Fortuna Ford, Fortuna Chevrolet Pontiac and Fortuna Featherlite Trailers – businesses we all know now, but do we know their history and how they have been an important part of our community? Do we remember back to the days when the showroom windows were covered, so that the new years models could be unveiled to an expectant crowd? These businesses have come a long way since their beginnings and are an integral part of Fortuna’s history. The three businesses make up Fortuna Motors, Inc. which are owned and operated by Ed Tanferani. Ed’s philosophy of taking care of his customers both before and after their purchase has earned him the respect of the community.

By 1915, Frank Brelle Ford was established in Fortuna. Frank Brelle was one of the pioneer auto dealers in Northern California. The showroom stood where Western Auto/ Napa Auto is today, and across the street (where Redwood Café stands) was the car lot. In 1960, Eligio Tanferani purchased the dealership. In 1961, the business became incorporated and Fortuna Motors, Inc. was born. Business flourished, and in 1975 Fortuna Ford moved to their present location on 12th Street across from the high school parking lot. It was there that Eligio Tanferani retired and sold the business to his son, Ed. Ed knew the business inside and out, having worked there for over 30 years since he was a teenager.

In 1978, Ed saw an opportunity to diversify and expand business, so Fortuna Motors got into livestock and horse trailer business. In 1984, recognizing the superior quality of Featherlite Trailers, Fortuna Motors became an authorized dealer of the full line trailer manufacturer. Soon, Fortuna Motors proudly featured Featherlite trailers, built by the oldest aluminum trailer company in the business. The demand for the Featherlite trailers became popular and the opportunity came for other locations in the state. Currently there are two other locations, Featherlite of Red Bluff and Featherlite of Sonoma Co., making Fortuna Motors, Inc. one of the largest Featherlite dealers in the country.

Fortuna Chevrolet was originally known as Hughes Chevrolet when it opened for business in the 1930’s at the current site of the Fortuna post office. Through the years, it sold and became known as Patton’s Chevrolet. In 1974, the business moved to a new location and facility on Fortuna Blvd. where it still is today. In 1992 it sold to Kenneth Huffman, and it became Timberland Chevrolet. In 2002, Ed Tanferani and Ken Huffman started talking about business. They had known each other for many years and struck up a deal. Ken sold the Chevrolet & Pontiac dealership to Ed and the name changed to Fortuna Chevrolet Pontiac.

Now, it is 2008, and more changes are in the works. Wouldn’t it be great to bring all three businesses together at one location? That dream will soon become a reality when ground is broken on a new state-of-the-art dealership. Fortuna Motors is currently developing property next to Highway 101 on the south end of Fortuna. One thing will not change, however, the fact that Fortuna Motors is a people-oriented business which provides their customers with quality products in a friendly atmosphere.