Finding a clean 1960s Corvette or a pristine late-model Porsche in South Texas used to mean a trip to one specific family-run outfit. For years, Hovey Motors San Antonio (and its later Boerne-based iteration) was the go-to spot for the kind of "eye candy" that most car lots wouldn't dream of stocking.
People loved it. Seriously.
If you look back at reviews from just a few years ago, you’ll see words like "family," "honest," and "passionate" scattered everywhere. Richard Hovey Sr. and his son, Richard Hovey Jr., built a reputation over nearly three decades as the guys who knew the luxury and classic market better than anyone else. But honestly? Things took a very sharp, very public turn recently. If you’re searching for them now, you aren't just looking for a price on a used BMW. You’re likely looking for answers about where the business went and why the headlines look so different today.
The Rise and Relocation of Hovey Motorcars
The story basically starts in 1998. That's when the Hovey family first jumped into the San Antonio car scene. They weren't trying to be another high-volume Ford or Chevy dealer. They carved out a niche in high-tier, luxury, and classic automobiles.
For twenty years, they operated out of San Antonio proper—notably at 9919 San Pedro Avenue. It was a landmark for enthusiasts. If you wanted something that turned heads at a Saturday morning Cars and Coffee, you went to see the Hoveys.
Moving North to Boerne
In 2018, the business made a big move. They relocated to Boerne, Texas, setting up shop at 30775 IH 10 West Frontage Road. It felt like a natural evolution. Boerne is a wealthy bedroom community, perfect for a dealership selling six-figure cars. Under names like Hovey Motorcars, Triad Motors, and Luxury and Classic Cars of Boerne, the business seemed to be thriving.
They even branched out. In 2023, they introduced Boerne Car Care, an attempt to take their decades of automotive experience into the service and maintenance side of the industry.
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When Things Started Going Sideways
You’ve probably heard the phrase "where there's smoke, there's fire." In late 2023 and early 2024, the smoke started getting thick. While many customers still swore by the family, a different kind of story began to emerge in courtrooms and local news reports.
One of the first big red flags that went public was a report by KENS 5 in July 2024. A local man accused the dealership of losing his car to a fraudster during a consignment deal. Consignment is supposed to be simple: you give them your car, they sell it, and you get your cut. Instead, the man claimed the dealership released his vehicle to a fraudulent buyer and then told him his own insurance should cover the loss.
Not exactly the "family vibe" people were used to.
Bankruptcy and Legal Turmoil
While the public was seeing those individual stories, the business side was already crumbling. In May 2024, Hovey Motorcars (operating legally as Triad Motors Ltd.) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Western District of Texas.
Then came the arrests.
On April 16, 2025, Boerne police ended a year-long investigation by taking Richard Hovey Sr. and Richard Hovey Jr. into custody. The charges were heavy. We’re talking:
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- Theft of property over $300,000 (a first-degree felony).
- Misapplication of fiduciary property (a third-degree felony).
Authorities alleged that the pair had set up an elaborate system to keep money from vehicle sales that actually belonged to their customers. According to the Kendall County District Attorney’s Office, victims were under the impression the Hoveys were "responsibly in possession" of their vehicles, while the money was allegedly being siphoned away without permission.
Understanding the Current Situation in 2026
If you go to the old lot today, don't expect to find a showroom full of Ferraris. The criminal case has been moving through the Kendall County courts throughout late 2025 and into early 2026.
In August 2025, defense attorneys attempted to quash the indictments against the father and son. As of now, the legal process is ongoing. The bond for each man was initially set at $350,000, though it was later reduced, and they were released pending trial. One of the more interesting details from the hearings was a request to modify bond conditions so the father and son—who have worked together for decades—could actually speak to each other.
Is anyone still operating under the Hovey name?
It’s complicated. While "Hovey Motorcars" as a dealership is effectively defunct due to the legal proceedings and bankruptcy, the legacy of their decades in the business still lingers in Boerne. Some former associates or family-affiliated ventures like Boerne Car Care were positioned as separate entities, though the "Hovey legacy" mentioned on their websites now carries a much different weight for the local community.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Case
A lot of people think this was a "fly-by-night" operation. It wasn't. That’s actually the most shocking part.
This was a 27-year-old business. Richard Hovey Sr. was often described by clients as a "Godly man" with a distinguished military background. This wasn't some shady corner lot that popped up overnight. The fall of Hovey Motors San Antonio is a case study in how long-standing trust can be eroded.
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Actionable Steps for Former Customers
If you did business with Hovey Motors, Triad Motors, or Luxury and Classic Cars of Boerne—especially after the 2018 move—there are specific things you should do:
1. Check Your Titles
If you bought a vehicle from them and never received a clean title, or if you consigned a vehicle that disappeared, you aren't alone. Verify the status of your vehicle's title through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) immediately.
2. Contact the Kendall County DA
The District Attorney’s Office has actively sought out additional victims. If you believe you were "bilked" or that your fiduciary property was misapplied, reaching out to the Kendall County authorities is the only way to be included in potential restitution discussions.
3. Monitor the Bankruptcy Filings
Since Triad Motors Ltd. filed for Chapter 11, creditors have a specific window to make claims. If the business owes you money, you should consult with a bankruptcy attorney to see if you are listed as a creditor in the Western District of Texas.
4. Document Everything
Find your old contracts, emails, and bank statements. In cases involving "misapplication of fiduciary property," the paper trail is the only thing that matters.
The story of Hovey Motors San Antonio serves as a reminder that in the world of high-end car sales, the prestige of the inventory doesn't always reflect the health of the business. What was once a staple of the San Antonio luxury scene has become one of the region's most significant cautionary tales in the automotive industry.