About Conway-Heaton Ford in Bardstown, KY

Discover the Legacy of Conway Heaton Ford in Bardstown, KY

Welcome to Conway-Heaton Ford, Kentucky's oldest Ford dealership, proudly serving Bardstown and surrounding communities since 1919. Located in Historic Bardstown at 810 North 3rd Street-just 35 miles south of Louisville-our dealership has remained family-owned and operated for over a century. Today, the fourth generation of the Conway and Heaton families continues the same core mission: providing dependable Ford vehicles and attentive care long after the sale.

Explore Our Rich History Since 1919

Our story began when James F. "Jim" Conway, a young entrepreneur from Richmond, Kentucky, moved to Bardstown with a dream and a $2,000 loan from his aunt. In November 1919, he opened a small Ford storefront at 213 North Third Street, just a block from the courthouse. In those early days, automobiles arrived by train and were assembled locally in Bardstown.

Jim's business quickly became a cornerstone of the community, growing through hard work, trust, and personal commitment to every customer. In 1922, the dealership relocated to a larger facility built by local businessman Con Moore. By 1928, Conway Motor Company expanded again near Courthouse Square, providing cars, trucks, and tractors to area farmers, families, and travelers.

Generations of Family Leadership

When World War II paused commercial automobile production, Jim's son, Pike Conway, and son-in-law, Bob Heaton, both served their country. Following the war, they returned to Bardstown and partnered to continue the business, officially adopting the name Conway-Heaton in 1977 to reflect their joint family enterprise.

In 1968, the dealership moved to its current location on North Third Street, featuring 15 dedicated service bays to handle routine maintenance and complex repairs. Over the decades, successive generations-including Dick Heaton, Bill Conway, Michael Conway, and Nicholas Heaton-have joined the leadership team, preserving deep community roots. Today, 11 of our staff members have been with Conway-Heaton Ford for over a decade, providing familiar, experienced service year after year.

Serving Kentucky Drivers Across Nelson County and Beyond

For more than 107 years, Conway-Heaton Ford has been recognized for clear communication, fair pricing, and lasting relationships. We are proud to serve Louisville and the surrounding communities. Whether you seek a new Ford F-150, Explorer, or Mustang, or a quality pre-owned vehicle, our experienced team stands ready to assist.

Our dealership has earned the Ford Blue Oval Certification and has received the Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award three separate times. Beyond vehicle sales, our Dealer Principal, Dick Heaton, serves as the mayor of Bardstown, KY demonstrating our family's deep commitment to civic leadership.

Support the Bardstown and Nelson County Community

Giving back to the region that has supported us for over a century remains a central pillar of our business. Throughout the year, we actively support local schools, youth athletics, Project Graduation, charitable causes, civic events, and community festivals. As an organization, we believe in performing Random Acts of Kindness to assist neighbors in need throughout our hometown.