In 1909, Frank M. Covert, Sr., a real estate and insurance businessman opened the first automobile dealership in Central Texas. Three years later, his son, Clarence Covert, Sr., joined him to form the Austin Buick Sales Company, which became the foundation for Covert Buick, Inc., the oldest Buick dealership in Texas today.
Frank M. Covert Sr. was succeeded in the business by his two sons, Frank Covert Jr. and Clarence Covert Sr. Frank Covert, Jr. had one son, Dr. Frank M. Covert III, who chose not to join the family business and instead became a surgeon. He is now retired from the practice of medicine and resides in Austin. Clarence Covert, Sr. had three sons, Dan Covert, Clarence Covert, Jr. and George H. Covert, all of whom became active in the business between 1936 and 1981 as third-generation owners.
The Central Texas dealerships are currently operated by the fifth generation of Coverts and partners which consist of Dan Covert Jr and his wife Hadyn Covert, Kenny and Anna Covert, Chance and Ashley Covert, Philip and Kimberley Covert Robinson and Brad and Courtney Covert Elliott. Previously operated by the fourth generation of Coverts - Rox, Duke and Danay Covert, all being the sons of Dan Covert.
The Covert Auto Group is currently comprised of the following dealerships serving Central Texas with sales and service – Covert Buick GMC in Austin, Covert Cadillac in Austin, Covert Ford Lincoln in Austin, Covert Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Austin, Covert Ford Chevrolet in Hutto and Covert Chevrolet Buick GMC in Bastrop.
Besides its long tradition of support for local charitable organizations, the Covert family has also contributed to the permanent heritage of the Austin community by donating the land at Mt. Bonnell to Travis County in 1938 as a park to be enjoyed by citizens and visitors alike. The Covert family also played an important role in restoring the Carrington/Covert House, a large limestone home where the family resided from 1903 to 1936, located at 1511 Colorado Street in Austin. This restored home currently serves as headquarters for the Texas Historical Commission.
