INDIANAPOLIS — Bob Rohrman, a legendary car dealer who for decades was a ubiquitous presence in television commercials across Central Indiana, died Tuesday night.
A spokesperson said Rohrman died from natural causes at age 87.
"Rohrman, a legend and visionary in the retail automobile business, well known for his charismatic personality portrayed in his quirky and entertaining TV commercials, built an automotive empire in Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin," a press release said.
The ninth of 11 children, Rohrman was born in a log cabin in Lafayette. He began a career in auto sales in 1955 at Glenn R. Pittman Ford following his return home from the United States Army. In 1963, Rohrman opened his first used car dealership in Lafayette.
Over time, Rohrman Auto Group grew into one of the largest privately operated car dealer groups in the United States with 27 current franchise new car dealerships.
"His family will remember him most for his unending love and loyalty, generous heart for philanthropy, feisty spirit, contagious laugh and love for Purdue football," a press release said.
