About Us
History
On July 18, 1964 Bill and Virginia Bunton purchased Collier Auto Supply at 333 South Ohio in Mercedes, Texas. The name of the business was changed to Bill Bunton Muffler and Auto Supply. Bill brought 18 years of experience in the auto parts business to the new enterprise. Son, Wally Bunton returned from two years Peace Corps service in West Africa with his wife, Mary, and entered the family business on Thanksgiving Day of 1967.
The spring of 1968 saw the construction of a new machine shop building directly behind the auto parts store. The machine shop began operation in June under the supervision of V. D. Biestle of Edinburg. The name of the business was changed to Bill Bunton Auto Supply & Machine Shop. Manuel (Chino) Fonseca became the first machine shop operator. In January of 1974 the business was incorporated and assumed the present name of Bill Bunton Auto Supply & Machine, Inc.
On June 10, 1977 the firm moved to its present location at 1101 West Business Highway 83 (Second St.). Founder, Bill Bunton, died August 1, 1981. In the summer of 1987 a major remodeling took place when the highway in front of the business was widened. The entrance to the store was changed, and the machine shop was moved to a separate building behind the parts store where it operated until 2002.
On June 1, 2002, Brian Bunton joined the firm, making the third generation of Buntons to continue the operation. He brought with him a degree in Automotive Aftermarket management from Northwood University as well as experience in many automotive areas, the latest being Service Manager at Rush Peterbilt in Pharr.
Today the corporation continues with the following officers: Wally Bunton, President, Virginia Bunton, Vice-President, Mary Bunton, Secretary and Brian Bunton, Treasurer. Bill Bunton Auto Supply is one of only a few independent auto parts stores in Texas serving do-it-yourselfers as well as professional mechanics. They have an extensive hydraulic business and internet sales around the world.
Bill Bunton Auto Supply & Machine Shop
1101 West 2nd Street - Mercedes, Texas
(956) 565-2473
1964
1965
1989
