two years of severe business interruptions from Covid-19 and cyclone damage, the council has deferred commencing the work.