In a surprise social media post on April 15, landmark Maryland dealership Harley-Davidson of Frederick announced it would “no longer represent the Harley-Davidson brand, effective April 24. The last day of operations as a Harley-Davidson Dealer will be April 22, 2024.” After 46 years of serving the Northern Maryland and Northern Virginia market, owners Mike and Nan Vantucci are retiring from the motorcycle business.
A 2X Dealernews Top 100 winner (1995, 1998) the Vantucci’s bought the store from the Delphy family in March 1978 and expanded it from its humble origins in a strip mall to its destination location in 1993 and again in 2006 to its current location. Along the way they picked up a loyal customer base, a great H.O.G. chapter and more. “Over the years the dealer and staff have been recognized for any number of accomplishments, including several of Harley-Davidson’s prestigious Bar & Shield awards as well as recognition from HDFS. The dealer has also been privileged to work with many local police municipalities for the purchase and service of police motorcycles.” One of the greatest honors being the opportunity to provide bikes to the Metropolitan Police Department for six presidential inaugural parades.
Even fellow dealers in the region were a bit stunned by the sudden turn of events. “In town that had six motorcycle dealerships at one time, we are now down to two,” says Ian Riley from Fredericktown Yamaha. “Maybe Mike realized the property the dealership is on is worth more than the motorcycle business,” quipped cross-town Harley franchise holder and NPDA Board of Directors member Don Meyers. “Wow” added NPDA Harley Council Chair and fellow Dealernews Top 100 winner, George Gatto.
Of course where fellow dealers were stumped, the Internet already had all the answers as to why the unexpected announcement. Within 24 hours of the post, 223 “experts” had already weighed in and there were nearly 900 additional shares with comments on Facebook alone!
What we do know about the situation is that “Mike Vantucci and his wife Nan would like to thank the countless customers who have patronized the business over the last 46 years and value the many relationships formed along the way. Mike and Nan would like to recognize their committed employees for many years of hard work and dedication to building a first-class dealership. They would like to express their appreciation for the connections that they have built with employees over the years.
“Mike and Nan would also like to thank the Frederick H.O.G. Chapter for all of the dealership support, and the Riding Academy Coaches for making the Frederick Riding Academy Program successful and highly recognized. It has been their greatest pleasure to serve the motorcycle community. Ride safe!”
