Diversion Motors

Diversion Motors is a licensed, family-owned dealership at 4402 Custer Street in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, on the Lake Michigan shoreline. The company says it was established in 2008 and specializes in classic, exotic and performance vehicles. Its own site puts it plainly: this is not where you shop for a minivan. The business buys, sells and trades cars, and it also takes a limited number of vehicles on consignment.

How the business works

According to its about page, buying, selling and trading is the core of the business, and Diversion owns most of its inventory. Consignment is offered, but the company says it is selective: a consigned car has to fit in with the rest of the inventory and pass a full inspection before it will be listed. The dealer also claims to have achieved record prices for some consignment customers, which we could not independently verify. Owners curious about the process can read about selling a classic on consignment before making contact.

What it sells

The inventory is mixed and heavily American, with some British and European cars. When we looked in October 2026, the home page showed about 15 featured vehicles, including a 1966 Sunbeam Tiger, a 1969 and a 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air, a 1963 Impala SS, a 1937 Ford Tudor, a 1932 Ford Highboy, a 1952 Chevrolet 3100 pickup, a 1964 Austin-Healey 3000 and a pair of Corvettes. Listed prices ran from roughly $12,500 for a late-model Jaguar to $65,000 for a 1937 Ford and a 1952 Chevrolet pickup. Stock turns over, so treat this as a snapshot.

Buying from Diversion Motors

The company says every car is inspected on arrival and that needed repairs are made before sale, including less obvious items such as ball joints, tie rod ends, brakes, u-joints, horn, wipers and the emergency brake. Its FAQ says most sales happen at a distance, to nearly every state and to buyers overseas. Buyers can rely on photos and calls, ask for video or a FaceTime walkaround, send a third-party inspector, or visit in person. Diversion does not offer in-house financing but says it works with several specialty vehicle lenders and will work with a buyer's own lender. If you want comparison points, classic cars for sale in Wisconsin lists other cars in the state, and an independent inspection is sensible on any car you cannot see.

Trade-ins, service and modifications

• Trade-ins: the dealer says more than half of its sales involve a trade. It accepts cars and trucks only, and they must be in good condition, with no junk or project vehicles.
• Service: a service department for classic and modified vehicles handles inspections, repairs and upgrades, and offers a concierge program that includes pickup and delivery.
• Modifications: the FAQ lists air conditioning, power steering and brake conversions and rear end swaps as work it has done.

Reputation

The Better Business Bureau gives Diversion Motors an A+ rating, lists the business as not accredited, and shows one complaint closed in the last three years. BBB records date the business to January 2008, matching the founding year on the dealer's own site. The BBB page carries no customer reviews. The dealer's own reviews page shows a single positive review, which is too few to judge from. Ask for the details of any car in writing, as you would from any dealer.

Visiting Diversion Motors

The showroom is at 4402 Custer Street, Manitowoc, Wisconsin 54220. The sales line is 920-860-3993 and the service line is 920-717-2279. We did not find published hours, so call before you travel, particularly if you want to see a specific car.