Our Story
Richard David, the father, and grandfather of our owners was born in Decorah, IA on March 10, 1930. Richard was the fifth of 6 brothers. Three of the brothers served our country during WWII and Richard served during the Korean conflict. All six of the brothers were car fanatics and good mechanics. Cadillacs and Buicks seemed to be a favorite of the brothers.
In the early to mid-50’s, after Richard David returned home from overseas, a typical Sunday at the family farm on the outskirts of Decorah would find Mother Cora cooking up a big pot of goulash, and her infamous lemon chip cake with seven-minute frosting. The boys would show up in their latest ride, and after some polishing and tuning they would get the cars lined up for a mini car show. Father Alfred would be checking out the latest upgrades to the cars and listening to the boys talk about how their week went, they were a very tight knit family their entire lives.
In 1960 Richard David married Solveig and they moved to Winona, MN. Richard was working in the timber business supplying railroad ties to railroads across the USA. Eventually Richard would take over running the company. His passion for cars never left him, he continued to work in his home shop restoring cars, building engines, and fixing anything from the family’s TV to the washing machine. He liked to say, “I’m a Jack of all trades and a master of none”.
The family has kept the “Legacy” going, son David founded Tri Star Engines and Transmissions, in a two-car garage in 1987. With his wife Judy, two sons Bryon and Benjamin, and 100’s of dedicated employees, Tri Star has grown to be a major supplier to parts stores and shops across the US. In 2023 the family sold Tri Star Engines and Transmissions to LKQ.
Dave was bitten by the racing bug in the early 1990s and has spent countless hours at dirt racetracks across the country. Initially supplying engines for racers and eventually owning a full-time race team. The team is currently running a full-time effort racing in the World of Outlaws late model division, with crew chief Taylon Center and driver Cody Overton.
The family’s latest venture takes in one of Dave’s long-time passions of collecting vintage autos and race cars. With 50+ years of experience building hot rods and engines, we have a good eye for quality cars. We offer vintage Hot Rods and muscle cars all the way up to late model super cars. Dave’s Ford and Shelby automobiles have been featured in numerous magazines and won prestigious awards in many divisions.
We look forward to helping you and your family create your own legacy and find your next special automobile. Thank you for considering Richard David Legacy Motors
