About Us

    At the age of 12, John Crafts bought his first car, a 1927 Buick for $10.00, from Oliver Aube of Brickyard Hill Road in Durham. He drove the car home to Swamp Road through the woods and ended with four flat tires. John soon began selling cars from his parent's front yard in Durham and in 1951, at the age of 18, started John D. Crafts Auto Sales. A lot has changed since then, with John moving his growing business from the front lawn to multiple buildings in Lisbon Falls, finally planting firm roots on Route 196. During those early years, with a growing family to feed, John did everything that needed to be done. He bought the cars, straightened frames, did his own body work, often transforming cars from total wrecks to pristine vehicles, did his own painting and mechanical work and was his only salesman. Nothing was handed to him and he learned to do whatever he had to do to make a living.

    In 1956, at the age of 23 John partnership with his brother, Justin, John acquired a Ford franchise, becoming the youngest Ford Dealer in the country. He was also an American Motors dealer from 1968-1970. The building that you work in today was built block by block by John himself, his brother Justin and Al Aldrich. The original portion of this building was put together during the spring thaw and John and Justin had to mix antifreeze in the mortar to get the job done. David Crafts grew up in this business and has spent his life building the company, taking over fully when John retired. Today, Crafts Cars has been in business for over 65 years and the reputation for excellence is being carried on by the third generation with David's children; Shannon Crafts Morris as the General Manager, and the fourth generation with David's grandchildren; Kadin Crafts.